His problem seems to be he knows he needs to adapt to the modern game but either he’s simply too stubborn to do so or is incapable of it. Both of which pose interesting questions.
At United I thought it was his most interesting job to date as he had to become a more progressive coach at the job he’s always wanted but could he do it and leave behind the methods that had always served him well but which the modern game treats with disdain. The latter appears the answer, he tried to do so but when it failed he tried to revert back and was caught in between. Lambasted for his toxicity, praised for a defensive resoluteness that evades him apart from a rare occasion. A reputation that precedes him but is fast dwindling at the height of the game.
I think just the sheer amount of success he’s had may be counting against him, he’s trying to adapt but I don’t think his ego is fully allowing him to embrace it. The appointment of the new coaches at spurs was certainly another step in that direction. But I don’t think he wasn’t trying at United either, I just don’t think he’s fully figured out how he wants to configure a team and how he can configure a team in 2020. The same can be said for the last four years really.
He’s one of the smartest most successful and enigmatic coaches of this century. He’s fascinating to watch and this league is always vastly more interesting with him residing in it . It’s going to be interesting to see how the rest of his managerial story unfolds.
One thing for sure is Levy is enamoured with him, I expect he’ll get the most backing and leeway of any spurs manager in history.