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A former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has backed the verdict of Luka Modric regarding the managerial standing of a former boss.
The managerial situation at Tottenham Hotspur is something that often comes into question, particularly given the high volume of managers to have held office in North London over recent years.
Under former chairman Daniel Levy, Spurs hired and sacked 15 different managers, including a couple of high-profile names who arrived at the club with significant reputations.
While Mauricio Pochettino is widely regarded as one of the most successful managers of the modern Tottenham generation, other established figures such as Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have also graced the Spurs dugout.
However, one former Tottenham midfielder has now opened up on who he considers to be the best manager he played for during his time with the club.
Sandro says Harry Redknapp is one of the greatest managers at Tottenham
Sandro has spoken to Boyle Sports about the managerial qualities of Harry Redknapp, aligning himself with comments previously made by Tottenham legend Luka Modric.
He explained that Redknapp was a master of man-management who knew exactly how to handle a dressing room, alternating between a firm approach and a friendly demeanour to get the best out of his squad.
Speaking about the former Spurs boss, Sandro told Boyle Sports: “Harry is exactly as Modric said, one of the greatest managers. Harry was always so comfortable in the dressing room and with managing the players.
“Sometimes he will shout at you but another time he will be so warm and friendly and he just knew the way to talk with the players. We will fight sometimes but after it will be OK and I think he managed that team very, very well.”
The Brazilian then placed Redknapp alongside some of the biggest names he has worked with throughout his career at both club and international level.
He added: “Harry is in the top three managers of my career. I had De Zerbi who was the coach at Brighton and I had Tite at the national team in the Brazil national team.
“He was the one that bought me in from the academy and put me into the team. But it was not just Harry. He had good guys around him as well. Kevin Bond, Joe Jordan and Clive Allen. He built a good team around himself.”
Spurs must return to the expressive style used by Harry Redknapp
Sandro also believes that modern football has become overly reliant on rigid systems and expressed a desire to see more managers who encourage players to play with freedom.
The Tottenham icon suggested that the game would benefit from moving away from restrictive tactical rules that prevent individuals from truly expressing their natural talent on the pitch.
Speaking on the need for more creative freedom in the modern game, Sandro continued: “I will say that Harry was one of the best to play guys and just tell them to go out and express themselves, and I think we need more of that type of manager today.
“I think football is changing. I do not like the managers who set too many rules on the pitch. Football is not about all these systems saying no you cannot cross this line or you must be here or there.
“You should enjoy it, express yourself. Be safe in some areas but just play football! I think we need to bring back the Number 10s. It will make it more beautiful again.”
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