FOR FANS OF Tottenham Hotspur, the past week has seemed like a strange dream. On the morning of November 19th the Premier League club’s manager was still Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine is adored by Spurs fans, since under his leadership a squad of cheaply assembled youngsters has been transformed into world-beaters, even reaching the final of the Champions League, football’s premier knock-out tournament. Real Madrid have often tried to hire Mr Pochettino. Tottenham endured a poor start to the season, tumbling to 14th place, but most supporters expected him to turn things around.
By November 23rd the club had fired the beloved Argentine, and done the unthinkable by hiring José Mourinho. The Portuguese manager’s two trophy-laden stints at a rival London club, Chelsea, have hardly made him popular among Tottenham fans. Nor has his reputation for arrogance, hostility—he once gouged an opposing manager in the eye—and spectacular downfalls. Though most of his tenures have started with great success, including league titles in four different countries and two Champions League trophies, they have usually ended acrimoniously. His tendency to alienate supporters, players and eventually his employers has become known as his “third-season syndrome”. Most Manchester United fans were relieved when the club sacked him 11 months ago.
