The Premier League never stays quiet for long, and this week has delivered drama on multiple fronts. Tottenham’s latest managerial change has sparked fresh debate about dressing-room power, while Manchester United’s interim revival under Michael Carrick is offering supporters a very different kind of storyline.
Elsewhere, instability continues at Nottingham Forest, transfer rumours have been firmly batted away by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Liverpool are once again counting the cost of injuries at the worst possible time. Arsenal, meanwhile, are hoping Viktor Gyokeres can rediscover his scoring touch with the help of Mikel Arteta’s guidance.
There is also movement in the market, with Tottenham eyeing German midfielder Felix Nmecha, Bournemouth celebrating another smart piece of recruitment in teenage Brazilian Rayan, and West Ham slowly finding hope under Nuno Espirito Santo. Even with the window shut, a list of notable free agents remains available for clubs looking to strengthen.
Spurs sack Thomas Frank
When chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” come from your own fans, you know as a coach that your job is in serious jeopardy. The problem for Thomas Frank was that many players wanted him gone too.
Several senior players held dressing-room discussions and voiced their frustration, annoyance and, in one or two cases, anger that Frank had continually praised bitter rivals Arsenal for their performances. He often used Mikel Arteta’s tactics as an example. The level of dissatisfaction with their own coach reached senior management and eventually the owners. Players felt that instead of pointing out Arsenal’s superiority, Frank should have concentrated on improving the Spurs set-up tactically. He also had both public and private disagreements with Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence, Yves Bissouma and Mathys Tel. One player said, “We just wanted him to shut up about Arsenal!”
Frank met with the club owners on Monday and left with the impression that he had their support. Two days later, after yet another embarrassing home loss, this time to Newcastle, he was shown the exit door. CEO Vinai Venkatesham was ashen-faced, as he and Frank believed Tottenham could win the match. Frank leaves with Spurs in 16th place and uncomfortably close to the relegation zone, having managed only two wins in 17 Premier League games.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe knew he also had to win this game, or at least come away with something, as he is under immense pressure too. Howe sympathised with Frank and said the manager’s job is difficult and demanding, and with Tottenham’s long injury list it is not always just the manager’s fault.
The rumour mill has gone into full speed with several names being thrown around as Frank’s successor. Fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino is being linked with a return, while former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is also being suggested. Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner and even ex-Manchester United legend Roy Keane have been discussed. There is no definite decision as I write this column. Harry Redknapp or Ryan Mason could possibly be brought in as interim coach until Pochettino is free after working with the USA at the World Cup.
Carrick’s clever United tweaks
One of the main reasons Michael Carrick has started so well as interim coach at Manchester United is his flexibility in approach to every game. Previously, Ruben Amorim was determined not to change his back-three system, resulting in uninspiring performances. Players such as Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes were almost shackled, much to their frustration.
Carrick’s United are fast, attacking and move with urgency. They are never static or boring. Supporters are believing again. It was this tinkering approach that gave Leicester City a shock title win in 2016 under Claudio Ranieri, who regularly rotated players.
Beating Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the first three matches was not luck, but preparation and work on the training ground. Players moved positions constantly, allowing the likes of Kobbie Mainoo to play to the best of their abilities. Amorim never came close to achieving that.
On the training ground, Carrick personally puts on his tracksuit and boots and joins every session. Players are familiar with what he wants, something Amorim never achieved. Against Spurs, Carrick moved Bryan Mbeumo from central striker to the left to pressure full-back Archie Gray. As a result, Fernandes, Cunha and Diallo caused Tottenham’s defence all sorts of problems, leading to Romero being sent off and a very difficult afternoon for Van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.
Forest managerial chaos continues
When any manager takes over at Nottingham Forest, they can never be certain how long the job will last. Owner Evangelos Marinakis has shown little patience and on Wednesday evening he waved goodbye to Sean Dyche, who had been in the job for only 114 days.
Ange Postecoglou lasted only 39 days at the City Ground after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked after only three matches this season.
Losing one manager is unfortunate, losing two might be coincidence, but three is remarkable. Forest are about to become the first club to have four managers in one season.
Palmer silences Chelsea rumours
Cole Palmer has been rumoured to be unhappy at Chelsea and wanting a move. As if to make his point, he produced a 25-minute hat-trick for the Blues. He celebrated in his usual “cold” way, then covered his ears and ran towards the 3,000 Chelsea fans who had travelled 200 miles to watch them beat Wolves 2-0.
The 23-year-old took his chance to address the rumours. The message was clear: he is not listening, and neither should anyone else. Palmer is worshipped at Stamford Bridge and is considered one of the “untouchables” by senior management.
Liverpool injury list grows
When it comes to signing big-name players who then suffer injury, Liverpool have had more than their fair share of bad luck.
With striker Alexander Isak out for the season after breaking a leg following his goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham, manager Arne Slot now has a headache in central defence.
Sixty million pounds centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, due to arrive from Rennes this summer, is set to have surgery on shoulder damage suffered in defeat to Lens. Slot approved the operation.
Jeremie Frimpong is out with a muscle injury. Joe Gomez could not train properly before Sunderland and only appeared late on. Conor Bradley will miss the rest of the season with knee ligament damage, though not a full ACL rupture. Slot currently has only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as fit senior centre-backs.
Gyokeres fights scoring drought
Mikel Arteta says Viktor Gyokeres has a poker face and must learn to live with dry spells. He needs two more goals to reach double figures this season after prolific spells at Sporting Lisbon and Coventry City.
Gyokeres admitted his struggles but scored last weekend from inside the box. Arteta urged him to take more risks closer to goal.
The striker said this week, “Taking Mikel Arteta’s advice is helping me so much. I have restored my confidence and I expect to score plenty more goals.”
Spurs eye Nmecha move
Tottenham are ready to spend 52 million pounds to sign German midfielder Felix Nmecha. Borussia Dortmund are reluctant to sell, but that fee could tempt them.
Spurs have midfield depth, though they also have an option to buy Joao Palhinha for 27 million pounds. Nmecha would be keen on a Premier League move, especially with his brother playing for Leeds.
Bournemouth’s Brazilian gem
Bournemouth sold Antoine Semenyo in January and many feared it would derail them. Instead, they sit 11th, thanks in part to Brazilian teenager Rayan, signed from Vasco da Gama for 25 million pounds.
He has impressed immediately with goals and assists, earning comparisons with Chelsea’s Estevao and Inter legend Adriano.
West Ham find new hope
West Ham’s new coach Nuno Espirito Santo is slowly giving supporters hope. Under Graham Potter, they never clicked, but Nuno is getting more from the squad.
A win at Burnley leaves the Hammers in 18th, just two points behind Forest and five behind Spurs, with three wins in five matches.
Yirenkyi draws top scouts
Ghanaian midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi is being watched by scouts from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. The FC Nordsjaelland talent scored and assisted in a derby win.
Brighton see him as a possible successor to Carlos Baleba. The Danish club rejected a 15 million pounds bid in January and will only consider offers above 25 million pounds.
Free agents still available
The winter transfer window is closed, but several notable players remain available on free transfers.
Jesse Lingard is looking for a club after a loan spell in South Korea. Diego Costa, now 37, wants another Premier League return. Divock Origi is also unattached at 30.
Tiemoue Bakayoko remains available with modest wage demands. Antonio Rudiger could be free this summer if Real Madrid do not sell him first, with Spurs, Crystal Palace and West Ham among the clubs his agent has contacted.
– Ends
