After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!
Chapter 327 The Magic Bird's Re-employment
That humiliating 5-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
For Tottenham, it was a bloody public execution.
Not only did they etch the score on the scoreboard, but they also etched a deep sense of shame into the hearts of every Tottenham Hotspur fan.
However, this defeat was not an isolated disaster.
It was more like a precisely dropped bomb, igniting the long-standing and uncontrollable conflicts within Tottenham Hotspur.
The ambitions at the beginning of the season have long since vanished.
The Premier League is currently nearly halfway through.
Tottenham are stuck in an awkward 12th place, far from the Champions League zone and even far from qualifying for the Europa League.
In their last five league matches, Tottenham's record of one win, two draws, and two losses is like sleepwalking.
Even more critically, in the Champions League, known as the "Group of Death," Tottenham Hotspur were destined to be eliminated early on, delivering their worst performance in European competitions in recent years.
This team, which once unleashed a youthful storm under Pochettino and nearly touched the Champions League throne, now appears listless and faltering.
The prolonged championship drought, like a slow poison, is eroding the players' mentality.
The once vibrant locker room is now filled with frustration, doubt, and a sense of powerlessness.
Key players such as Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, and Hugo Lloris, while still working hard, often reveal the exhaustion of being unable to carry the team alone.
Some players began to question Pochettino's tactical requirements and motivational methods, and the voices on the training ground were no longer so unified.
They lost 0-5 to arch-rivals Arsenal.
It became the last and heaviest straw that broke Tottenham's back.
Tottenham Hotspur's training ground, in the office of Chairman Daniel Levy.
Today, Levy sat behind his large desk with a livid face, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the surface.
He was seated opposite several of the club's key directors and technical director.
"Gentlemen, I think we can no longer avoid the issue," Levy said in a cold voice.
"Saturday's game was not just a simple loss. It was a disaster! A disgrace to the club! Our team looked completely unmotivated, disorganized, and clueless on the pitch!"
The fans' anger has reached its peak; I've already received several calls from sponsors! They're all complaining!
One of the directors sighed and chimed in.
"Daniel, Pochettino has done a lot for us, that's a fact. But... the team's downward trend has lasted for over a year, and we see no signs of a rebound. The locker room... is probably out of control."
The CTO nodded and added.
"Furthermore, tactically, it seems that our opponents have figured us out. High pressing is no longer effective, and our attack relies too much on the individual abilities of Kane and Son Heung-min. The players look...tired, not just physically, but also mentally."
Levy took a deep breath and made a decision.
"I agree with everyone's thinking; the era of acting on emotion is over. We need change, immediately, right now. It's time to talk to Mauricio." His eyes were sharp.
"However, he certainly won't resign voluntarily. He knows the contract terms very well, and we need to prepare the penalty for breach of contract."
A few minutes later, Pochettino was invited to Levy's office.
The Argentinians looked tired, but they still maintained their dignity.
He had a premonition about the content of this meeting.
"Mauricio," Levy said, keeping his tone as calm as possible, but his meaning was straightforward.
"First of all, I must thank you for your tremendous contributions to the club over the years. You have led the team to unprecedented heights, and we will never forget that."
Pochettino gave a bitter smile; he understood. "Thank you, Daniel. Just say it; I knew this day would come."
Levy leaned forward and placed his hands crossed on the table.
"Saturday's game...and the overall performance this season, lead us to believe that the club needs a new direction, a new drive."
We believe that parting ways now is the best option for both you and the club.
Pochettino remained silent for a moment, his heart filled with complex emotions.
Resentment, grievance, regret, and perhaps a sliver of relief.
Pochettino was aware of the team's problems, but he also felt that the club had not fully met his requirements in terms of player recruitment and support.
However, arguing about these things now is pointless.
"I understand management's decision," Pochettino said, his voice slightly hoarse, "but I will not resign. My contract still has terms."
Levy nodded: "We understand. The club will pay the full amount of the penalty stipulated in the contract. This is the respect you deserve."
The talks ended in a somber but relatively dignified atmosphere.
There was no heated argument, only a sense of helpless sorrow at the passing of time.
The Pochettino era at Tottenham Hotspur has officially come to an end after five and a half years of glory and struggle.
The official announcement was released the following day, with formal wording and a sense of gratitude, but everyone knew that behind it lay cold business logic and the cruel results of the competition.
Pochettino's dismissal immediately dropped a bombshell on the football world.
Who will become the new helmsman of White Hart Lane?
The media began wildly speculating about various names.
……
Meanwhile, in a luxury mansion somewhere in London, a special observer is closely watching all of this.
José Mourinho.
Since leaving Manchester United last year, Mourinho has been "unemployed".
But he never strayed far from football.
Like a slumbering lion, he calmly observes the movements of football clubs, waiting for the opportunity to reignite his passion.
Mourinho's eyes were always focused on the pitch.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, was inundated with phone calls.
"Jose, another call, from... well, you know, a London club," Mendes said on the phone.
