The former Chelsea boss is in pole position to fill the White Hart Lane vacancy, but Phil Kitromilides argues Laurent Blanc could yet be the man for Spurs
If a week is a long time in politics, then a year is a veritable lifetime in football. Twelve months ago Andre Villas-Boas was the most vaunted young coach in the world having led Porto to the Portuguese title without losing a match, as well claiming the Europa League crown with his home-town club.So impressive were his achievements that Chelsea were prepared to part with in excess of €15 million (£13m) to bring him to Stamford Bridge in an attempt to capture the elusive Champions League trophy that had yet to be added to the West London club's trophy cabinet.
Ironically, the Blues achieved their dream without the man dubbed AVB, who was ignominiously sacked after a string of uncharacteristically insipid performances which had led to a run of disastrous results. The elegantly coiffured Portuguese left the country, his stock sorely dented, his pride deeply wounded.
However, he could yet return to the forefront of English football, with William Hill pricing him as the 1/6 (1.17) favourite to become the next permanent coach of Tottenham.
Young, ambitious and now slightly wiser after his experience at Stamford Bridge, Villas-Boas could well be the ideal man to lead a side with similar youth and desire, while the not inconsiderable funds available at the well-run north London club will appeal to a man who will want to stamp his mark on the side.
If it seems a match made in heaven and a done deal, then there is perhaps a catch. If Daniel Levy was dead set on Villas-Boas, why is there not a deal in place already? The snag could be in the form of French coach Laurent Blanc, who is thought to be widely admired in the White Hart Lane boardroom.The former Manchester United defender's sterling work uniting the most fractious of French squads into a cohesive and successful unit - until, perhaps, the Euro 2012 quarter-final against Spain - has gained him numerous admirers, not least amongst the White Hart Lane hierarchy.
Having seen his France side exit the tournament at the hands of La Roja, Blanc is remaining coy on his future and the price of 4/1 (5.00) on him being the next coach of Spurs could yet prove to be a wise investment.
Fabio Capello remains in the running at 10/1 (6.00), yet the former England manager looks set to take up a full-time position as an analyst for Italian television before deciding his next move in management. Former favourite David Moyes has drifted to 14/1 (15.00), while the unlikely pairing of Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho are priced at 16/1 (17.00) and 25/1 (26.00) respectively.
Although Villas-Boas may look like a near certainty for the White Hart Lane berth, it is well worth bearing in mind that Spurs are likely to speak to a number of candidates, and with Laurent Blanc top of the list, and priced at 4/1 (5.0), he could reward savvy punters.
If both candidates are interviewed the price on Blanc will drop further and there could be an opportunity to back Villas-Boas at a more attractive price.
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Laurent Blanc at 4/1 (5.00) with William Hill |
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Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid, you can also follow Phil on Twitter.
