#PLStories – Why Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked by Tottenham and it was partly his fault #THFC

Having only been appointed in July, it may have seemed unfair for Espirito Santo to find himself fighting for his job and eventually losing it. A lot of media pundits have blamed Tottenham for setting him up for failure but below are many reasons why the manager was to blame along with club for the unfortunate sacking.

Why was #NunoEspiritoSanto sacked after doing such a wonderful job at #WolvesFC

Listen to the podcast where we identify reasons for the sack and of course now we know #ConteIn at #THFC

Also, please share your opinion on the reason for sackhttps://t.co/A16fwjRh81

— PremierLeague Museum (@PLMUSEUM) November 2, 2021

The problem with Nuno

Nuno is not a particularly talkative type with his squad compared to Pochettino, with little dialogue other than in training. Nuno has cut a far less dominant figure at Hotspur Way since succeeding Jose Mourinho at the helm this summer.

Dele Alli had been entirely frozen out of the starting XI after change in tactical formation as Tottenham lost 3 -1 loss against Arsenal in North London derby. Nuno’s maddening willingness to stick with Lucas Moura and suddenly deserting him against Manchester United also did not help with his man management skills

 

Jose Mourinho’s time at Tottenham was a disaster on most fronts, but one positive that did emerge from his tenure was the elevation of a prolific goal-scoring partnership between Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son. That connection has all but evaporated under Nuno this season and the Spurs’ attack has gone limp as a result.

 

Tottenham should not be slaves to their club’s motto “To Dare is To Do” but they should aim to play something at least resembling attacking football. Nuno’s dreadful, slow-moving tactics were a slap in the face to the sort of football Spurs fans were told the club would try to play this season. His best Wolves teams were squarely built on the counterattack. His best Valencia side was marginally more positive but was still more of an end-to-end threat as compared to a team that could dominate possession for long stretches of time.

 

Pochettino’s personality transformed the culture at Spurs, while Mourinho’s personality – although different – also rubbed off on those at the club. Both also took a keen interest in matters off the training pitches to keep all club aspects running smoothly. Tottenham supporters seem to have higher expectations than the club’s manager. West Ham game was a big reality check on both sides but Manchester United game sealed it. 

The problem with Tottenham

The talismanic forward Harry Kane had vanished without a trace over the summer, never to be seen again in a Spurs shirt. He was not sold despite being promised exit from the club and currently sits in the starting line up with a woeful form

Nuno’s arrival was a compromise in a tough managerial market after current manager and other priority appointments could not be finalized

 

Wins against Manchester City, Watford and Wolves papered over the cracks of the team and need of a better organization by the manager

Premier League Byte

In June 2004, Tottenham appointed France manager Jacques Santini as their new boss. Expectations were high but a binary set of score lines (Spurs scored six in 11 league games) and disappointing performances meant Santini failed to win over the Spurs faithful. He’d left by the end of October, citing personal problems, and was replaced by Martin Jol.