Levy spoke at the annual shareholders meeting and gave the papers plenty to talk about. Of course some journalists used the Chairman's statements to draw unsupported conclusions, such as the Guardian here suggesting Berbatov may depart in January. Actually, Levy wouldn't deny that hypothetical so it must be true.
Here is Levy's full statement to the board.
Of particular note was the Chairman's efforts to dodge responsibility. Levy denied that the board played a role in the club's poor start and also put the decision to hire Ramos at Comolli's feet. Levy suggested it was the decision of the Director of Football to hire the Spaniard and that he would have a lot to answer for if Ramos doesn't succeed.
There has also been much speculation recently about the resources Ramos will be provided in the transfer window. If there is disagreement, I expect to see Ramos trying to sway the board through public opinion. I'm sure the board is still sick over the leaks with Jol and hopes to avoid this kind of situation. At issue appears to be whether Ramos can bring older players to the team who can not be expected to bring any return in future transfer dealings. If this is really a point of contention, I expect we'll hear more about this.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Hammers Game News and Viewing Options
With Malbranque and Kaboul out, it appears that Boateng will get a start tomorrow against the Hammers. While we're still waiting for the Taarabt start promised by the Daily Mail, there is a good chance that Boateng will play, given that he played in defense and midfield for Hertha last year.
So in the lead up to tomorrow's game you have Curbishly admonishing Bent for spurning West Ham for Tottenham. This from his weekly press conference. There is also the story of Matt Etherington, who couldn't break into the Spurs first XI, and believes it's the fault of the foreigners in the league. I wonder why that didn't hold Jenas, Lennon or Huddlestone back.
And for a few good profiles, there is this Times piece on Ramos, and this one on Antonio Escribano, our new dietician.
The game is tomorrow at 8:30am EST on Setanta with a replay at 1:30. You all are welcome to watch on broadband in the morning. I may catch the afternoon game.
COYS!
So in the lead up to tomorrow's game you have Curbishly admonishing Bent for spurning West Ham for Tottenham. This from his weekly press conference. There is also the story of Matt Etherington, who couldn't break into the Spurs first XI, and believes it's the fault of the foreigners in the league. I wonder why that didn't hold Jenas, Lennon or Huddlestone back.
And for a few good profiles, there is this Times piece on Ramos, and this one on Antonio Escribano, our new dietician.
The game is tomorrow at 8:30am EST on Setanta with a replay at 1:30. You all are welcome to watch on broadband in the morning. I may catch the afternoon game.
COYS!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Robinson Dropped - It's All About Training and Commitment
Paul Robinson has been dropped from today's final Euro 2008 qualifier against group leaders Croatia. While it seems this is a poor time to make such a move, the Telegraph reported that the Spurs keeper performed abysmally in training leading up to today's match. This is an issue that continues to plague Tottenham.
Before Ramos' arrival, Spurs players lacked fitness under Martin Jol and suffered many late game collapses. Upon taking charge, Ramos started two-a-day training sessions and recently brought in a club dietician.
But there may be a deeper issue here beyond fitness. Training is about more than just running and doing drills. It is the time to improve skills and learn. It is also the time to develop a team understanding of how to respond in pressure situations. The effort a team exerts in training carries over into match day. If a club does not take training seriously, they do not develop consistent habits and teamwork leading to mistakes and poor decisions in matches.
Robinson's error-filled session on Monday reflects several years of Spurs' lackadaisical approach to training. Defoe once skipped a team meeting to watch the latest episode of Big Brother and joked about it afterwards - and this was a player fighting for a first team place. Ghaly was so uncommitted to training at Birmingham that his transfer was canceled after only one day.
It is the manager that sets the tone for a club. He sets the standard for team conduct and must demand the highest standards from his players. Jol does not appear to have sufficiently demanded hard work and commitment from his squad.
