Tottenham face Chelsea this weekend in what is a huge game for both sides and one that could illustrate the upcoming fortunes of both clubs.
After a long inactive summer, Spurs look as though they will once again be contending for a top four spot rather than the title. Chelsea, on the other hand, have shocked the football world by going unbeaten this season.
While Chelsea appointed Maurizio Sarri as manager over the summer, Spurs had to fight off speculation over their talented boss leaving the club.
Maurizio Sarri
After three seasons with Napoli, Sarri established himself as one of the most astute managers in world football as he turned the Italian side into one of the best in Europe.
He may not have won the league, although he did come close last season, Sarri’s Napoli side not only became one of the best attacking sides but also one of the best at the back.
With Antonio Conte leaving the club, Chelsea once again went down the Italian route and on the face of it, it looks like they’ve made a superb appointment.
It’s still early in his Chelsea career but already the west London side has completely transformed. Under Conte they were a solid defensive force but now they’re one of three unbeaten sides and are led by a player in Eden Hazard who is in the form of his life.
TT Grade: A-
Mauricio Pochettino
Now in his fifth and most difficult season at the club, Mauricio Pochettino wasn’t given any backing over the summer as due to Tottenham’s plans to build the new stadium, the club just simply doesn’t have enough money.
With Liverpool, Arsenal, City and Chelsea all strengthening over the summer, Spurs are in serious danger of being left behind. They still remain fourth in the league but they could well find themselves in the Europa League come the end of the season.
During his time at the club, Pochettino has completely revolutionised Spurs and with him at the helm, Tottenham have one of the best managers in the world. However, if Spurs fail to match the ambitions of Pochettino, it could well be time for him to depart the club.
TT Grade: A
The Verdict
Maurizio Sarri is one of the best managers in the world and it looks as though he’s already had a huge effect on the club. With the Italian at the helm, Chelsea could return to being a force in European football yet again.
However, it’s still too early in his Chelsea tenure to put him ahead of Pochettino. The former Southampton man has transformed Tottenham and such has been his influence, he may just leave the club for bigger and better things in the near future.
