Former Tottenham defender Sol Campbell has sparked debate by declaring that Ruben Amorim would be the 'ideal manager' for the club, as current boss Thomas Frank faces increasing scrutiny over a difficult start to the season.
Controversial Figure Weighs In on Spurs Future
Campbell, a figure who remains deeply unpopular with the Tottenham faithful following his controversial 2001 move to arch-rivals Arsenal, made the comments in an interview with Sky Bet. The 51-year-old, who captained Spurs after rising through their academy, is no stranger to voicing his opinions on his boyhood club.
He directly named the recently departed Manchester United manager as the perfect candidate should the North London side decide to make a change. 'Ruben Amorim [would be the ideal manager for Tottenham],' Campbell stated. 'They'll be looking at him. They're probably talking to him now; it wouldn't surprise me.'
Amorim's Availability and Frank's Struggles
Amorim became available after being sacked by Manchester United last Monday, following just 14 months in charge at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach has since returned to his home country, but Campbell believes a Premier League return could be on the cards.
'I don't think he'll go back to Portugal,' Campbell speculated. 'Tottenham will be talking to him to see if there's any situation going on. There'll be people talking behind the scenes.'
This speculation comes against the backdrop of a challenging tenure for Thomas Frank. The Dane, who joined from Brentford in the summer, has seen his team languish in 14th place in the Premier League and suffer an FA Cup exit at the hands of Aston Villa last Saturday. The disappointing results have led to visible discontent among sections of the fanbase.
Pressure Mounts as Campbell Highlights Club Stature
Campbell acknowledged Frank's qualities but emphasised the heightened expectations at a club of Tottenham's size. 'Thomas Frank is a top manager, but he's not at Brentford anymore. It's a different animal,' he said.
'Tottenham is a big club and people are demanding. They want success and they want to keep moving forward in a successful way. So, I wouldn't be surprised if they're talking to other managers.'
The former England defender suggested that improved performances could ease the pressure, but insisted contingency planning is inevitable. 'Obviously, if he starts turning it around and winning games and having good performances, that helps. Sometimes you don't need to win, but if you can have good performances and show you're moving in the right direction, that can help.'
He concluded: 'But they will be talking to other managers. It's part and parcel until you show who you are and start winning on a regular basis.'
All eyes are now on Tottenham's upcoming fixtures, with a Premier League clash against West Ham United on Saturday followed by a crucial Champions League encounter with Borussia Dortmund the following Tuesday.
