MY ACCOUNT
Antonio Conte has finally left Tottenham and I’d be making axed Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann my No1 target if I was Daniel Levy.
After the Conte news became public, and even beforehand, I think Mauricio Pochettino was top of Spurs’ wish list — but things change quickly.
Nagelsmann caught Tottenham’s eye when they were looking to replace Jose Mourinho in April 2021.
As it happened, he ended up going for the Bayern job instead. That’s the pinnacle for any German manager, so you can hardly blame him.
But now I think he and Spurs are a far better fit. The ambitions and expectations of both parties are closer than they’ve ever been.
Crucially, he also coaches a style that Spurs fans want to see their team play, especially as entertaining football was not high on Conte’s list of priorities.
If a Nagelsmann team goes and beats Manchester City, you know they’re going to do it in impressive fashion. He loves to play expansive football.
Even after defeats, fans could see what the plan was and it’s a process I think the supporters would get behind.
For me, it would be a bad decision for Pochettino to go back.
Naturally, there would be a desire on all sides for things to work identically to how they did during his previous stint.
We all know that’s not how football works, though. Time moves on and both Spurs and Poch are in a different place now to where they were in 2019.
Nagelsmann would be my No1 target — and if that doesn’t work, I’d give Luis Enrique a call.
Kane’s conundrum
All this upheaval is probably having an impact on Harry Kane’s future plans.
Being honest, I think he would’ve been considering a move anyway. Harry’s at a point now where he has a serious decision to make.
In previous seasons, I think he’s let the negotiations play out and not got too involved himself, which has led to him remaining at Spurs.
He now needs to make clear exactly what he wants early in the summer and make sure a suitable resolution is found — whether that be leaving or staying put.
It’s big for the new manager, too. They don’t want to be told Harry’s staying only for him to be sold late in the window.
On the other hand, if you’re told money is going to be available due to his departure and then he doesn’t end up going, that means Conte’s permanent replacement won’t get his targets in.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Spurs involved Kane in the hiring process, especially if they want to keep him.
He’s the main man at the club and deserves to be kept in the loop if he’s committing his future — though some prospective bosses wouldn’t like a player being involved.
One thing you cannot question is Harry’s professionalism. However things pan out, he’ll handle himself in classy fashion.
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 29 predictions
Manchester City vs Liverpool (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)
What a way to start the weekend! This is always a tough game for both clubs, regardless of form, and they tend to tweak their approaches out of respect.
I’d probably fancy Liverpool if this was at Anfield. But I’ll back City to get the job done at home.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool
Arsenal vs Leeds (Saturday, 3pm)
Leeds have made a strong start to life under Javi Gracia but I’m not expecting them to get anything against the league leaders.
If Arsenal are going to slip up, I don’t feel it’s going to come against teams from the bottom half.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Leeds
Bournemouth vs Fulham (Saturday, 3pm)
Fulham have had a great campaign but it has just derailed a little bit and was summed up by Aleksandar Mitrovic’s silly red card before the international break.
Bournemouth might be in a position to take advantage of that and I could see them nicking an important win.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Fulham
Brighton vs Brentford (Saturday, 3pm)
This might not be a glamorous game compared to the City and Liverpool clash but it pits together two of this season’s standout sides.
Brighton have gone to another level under Roberto De Zerbi while Thomas Frank continues to work wonders at Brentford. It should be a cracker!
Prediction: Brighton 2-2 Brentford
Crystal Palace vs Leicester (Saturday, 3pm)
I feel Patrick Vieira’s sacking was harsh. Look at the teams Palace played recently and compare that with the teams they’re facing next — I think they panicked.
There’s no guarantee Roy Hodgson will keep them up but I do think this game is the kind they can nick by the odd goal.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Leicester
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves (Saturday, 3pm)
I’ve been impressed with Julen Lopetegui, even though recent results haven’t been that strong. Wolves are on the right path under him.
Forest are decent at home but I’m going to say Wolves get something. That may be my heart talking, though!
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Wolves
Chelsea vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)
Aston Villa must be happy with how things have been going in recent weeks but this could be a tough time to play Chelsea.
Graham Potter has had the international break to work with his star-studded squad and they’re improving slowly, so I’m leaning towards a home win.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Aston Villa
West Ham vs Southampton (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)
This is a massive game. Given they’re at home, I think coming out on the wrong side of this one could do big damage to West Ham’s morale.
But I do fancy David Moyes’ men to find a way to a big three points.
Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Southampton
Newcastle vs Manchester United (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)
I see Newcastle putting a big performance in. They’re back in the top-four mix and it’s going to be rocking at St James’ Park.
Marcus Rashford has been so important for his side recently. Who knows if he’s in the same goalscoring space still?
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Manchester United
Everton vs Tottenham (Monday, 8pm, Sky Sports)
Spurs are a hard team to read after Conte’s departure. But if they play in a similar style under interim boss Cristian Stellini, they’ll be in trouble.
They’ve traditionally struggled against sides who sit back like Everton yet I think they may just sneak the win.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Tottenham
Joleon Lescott was talking to Matthew Hill
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