Andre Villas-Boas, the Challenges Ahead at Tottenham

The appointment of Andre Villas-Boas as Head Coach at Tottenham has finally been confirmed after much rumour and speculation. He must immediately address a number of challenges which await him at Spurs. He will have a hectic schedule in the coming weeks ahead of pre-season training with important decisions to be made to strengthen the squad and prepare the team for their first match against Newcastle United on 15th August. His challenges are many and varied but to have any hope of success at White Hart Lane he must make positive strides to resolve the issues waiting to derail his plans.

Daniel Levy

Andre Villas-Boas has been a high risk appointment for Daniel Levy taking into account the difficulties AVB had at Chelsea. With the limited suitable options available to him, it was well worth the gamble for the Tottenham Chairman. The owners of Tottenham and Villas-Boas know that they cannot compete financially with clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea so they have taken the decision to look for success by an alternative route. Appointing a young, foreign coach with new ideas in coaching to develop young players is a positive move and one to be applauded. It is essential, therefore, that Levy and Villas-Boas develop a good working relationship for there will be times when the Head Coach will need the full backing and support of his Chairman.  The difficult relationship between Levy and Harry Redknapp was one of the reasons put forward for the former manager’s departure three weeks ago so Villas-Boas needs to ensure he develops a sound working relationship with Levy.

The Chairman must also support Villas-Boas by giving him time to do the work for which he has been appointed. Levy is notorious for being ‘trigger happy’ with his managers. He has moved a number on after a short period when things weren’t working out as he expected. Villas-Boas must be given the time to implement whatever changes are required and Levy must support him.

Players

The senior players at Chelsea didn’t respond to Andre Villas-Boas and his managerial style caused conflict with the players. Villas-Boas will have to ensure that he gets the players on his side and keeps them with him as he introduces new regimes in training and preparation for matches. Hopefully, the players will approach the new season with an open mind and be prepared to work with Villas-Boas and not be influenced by reports which came from the Chelsea training ground.

The Head Coach will have to make decisions about certain players, whether he wants to keep them or make them available for transfer. Andre Villas-Boas must do this in a proper manner so as not to alienate those players who will be leaving. He also has to make a decision on the future of Luka Modric who has again suggested that he wants to leave. Whatever decision is taken, it needs to be made quickly so that both sides (player and team) can move on.

Media

Christian Gross fell foul of the media from his first day at Tottenham. With the media well versed in what happened at Chelsea, they will be waiting for a repeat at Spurs. Villas-Boas had difficulties communicating with the media last season while the former Tottenham manager was a gift for them with a comment for every occasion. Villas-Boas must make a greater effort to develop an understanding with the media to earn their support in order to be given time to make a positive impression at Spurs. If this continues to be a problem for him, then Tottenham need to ensure that they put someone in place who can support their coach in this particular area and lift the burden from him.

Style of Football

Spurs supporters will not be satisfied with teams grafting to single goal wins. They will expect the team to play with style and having experienced some outstanding performances over the past two seasons, they will be looking for and expecting more of the same. The ‘Tottenham way’ is much talked about but supporters desire a team capable of winning and being entertaining as well.

Supporters

Many vociferous Tottenham supporters are happy that Harry Redknapp has gone. There are others, however, who realise that under Redknapp, Spurs have had their best three consecutive seasons since the ‘Double’, over fifty years ago. Those who ranted about Redknapp will probably turn on Villas-Boas if he doesn’t win the first six matches of the season and have them sitting at the top of the Premier League table. Others will be more understanding, knowing that it takes time to make effective changes. Supporters will have to be patient and show support for the team and manager even if faced with early season difficulties. Time and patience will be essential in the coming months.

Position at the end of the Season

Wherever Tottenham finish next season, there will be an immediate comparison with what Harry Redknapp achieved in the past three seasons. What will constitute success for Spurs under AVB in May, 2013? A place in the Champions League is essential and an overall improvement in Tottenham performances against the top clubs where Spurs suffered some embarrassing defeats in the season past. Whatever is required, Villas-Boas needs to have it clear in his mind and ensure that the team delivers.

Daniel Levy has taken a gamble. He could have taken the safety first route and appointed and experienced Premier League manager, like David Moyes. Then everyone would have known what to expect – a solid, well-organised team. The appointment of Andre Villas-Boas is a step into the unknown – Spurs are stepping out of their comfort zone and it’s going to be an interesting season.

Is Andre Villas-Boas the right man for Spurs?

Poll: What will be regarded as success for Tottenham under Villas-Boas next season? –Vote Here