Training is also where the manager develops player skills and this also suffered under the Dutchman. Jol's helpless admission, "I am sh**ting myself every time someone has a corner against us," underscored his inability to improve the club's match preparation. But more importantly, individual players did not develop under Jol. Lennon never learned to cross the ball. Huddlestone did not become a strong tackler. Jenas did not learn how to control the midfield. Left-sided midfielders always played out of position. The defence did not learn to work together. Leaders did not emerge. There are many young players with considerable talent at Spurs, yet they have not improved under Jol.
Despite all the criticism leveled at the board for the clumsy way they handled Jol's firing, it was a move that needed to be made. There is a core group of promising young players at Tottenham. The only way they will reach their potential, and for the club to achieve Champions League football, is through strong leadership and a commitment to player development.
Robinson's recent demotion in the England squad suggests that some players have yet to shed poor training habits. Ramos has a very good record of player development, turning Alves into a world class player and getting the most out of Kanoute and Baptista. Let's hope for Robinson and the rest of our young team that the Spaniard is able to instill the commitment and intensity needed for Spurs to reach their tremendous potential.
Before Ramos' arrival, Spurs players lacked fitness under Martin Jol and suffered many late game collapses. Upon taking charge, Ramos started two-a-day training sessions and recently brought in a club dietician.
But there may be a deeper issue here beyond fitness. Training is about more than just running and doing drills. It is the time to improve skills and learn. It is also the time to develop a team understanding of how to respond in pressure situations. The effort a team exerts in training carries over into match day. If a club does not take training seriously, they do not develop consistent habits and teamwork leading to mistakes and poor decisions in matches.
Robinson's error-filled session on Monday reflects several years of Spurs' lackadaisical approach to training. Defoe once skipped a team meeting to watch the latest episode of Big Brother and joked about it afterwards - and this was a player fighting for a first team place. Ghaly was so uncommitted to training at Birmingham that his transfer was canceled after only one day.
It is the manager that sets the tone for a club. He sets the standard for team conduct and must demand the highest standards from his players. Jol does not appear to have sufficiently demanded hard work and commitment from his squad.
Training is also where the manager develops player skills and this also suffered under the Dutchman. Jol's helpless admission, "I am sh**ting myself every time someone has a corner against us," underscored his inability to improve the club's match preparation. But more importantly, individual players did not develop under Jol. Lennon never learned to cross the ball. Huddlestone did not become a strong tackler. Jenas did not learn how to control the midfield. Left-sided midfielders always played out of position. The defence did not learn to work together. Leaders did not emerge. There are many young players with considerable talent at Spurs, yet they have not improved under Jol.
Despite all the criticism leveled at the board for the clumsy way they handled Jol's firing, it was a move that needed to be made. There is a core group of promising young players at Tottenham. The only way they will reach their potential, and for the club to achieve Champions League football, is through strong leadership and a commitment to player development.
Robinson's recent demotion in the England squad suggests that some players have yet to shed poor training habits. Ramos has a very good record of player development, turning Alves into a world class player and getting the most out of Kanoute and Baptista. Let's hope for Robinson and the rest of our young team that the Spaniard is able to instill the commitment and intensity needed for Spurs to reach their tremendous potential.
Monday, November 19, 2007
International News, Spurs Transfer Speculation
With the international break upon us, most focus is on transfer speculation. However there is a bit of newsworthy national team items.
As the FAI seeks a new manager for the Irish national team, the opinion of Robbie Keane has been sought which has yielded public comment about Jewell and Jol.
Other news has Darren Bent on his way to international service along with Jermain Defoe for England's crucial Wednesday clash with group leaders Croatia. With Euro '08 qualification at stake, these two are eager to make their mark.
And to the transfer news. There is plenty of news about who Spurs are targeting. I'm including some of the tabloids too.
As the FAI seeks a new manager for the Irish national team, the opinion of Robbie Keane has been sought which has yielded public comment about Jewell and Jol.
Other news has Darren Bent on his way to international service along with Jermain Defoe for England's crucial Wednesday clash with group leaders Croatia. With Euro '08 qualification at stake, these two are eager to make their mark.
And to the transfer news. There is plenty of news about who Spurs are targeting. I'm including some of the tabloids too.
