Spurs put on a show in dismantling the Eagles at Selhurst back in January but since then, you could say a few things have happened.
To try and unpick these and work out how Spurs’ fans are feeling ahead of our re-match, I caught up with Freddy Kanter.
TEB – Spurs seem to have had quite an up and down season, but you seem to have found a sense of stability under Mason. How are you feeling about the season and what are your hopes for the remaining games?
FK – Having started the season with such high expectations, it has felt painful every step of the way. We’ve lurched from one problem to another, from Conte’s personal issues to injuries, a managerial crisis, and a director of football being banned worldwide. I don’t remember a season quite like it, and I’ll be glad to see the back of it. I imagine this is how most of the players are feeling, which probably goes some way to explaining the capitulations of late. Mason should have got the interim job from the off, and he’s given the side a lift, but frankly I will be glad to avoid the Conference League at this point.
TEB – We’ll happily trade you places if it comes to that…
TEB – Who is your ideal permanent manager to be appointed in the summer? Or does it not matter as long as ENIC/Levy is in charge?
I’m not one of these Spurs fans that have ‘ENIC out’ banners draped across my bedroom and all over my public profiles. Most grown-ups understand that changing an owner is a long-term game. Levy should step away from football matters because he’s shown on countless occasions that he’s an extremely damaging influence.
On the new manager, I’m torn between the appeal of a tactically astute and sought-after name like Naglesman, and the raw potential of a manager like Kompany off the back of the great work at Burnley. Either way, I just hope we get someone committed to a long-term project and a style of play fitting to the modern game.
We’ve also got a great crop of academy players coming through, and some good young players around the first team. I hope the new guy is willing to put time into developing the club with them in mind. The fans badly need a way to connect with the players again.
TEB – What do you think needs to be changed in the squad? Will it be a summer of massive change do you think?
FK – There is a lot of work to do on this squad, with so many old faces and players returning from loan that we’ve been unable to shift, all stinking out the dressing room. There are a lot that need to be moved on, and this is the main challenge. It’s a big job for a new manager. We’ve spent relatively well over the last couple of windows but recruitment remains a priority. Key positions are GK, CB, CM, and a creative player.
TEB – How bad would it be (or good?) if Harry Kane moves on this summer?
FK – Kane is irreplaceable.
All the hype this season has been about Haaland (and rightly so), but Kane has scored 25 league goals in a team that’s a mess. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves and he’s weirdly unpopular amongst neutral football fans. It’s always going to be detrimental taking that many goals out of a team, but most Spurs fans sympathise with the idea he wants to leave.
TEB – Who is your player of the season so far?
FK – Before his injury I would have said Bentancur. He’s particularly crucial to the system we currently play, and it’s been a big loss. Otherwise, it has to be Kane for the reasons above. Even in games where we’re being humiliated, he keeps scoring.
TEB – Which Palace player would you most want in your team/squad?
FK – Olise is an interesting talent and stands out for me. If he can add more goals to his game, he’ll be a top Premier League player. However, given our squads current need, I’d have to say Guéhi. Young, home-grown CB that would make an instant difference in our backline. No doubt we’ll be linked with Zaha again, just because…
TEB – To the game, you smashed us at Selhurst back in January, Kane putting on a masterclass. Do you see a similar performance /outcome?
FK – Absolutely not!
If you swarm us from kick off, you can win the game early. We like to give teams a 3 or 4 goal head start these days.
TEB – Where is the game going to be won or lost?
FK – The game is made for Zaha.
We’ve been particularly vulnerable on our right side, with Porro and Romero looking like an awkward first date every time they step out on the pitch. If you use pace on the shoulder of Dier, you’ll get joy there as well. I can see this being a game with goals. All season we have come to life in the second half, so Palace need to have a solid plan to deal with that. Limiting the space for Kane is key, and personally I’d man mark him so he can’t drop deep and influence the game.
TEB – What’s your prediction?
FK – 3-5 to Palace
TEB – Anything else?
FK – Palace have always puzzled me slightly as a neutral. You’ve got a great fan base and what feels like the right materials to push on (similar to Brentford in that regard). Something always seems to hold you back from breaking into those European spots. I’m a fan of proper football clubs, and I’d put Palace in that category.
TEB – We puzzle ourselves sometimes! Cheers Freddy, here’s hoping your score prediction comes true!