Mourinho took a sip of his drink and said, "Let me guess, Tottenham Hotspur? Daniel Levy?"
"That's right, they acted quickly. Pochettino had just left when they came knocking on our door. It seems they're serious," Mendes replied.
Mourinho did not answer immediately; he fell into deep thought.
During this period of unemployment, he received many invitations from top clubs in Serie A, Ligue 1, and even the Chinese Super League, but he declined most of them, citing "lack of challenge" or "complex club environment".
What he needs is a platform that allows him to prove himself again while also giving him relative autonomy.
Tottenham, that's an interesting option.
Mourinho analyzed the situation to Mendes on the other end of the phone, as if he were organizing his thoughts.
"Jorge, think about it, Tottenham... First of all, the pressure is relatively low."
How long has it been since they won a championship? The fans and owners' expectations are primarily to return to the Champions League, or even just to win a cup title.
Compared to the pressure of having to win everything at clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, the environment here is more...relaxed.
Mourinho took a sip of his drink and continued.
"Secondly, Tottenham doesn't have as many annoying 'legends' who spend all day in the media pointing fingers and criticizing the coach's lineup and tactics."
I can work more quietly and build the team my way. Levy is a shrewd businessman, but as long as the results are decent, he should give me enough support.
Mendes laughed on the other end of the phone.
"You sound really interested. Anything else?"
"Of course," Mourinho said, a glint of his signature challenging spirit flashing in his eyes.
"I love challenges. Leading a team that hasn't won a title in years, breaking the monopoly, and winning a trophy... that sense of accomplishment is more appealing to me than winning another championship with a top club."
Tottenham's squad is solid, with players like Kane, Son Heung-min, and Alli... What they need is the right tactical system and strong mental fortitude.
And that's exactly what I'm good at.
Mourinho walked to his desk, where Tottenham's recent match reports and statistics were laid out.
"Besides, it's in London, and my family loves it here, so why not?"
Mendes understood Mourinho's intentions.
"Okay, Jose, I will contact Levy to find out their specific conditions and plans. I believe they will be very eager to have you."
The subsequent negotiations proceeded exceptionally smoothly.
Levy is looking for a world-class manager who can quickly improve the team's performance and influence, and Mourinho fits all the criteria, with a clear understanding of the club's current situation and pragmatic goals.
Both parties quickly reached a consensus on key issues such as liquidated damages, contract length, and transfer budget.
……
A few days later, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club officially announced that José Mourinho had been appointed as the team's head coach on a three-year contract.
The news sent shockwaves through the entire football world!
Controversy and expectations coexist.
Supporters believe that Mourinho's iron discipline and counter-attacking tactics may be exactly the boost that this disorganized Tottenham team needs.
Critics worry that his dressing room management style and sometimes overly pragmatic approach to football might clash with Tottenham's traditional attacking football philosophy.
At the press conference announcing the new coach's appointment.
The media swarmed in, their cameras and microphones aimed at Chairman Levy and Mourinho, who sat beside him in a sharp suit, his expression calm yet confident.
Levy spoke first, formally expressing his welcome and trust in Mourinho.
When it was Mourinho's turn, he adjusted the microphone, glanced at all the reporters, and gave a carefully calculated smile that was both humble and powerful.
"Thank you, Mr. Levy, thank you for the club's trust." His opening remarks were clear and powerful.
"I am very happy and honored to become the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, a club with a great history and passionate fans."
He paused, then continued.
"I know the team is going through a difficult period right now, but in my opinion, that means there is huge potential and opportunity. I see a roster with top players who are eager to succeed and win trophies."
A reporter couldn't wait to ask a question.
"Jose, is your goal to win the championship? Tottenham hasn't won a championship in a long time."
Mourinho answered without hesitation, his gaze unwavering:
"Of course, I'm not here to compete for sixth or seventh place. The chairman and I share the same ambition. We need to build a competitive team with a winner's mentality."
The Premier League title? That's difficult, but we must strive for it. And cup competitions, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Europa League… these are all honors we can realistically compete for.
I believe we have the ability to bring trophies to this club and to these outstanding fans.
Mourinho's words are always full of confidence.
That's what makes him special.
His words ignited the enthusiasm of the Tottenham reporters present.
Another reporter asked whether his tactical style would clash with Tottenham's tradition.
Mourinho smiled and gave a very composed reply.
"Football is a winning sport, and my philosophy is that to win a game, you need to find a balance. We have very good attacking players, and my job is to make them happy and free on the field, but at the same time, we must build a solid foundation to make the team difficult to beat. Offense and defense are never opposites."
Throughout the press conference, Mourinho displayed a slightly different attitude compared to his time at Manchester United.
It has become less angular and more pragmatic and inclusive.
He skillfully balanced expressing ambition with reassuring fans, leaving a positive and professional impression.
After the press conference, Mourinho, accompanied by Levy, stepped into Tottenham's training ground for the first time as head coach.
He looked at the players on the training field who would soon become his soldiers, and a familiar, fighting spirit rekindled in his eyes.
Mourinho has gotten a new job.
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