Tottenham’s failed European bid: The good, the bad and the ugly
By Gary Pearson
The bad
Ten weeks ago, during Matchweek 28, Tottenham was in fourth place, seven points clear of seventh-place Brighton. Mind you, the Seagulls had three matches in hand, but let’s for a second ignore that caveat.
Spurs plummeted four league positions in 10 matches, going on a run of three wins in 10. While not the primary cause, Conte’s savage rant was the catalyst for Spurs’ unraveling.
Spurs won six of 19 away matches, with the victory over Leeds being their first in over four months.
Daniel Levy inexcusably placed Cristian Stellini in charge despite his long-term affiliation and devotion to Conte. The script thereafter went as predicted: Dismal, dire (not just the player), and abject.
At least Spurs don’t have to play on Thursday evenings in Europe’s third-tier competition.
While the Europe Conference League would have represented an excellent chance for Tottenham to end their 15-year trophyless run, the new manager (whoever that will be) and players don’t need the distraction.
Even though the adage “beggars can’t be choosers” comes to mind.