Cup managers differ on motivation, as others look to different jobs |
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Postecoglou becomes Spurs priority |
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It is not done yet but all signs right now point to Ange Postecoglou becoming Tottenham Hotspur’s manager for next season. The reason it has not advanced properly is because the Premier League want to be respectful to Celtic ahead of their Scottish Cup final with Inverness Caledonian Thistle this weekend. After that, it is expected a formal approach will come. Spurs have had interviews with other candidates already, and further evidence that Postecoglou is seen as right for the job comes from the fact a few of those have already been told they won’t be progressing. If it is Postecoglou, he will face some scepticism over whether he is ready to make the leap from the Scottish league in 2023 to one of the Premier League’s wealthier club but that is not a view shared within the game. The Australian has a lot of admirers and it is seen as an astute choice. The one big question may be whether he fully decides on Tottenham.
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| All or nothing at Wembley for Manchester derby |
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For Manchester United and Manchester City, the approaches to this Saturday’s FA Cup final derby are rather different. That, of course, is because the contexts are different. City have to keep the Champions League final in mind with everything they do, even though the significance of that will obviously be amplified by winning the FA Cup to make it a treble. That’s obviously the point, though. For City, it’s one part of something much bigger, and really a bonus because the great objective is the Champions League. Matching United by managing their historic achievement of the treble is huge but losing it would be forgotten if they won a first European Cup. This isn't the case with United. Defeat here would not be forgotten. This is about their legacy. Managers like Erik ten Hag usually avoid such talk, or appealing to history since they want their players focused on the present, but the Dutch coach has realised that can’t be the case here. It means too much to United supporters. It can serve as motivation. The players have to perform as if the history of the club depends on it. This is very much the message.
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Mourinho's anger raises eyebrows with all except Roma fans |
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As regards another piece of United’s history, some of Jose Mourinho’s behaviour in the wake of Roma's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla did not impress some within the club. There is even a growing belief that the club needs to soon think about a new project, based on youth. They are one of the most attractive jobs in world football now, with a series of managers - from Antonio Conte to Roberto De Zerbi - eyeing the club for their next role. Mourinho naturally has huge supporters within the club, though, especially since the fans utterly adore him. That would make any change exceptionally difficult, even if the club wanted to. The caveat is whether Paris Saint-Germain actually follow through with interest. As one football insider quipped, though, “would they want him as much after that final?”.
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South America's best club coach aimed for Spurs |
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Former River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo could be a big option if there is change. He actuvely wanted the Tottenham Hotspur job, and pushed for it. The club never really gave it any consideration due to his lack of European experience and the high cost of his contract. A move to Spain or Italy looks likelier.
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Madrid may be forced to change plans |
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Many in football have been watching the Karim Benzema situation with interest, and not just for what his decision could signify for the growth of the Saudi Pro League. There is also what it means for the striker market, which is set to be driving force of the summer window. Real Madrid have long been considering going big for a number-nine in 2024 but on the basis of Benzema staying this season. A shift could shift their plans. Since money has been allocated for Jude Bellingham this summer, and there is a feeling they have a much better chance at a player like Erling Haaland next year, the wonder now is whether they go for a short-term choice like Roberto Firmino. Any move for Harry Kane looks unlikely, though. He wants to stay in England. Madrid want to go much younger, especially if they are going to a price beyond £50m. That is how they do business these days. It’s about the next decade, not next season.
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One of the little positives of this job is that it involves a lot of media matches at the end of seasons, some of them at training grounds and stadiums. So, this week, we had the honour of putting an Independent team into a media seven-a-side at Arsenal. Their communications team deserve credit for sorting. While Arsenal put in a team themselves, there were no former pros, which was also the case with other media who do have some famous names as columnists. This was a pretty even event… that was won by the Independent! The youth of our desk won out, as we pipped Sky Sports on goal difference.
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"F***ing disgrace man, it's a f***ing disgrace…" |
Jose Mourinho theatrically fumes at referee Anthony Taylor after his Roma team’s Europa League final defeat to Sevilla |
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On Saturday, Erik ten Hag becomes the 13th manager in the Premier League era to take a club to the FA Cup final in his first season there. Name the other 12. It does not have to be a full season.
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