Jol blames Comolli

Subject: Jol blames Comolli Fri Nov 02 2007, 21:20

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/sports/jol+hits+out+at+spurs+transfers/994192

Last Modified: 02 Nov 2007
Source: ITN

Martin Jol has blamed Tottenham Hotspur's summer transfer policy for the club's current plight and his own exit.

After intense speculation over his position in the White Hart Lane hotseat since the start of the season, the Dutchman's three-year reign came to an end last week following Spurs' 2-1 defeat at home to Getafe in the Uefa Cup.

Juande Ramos has been handed the task of reviving the north Londoners' fortunes, but Jol believes the signings made by the club's sporting director Damien Comolli were a major factor in their poor form this season.

Instead of strengthening the midfield, Spurs bought striker Darren Bent and recruited youngsters Younes Kaboul, Kevin Prince-Boateng and Adel Taarabt.

And Jol has been quoted as saying: "I felt the squad would be unbalanced with these signings and it proved to be the case.

"The funny thing is the new manager will probably come to the same conclusion and the club will go out in January and buy the two players I felt we needed."

He continued: "When Frank Arnesen was director of football we spoke together about the players to bring to the club. But I did not have the same relationship with the next man (Comolli).

"I think the club wanted to invest in younger players because they wanted to make money on them in the future. The decisions were not being made for footballing reasons.

"I knew that in the summer and I realised my position was becoming very difficult."

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

Gotta agree, think the Club's transfers these summer were driven by future (good) potential financial and not immediate or 'proven package" footballing needs. Hope this serves to motivate rather than demotivate young Kaboul, Bent and The Prince to worker even harder and show the fans what they can do for the Club .... bounce

Edgar Davids Joined : 06 Jun 2007 Posts : 3552

I dunno about this.

I personally don't like this Sporting Director role. The manager should ultimately pick and choose who he wants to buy ( and sell ).

However, I don't agree you can't win things with kids. Arsenal have a very young side that look capable of winning the title. Could Wenger turn a team of Kaboul, Taarbart, Lennon, KPB, Bale etc into a title challenging side ?? Kaboul looked the part when he first arrived. Bale has been one of the best buys of the season to date. Man city have unearthed a couple of young gems in Richards and Johnson. Who would say no to them ?

I don't think it was a mistake signing these players, although I take the point he could have done with another experienced central half and central midfielder.

It doesn't get away from the fact that a defence containing England's number goalkeeper, a 10m rated RB, French under 21 captain, a capped England centre half, and experienced South Korean LB should not have been leaking so many goals.