David Villa, Valencia, 30M
Quotes from the agent are in Sky Sports citing News of the World and the Telegraph citing Spanish press. Unclear about the sources here, but it suggests that Spurs are not going to let Berbatov leave without a replacement in mind. It is also unclear whether this is a transfer preference of both Ramos and Comolli.
Armand Traore, Arsenal
Denilson, Arsenal
Martin Laursen, Aston Villa
Daily Telegraph
Without quoting other sources, the Telegraph reports on Spurs interest in the above players. Citing Espanyol's refusal to deal defender Dani Jarque, the paper reports that the team has watched out-of-contract Laursen at the recent Birmingham derby. Laursen is a talented defender, for certain, but his injury problems are familiar and unwelcome to Spurs fans at the centre back position.
Diego Capel, Sevilla
This is reported by Sky Sports quoting Spanish Marca, but has the player denying his interest in leaving Sevilla.
Julio Baptista, Real Madrid, Daily Star Sunday, 5M
Ramos managed the player at Sevilla before his move to Arsenal when he was a Tottenham target. Given the source, this seems rather speculative.
Abou Diaby, Arsenal, The People, 7M
Given his current team and the source, this seems highly implausible.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Response to Carrick
Someone fed a response to the press suggesting Spurs' interest in bringing back Carrick to the Lane. The Daily Mail reports that Tottenham is willing to pay 18 million pounds for him.
This is refreshing news for a few reasons that have nothing to do with Carrick actually returning to Spurs. First it demonstrates that Tottenham will respond in kind to those trying to undermine the club. Second, the story was splendidly backhanded. The article actually highlights that Carrick has lost his starting position, his playing time is on the wane, and he is actively seeking to remedy this away from Manchester United.
I don't know if we can credit Spurs management for drawing attention to Carrick's diminished role while appearing to flatter him with an offer, but if so it's certainly an improvement.
This is refreshing news for a few reasons that have nothing to do with Carrick actually returning to Spurs. First it demonstrates that Tottenham will respond in kind to those trying to undermine the club. Second, the story was splendidly backhanded. The article actually highlights that Carrick has lost his starting position, his playing time is on the wane, and he is actively seeking to remedy this away from Manchester United.
I don't know if we can credit Spurs management for drawing attention to Carrick's diminished role while appearing to flatter him with an offer, but if so it's certainly an improvement.
Carrick Woos Berbatov
Sky Sports reports that Michael Carrick is trying to lure Dimitar Berbatov to United. Of course, after the Ramos affair, it's difficult for Spurs fans to get indignant about someone trying to pry their away one of their top employees. While it doesn't seem like United has tapped up the Bulgarian, their intentions seem a bit clearer.
Although I haven't seen the context of Carrick's comments, it is unlikely he would make a statement like that out of the blue. Moreover, the timing was peculiar. A day after all the papers covered Berbatov's commitment to the club, these unsettling comments were made.
Let's hope Berbatov really has committed himself to Spurs. This kind of speculation is not helpful as the club is turning its season around.
Although I haven't seen the context of Carrick's comments, it is unlikely he would make a statement like that out of the blue. Moreover, the timing was peculiar. A day after all the papers covered Berbatov's commitment to the club, these unsettling comments were made.
Let's hope Berbatov really has committed himself to Spurs. This kind of speculation is not helpful as the club is turning its season around.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Berbatov Impressed by Ramos
Sky Sports has excerpts from an interview with Berbatov who has plenty of praise for Tottenham's new manager. As quoted from a Bulgarian website, the striker explained:
"My first impression of him is that he's an incredible person.Certainly Spurs fans hope this to be the case. Berbatov's play this past weekend was spectacular as he set up two of the four goals and his sublime touch seems to have returned. Even a few smiles cracked through his recent sour demeanor.
"As a character, he talks to everybody on the team personally. He is a man who tries hard and he wants to help the team very much. He's the perfect one for the job."
