Would Jurgen Klinsmann make a good Tottenham manager?

Yes

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by W.H. Garcia

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If former player Jurgen Klinsmann does take over at Tottenham Hotspur, it would not be the first time Spurs have turned to one of their former stars. They have treaded the same path before with Ossie Ardiles and Glen Hoddle and the results have not been spectacular. Indeed, you would be hard pressed to name a former player that has had a successful managerial stint at his former club. However, there is still enough to suggest that Klinsmann might be the savior for Tottenham.

It is no surprise that Spurs' fans are reading these rumors with a fair amount of trepidation. After witnessing the failed experiments of Ardiles and Hoddle, most are not convinced that it is a good idea for a former player to manage a team. There is also the small matter of personal reputation. If Klinsmann gets the job and fails miserably, his legacy at the club would forever be tainted. This would pain the supporters who have come to adore him during his playing days.

However, it has been a decade since Klinsmann played his last game for Spurs. Granted, his reputation at the club has not changed, but the coaching staff and players have undergone massive changes. Although Klinsmann would be returning to a former club, he would be facing a completely different setup. If the "former player syndrome" does exist, it should not afflict Klinsmann.

On a more serious note, perhaps doubters would point to Klinsmann's lack of club managing experience. Other then his prior involvement with Los Angeles Galaxy, he does not possess any club managing credentials. However, the same can be said of Klinsmann en route to him taking over the German national team. At the 2006 World Cup, he performed admirably where he reached the semi-finals. Although the ultimate prize eluded him, the impressive showing by the national team uplifted the whole nation. This shows that experience is not everything.

Klinsmann 's stint as vice-president of a sports marketing consultancy in the US allowed him to get in touch with American training methods. The US sporting industry is renowned for its sophisticated and efficient physical training methods. He has since imported these regimes into the German national team with a fair amount of success. Recent results have clearly pointed out Spurs' inability to hold on to leads. A lack of discipline and concentration in defense has been the major culprit. Klinsmann's training style would be able to inject some much-needed physical fitness and discipline into the squad.

There is also enough about him to suggest that he can survive the constant media intrusion and lashing. When he first took over the German national team, there were widespread criticisms about him spending too much time in the US. Indeed, the players were not very impressed with the tough training regimes. He was able to take everything in his stride and it paid dividends. With his excellent English, he would be able to communicate effectively with both the players and the media.

Financial reports of record-breaking profits have contrasted starkly with the results on the pitch. Widely touted as the team to break into the big four' at the beginning of the season, Spurs are now rubbing shoulders instead with the whipping boys. With all due respect, Martin Jol has done a decent job in his tenure. Mismanagement on the part of the board and the unforgiving nature of the English media have contrived to land Jol in a difficult and untenable position. A cult figure in the form of Jurgen Klinsmann would be able to bring back the feel good factor'. More importantly, the slate can be wiped clean for Tottenham Hotspur to have a fresh start.

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