Daniel Levy is a man who clearly knows what he wants. He wasted no time in recruiting former Chelsea manager Andre Vilas-Boas on Tuesday afternoon, believing the Portuguese 34-year old is vital to the club’s future intentions.
Speaking exclusively to the club’s official website, Levy said: “I am delighted that Andre has agreed to become our new head coach.”
“He has an outstanding reputation for his technical knowledge of the game and for creating well-organised teams capable of playing football in an attractive and attacking style.”
“Andre shares our long-term ambitions and ethos of developing players and nurturing young talent, and he will be able to do so now at a new world class Training Centre.”
Vilas-Boas “Privileged” to be offered Spurs Job
Immediately after accepting the role on a three-year deal, Vilas-Boas told gathered media: “Tottenham Hotspur are a great club with a strong tradition and fantastic support, both at home and throughout the world.”
He continued: “I feel privileged. For me, this is one of the most exciting coaching positions in the Premier League. I have had several discussions with the chairman and the board and I share their vision for the future progress of the club. This is a squad any coach would love to work with and together I believe we can bring success in the seasons ahead.”
Change of system for a new-look Spurs team
It is well known that Vilas-Boas is heavily inclined towards playing a high tempo 4-3-3 system with an emphasis on a high defensive line. After utilising this with much success at Porto where he won the League and Europa Cup, (though failing spectacularly at Chelsea) it is going to be interesting which personnel he feels fits into his plans.
It is rumoured that he will have money to spend in the transfer market, as Levy looks to pump solid investment into a team that was perhaps unlucky to qualify for the Champions League. An unconfirmed £80 million is thought to be available, however the future of Luka Modric hangs in the balance with Chelsea and Real Madrid waiting in the wings.
A host of names have been linked to the club, heavily speculated to be replacements for the influential Croatian with the Portuguese reportedly keen to link up with his former player at Porto, Joao Moutinho, despite growing interest in the player from Manchester United. Jan Verthongen has declared his commitment to moving to Tottenham since the end of the season, while Gylfi Sigurdsson looks increasingly likely to follow AVB through for now at least, the firmly wedged open doors at White Hart Lane.