Monday, November 12, 2007
Wigan Highlights and Post-Match Interview
Highlights from the Wigan match. Also an interview with Poyet afterwards.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Family Berbatov
If the Mirror is to be believed, then our suspicions may prove correct that much of the transfer speculation from Berbatov's brother and father is unwelcome by the Spurs player.
The Mirror article today introduced the third Berbatov to the discussion, the player's mother. Mrs Berbatov was clear that her son intended to play out his contract and the other meddlesome family members should keep to themselves.
Given Berbatov's recent comments, it would seem that this may correctly point to his feelings about the matter. The media he appears to be most upset at is not the English speaking media for bringing his family into the matter, but Bulgarian TV which invites them into the studio whenever they air Spurs matches.
If true, this is certainly welcome news to Tottenham fans. Holding onto Berbatov has to be a top priority for the club.
The Mirror article today introduced the third Berbatov to the discussion, the player's mother. Mrs Berbatov was clear that her son intended to play out his contract and the other meddlesome family members should keep to themselves.
Given Berbatov's recent comments, it would seem that this may correctly point to his feelings about the matter. The media he appears to be most upset at is not the English speaking media for bringing his family into the matter, but Bulgarian TV which invites them into the studio whenever they air Spurs matches.
If true, this is certainly welcome news to Tottenham fans. Holding onto Berbatov has to be a top priority for the club.
Friday, November 9, 2007
The New (Fitness) Regime
The Telegraph and others are reporting that Juande Ramos has let Huddlestone know that he expects peak fitness from his team and that the midfielder's playing time is at risk at his current weight.
The Daily Mail reports that Derby are ready to step in with a 4 million pound offer for their former player. Let's hope that Thud takes the challenge and gets in top shape.
Still more in the Berbatov saga. While his brother is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying the striker is depressed and has outgrown Spurs, the Bulgarian himself says that he is happy at Spurs, but disappointed in the lies the press attributes to his family.
But is Berbatov perhaps angry that the papers are reporting his families lies? It's odd that a number of his family members have reportedly gone to the press about this. Are there hangers on looking for a payday? Are they trying to help him make up his mind to leave rather than conveying his feelings?
One might infer that, when Berbatov claims that he is his own man (Telegraph), he may actually be saying that his family doesn't make football decisions for him. Given that he's 26 years old, that would make a bit of sense.
The Daily Mail reports that Derby are ready to step in with a 4 million pound offer for their former player. Let's hope that Thud takes the challenge and gets in top shape.
Still more in the Berbatov saga. While his brother is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying the striker is depressed and has outgrown Spurs, the Bulgarian himself says that he is happy at Spurs, but disappointed in the lies the press attributes to his family.
But is Berbatov perhaps angry that the papers are reporting his families lies? It's odd that a number of his family members have reportedly gone to the press about this. Are there hangers on looking for a payday? Are they trying to help him make up his mind to leave rather than conveying his feelings?
One might infer that, when Berbatov claims that he is his own man (Telegraph), he may actually be saying that his family doesn't make football decisions for him. Given that he's 26 years old, that would make a bit of sense.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Berbatov Exit? Spurs Exerting Control of Situation.
The Telegraph reports that Berbatov's father announced on Bulgarian TV that his son wants to leave Spurs in January. Apparently, soon after making these comments, the father and Berbatov's agent flew to London for further talks with the club.
While the last bit was reported by the Daily Mail, it seems likely to be true. If Tottenham are to get good value for Berbatov, he can't be seen forcing his own exit. Spurs likely told the family to keep quiet about the Bulgarian's intentions unless they seek to undermine his departure.
Tottenham seems likely to be threatening Berbatov's representatives, suggesting the club may hold onto the sulky striker. They have him under contract for a further two years and are under no pressure to deal him.
Chances are good that Spurs have said they will sell him only at a certain valuation. If Berbatov undermines that value by continued poor form or through unhelpful public statements from his representatives, then Tottenham may decline to sell.
This statement by Kanoute's agent quoted in the Sun suggests that Comolli is also leaving his options open for a January transfer.
UPDATE: Soccernet reporting that Ramos would not stand in the way of Berbatov departure.
