By Matthew Day ⋅ September 26, 2007 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Global, La Liga, Premier League, Tottenham

Sevilla’s slump in form and Tottenham’s continuing pursuit of Juande Ramos could mean the 53-year-old is in a position to join the north London club sooner rather than later.

Antonio Puerta’s death rocked the world of football and Sevilla’s season has understandably been affected by the 22-year-old’s untimely passing, but with the club suffering consecutive defeats for the first time in 18 months against Barcelona and then at home to Espanyol – whom they beat in May’s Uefa Cup final – Juande Ramos’ revolution looks as if it is coming to an undignified end. He has brought unprecedented success to Sevilla and will forever be regarded as their greatest coach, but with Tottenham openly courting him and troubles growing in southern Spain, he could pursue his English dream while departing his current employers without acrimony.

Sevilla appear resigned to losing Ramos, but they could save face if the Spaniard left now, in the midst of a poor run of form with prospects for the season looking considerably worse than at this time 12 months ago. Ramos’ current deal expires at the season’s end and he has not given any kind of hint that he will sign a fresh contract. Tottenham have revived their interest after Martin Jol failed to turn things around following the poor start to the season and British media have reported that the current incumbent has accepted his fate and has instructed his lawyers to negotiate a pay-off if and when he is sacked. The Dutchman could be set to take home more than £4m and reports claim he is only remaining at White Hart Lane while the hierarchy search for a suitable replacement.

Just last Thursday, however, Sevilla president José Del Nido denied Ramos’ departure was imminent, “All we know is that it is his desire to stay as coach of Sevilla at least until the end of the season because he does not want to leave halfway through,” though he was responding to frivolous speculation that claimed the Ciudad Real-born coach could be heading to Chelsea rather than Spurs. Del Nido is a ruthless negotiator and it may take a substantial offer from Tottenham to persuade him to part with Ramos before summer 2008, yet if the coach changes his present stance and demands an immediate move away from the two-time Uefa Cup champions, Del Nido would be in no position to hold him against his will. And if Tottenham are persuasive enough, perhaps Ramos can be tempted sooner rather than later.

The most likely outcome is that Ramos, who turned 53 yesterday, will remain at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán until May 2008 before considering his options. Tottenham top his list of potential destinations, but a move to north London is by no means guaranteed. Ramos could have offers from top Champions League clubs as one of the most desirable unattached managers and Spurs may have moved for a replacement before the end of this campaign, or attracted one of their other targets. Their list is said to include names such as José Mourinho – though there is little belief the Portuguese will join – Marcello Lippi, Fabio Capello and Gérard Houllier.

However, if Tottenham do wish to join the Champions League elite in next August’s draw in Monaco, they may have to pull out all the stops to tempt Ramos before a top four finish is completely out of the picture. Presently, the constant gossip that surrounds Jol’s future and lack of clarity from the Tottenham board concerning his immediate future is only hindering a club that is hanging precariously in limbo.

Should Tottenham fight for Ramos to join the club now? Share your views by leaving a comment below.

Related Articles

• No related posts.