While the last bit was reported by the Daily Mail, it seems likely to be true. If Tottenham are to get good value for Berbatov, he can't be seen forcing his own exit. Spurs likely told the family to keep quiet about the Bulgarian's intentions unless they seek to undermine his departure.
Tottenham seems likely to be threatening Berbatov's representatives, suggesting the club may hold onto the sulky striker. They have him under contract for a further two years and are under no pressure to deal him.
Chances are good that Spurs have said they will sell him only at a certain valuation. If Berbatov undermines that value by continued poor form or through unhelpful public statements from his representatives, then Tottenham may decline to sell.
This statement by Kanoute's agent quoted in the Sun suggests that Comolli is also leaving his options open for a January transfer.
UPDATE: Soccernet reporting that Ramos would not stand in the way of Berbatov departure.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Official Word: Berbatov Staying
After showdown talks with Spurs management (Comolli) and Berbatov's agent, the official word is that Berbatov is staying with Spurs.
That's reassuring. Sort of.
You wouldn't have expected them to say that he was leaving soon if he was. Tottenham likely have a valuation they are seeking in the transfer market, but if Berbatov keeps sulking his way through the season they will not get as much for him.
Chances are pretty good that Comolli told Berbatov's agent that the Bulgarian will never get dealt below the club's valuation. Hopefully the Spurs Director emphasized that if Berbatov continues to play listlessly not only will he never achieve Champions League with Spurs, but he won't get dealt to a CL team either.
That's reassuring. Sort of.
You wouldn't have expected them to say that he was leaving soon if he was. Tottenham likely have a valuation they are seeking in the transfer market, but if Berbatov keeps sulking his way through the season they will not get as much for him.
Chances are pretty good that Comolli told Berbatov's agent that the Bulgarian will never get dealt below the club's valuation. Hopefully the Spurs Director emphasized that if Berbatov continues to play listlessly not only will he never achieve Champions League with Spurs, but he won't get dealt to a CL team either.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Middlesbrough Highlights
These are a bit truncated, but were the only highlights I could find online.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Spurs Tomorrow on TV
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Uninspiring League Cup Victory
Ramos' first game on the touchline was an anxiety filled match as Spurs managed to put just two past 20th place Championship side Blackpool and yielded far too many opportunities on goal for the lower league strugglers.
Seething on the touchline throughout the second half, Ramos witnessed firsthand the defensive frailties plaguing Tottenham. Without Robinson and the crossbar to deny Gary Taylor-Fletcher's two fine headers in the second half, Spurs may have found themselves trailing.
Ramos was so annoyed with the shaky defense that he subbed out Kaboul before the full hour replacing him with Tainio. Chimbonda moved to the middle pushing Teemu to the right. It is unclear whether the Finn figures to spend more time in defense or if Chimbonda may spend more time in the middle of the pitch, but the message seems clear: tentativeness and mistakes will not be tolerated.
Keane scored another route one goal off a Robinson goal kick and a Berbatov flick. Upon replacing his two strikers, the manager had a handshake for Keane, but the cold shoulder for the Bulgarian.
Match Reports:
Telegraph
Times
Guardian
Independent
Seething on the touchline throughout the second half, Ramos witnessed firsthand the defensive frailties plaguing Tottenham. Without Robinson and the crossbar to deny Gary Taylor-Fletcher's two fine headers in the second half, Spurs may have found themselves trailing.
Ramos was so annoyed with the shaky defense that he subbed out Kaboul before the full hour replacing him with Tainio. Chimbonda moved to the middle pushing Teemu to the right. It is unclear whether the Finn figures to spend more time in defense or if Chimbonda may spend more time in the middle of the pitch, but the message seems clear: tentativeness and mistakes will not be tolerated.
Keane scored another route one goal off a Robinson goal kick and a Berbatov flick. Upon replacing his two strikers, the manager had a handshake for Keane, but the cold shoulder for the Bulgarian.
Match Reports:
Telegraph
Times
Guardian
Independent
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