20th May 2019
Having consecutive cruciate knee ligament injuries curtailed my career at the age of 33, thankfully i knew at a younger age that i wanted to take the management path and started planning as such. But never in a million years did i think i’d end up where i did, especially when Tim Newman (Agent) phoned me with the news.
“Morning, Tim.”
“Good morning to you. I’ve got some fantastic news for you.”
“Go on.”
“Well as you’re well aware we’ve quietly said that you’re now looking to step into management. And today, i think it’s all paid off.”
“Colour me intrigued.”
“Well i’ve had Rudi Voller on the phone, telling me he’s interested in getting you over to Leverkusen for an interview with a view to replace, Peter Bosz.”
“Bayer Leverkusen? They’ve got some highly rated youngsters. Definitely interesting proposition.” Germany? Never envisaged seeing myself there.
“That’s not all. Because tomorrow you’ve got the interview with Rudi and Simon Rolfes, but once that’s concluded, head back home straight away and make your way to London. Because the day after, you’ve got an interview with Daniel Levy.” I feel silent for a few moments, catching my breath. Spending my entire career at the club i love. They also gave me my coaching start, but wait, Poch left?
“Figured that’d leave you speechless. Mauricio has been relieved of his duties, and Daniel was immediately on the phone to enquire about your availability. I did say that Leverkusen were interested as well. But given the choice, we all know who you’d choose.”
“I can’t believe they’ve sacked, Mauricio. He’s done a fantastic job. And we only missed out on Champions League football on goal difference to Liverpool. And with the lack of investment over the past 18 months, he’s done wonders.” My love for Spurs was evident to anyone that met me, but i had a tremendous amount of respect for Mauricio and what he had done.
“Look. I know you and Mauricio got on like a house on fire. And i can’t quite believe that they’ve sacked him. But this has given you an ample opportunity at your dream job. Who know if or when it’ll come around again.”
“Knowing Daniel, very soon.”
“Maybe so, but i’d suggest keeping those thoughts to yourself. Karl, just get yourself over to Leverkusen, then back to London, then if you get an offer on either. Think it through.”
“Ok thanks. And Tim, thank you.” Putting the phone down i was still in a state of shock and soon the television caught my attention as Sky Sports Breaking News had announced the departure of Mauricio much to the shock of everyone.
1st June 2019
It had been 10 & 11 days since my interviews, and still hadn’t heard anything from Tim. Although media outlets were filtering news out that both Leverkusen and Tottenham were interviewing many candidates for the job. All of whom were much more experienced and successful in management, so i wasn’t holding out too much hope for either. But later that day, got the call that was about to set me on a change that could be the making of me, or the end.
“Karl, my man. How have you been?”
“Patiently waiting for some news, Tim, that’s how i’ve been.”
“That’s understandable, but as you know both jobs are well known and they’ve had a lot of interest.”
“I know, that’s why i’m not holding out much hope, Tim.”
“Well i don’t know why, because Daniel has offered you the job on a one year contract.” It all went silent again as i punched the air, not knowing what to say or how to react.
“That’s not all. So too have Simon and Rudi. They were impressed by your vision and ambition. And they know they’ll be taking a huge risk, but they’re confident it’s going to end much better than it did with Sami Hyypia. So i’ve told both, that you’re going to think it through and let me know tomorrow. And that sits fine with them. How about you?”
“Erm.. Yeah… That’s.. Fine.. Sorry, i’m abit shell shocked. Never expected one offer, let alone both.”
“You’ve obviously impressed them both. And we all know your love for Spurs and they are offering quite the lucrative proposition, but you’ve got 24 hours, until then, have fun.
The phone line went dead and i sat there in silence, even with the wife and kids running around, all i could think about was whether to uproot my family and move to a completely new country. Or stay here and take charge of the team i love.
Having consecutive cruciate knee ligament injuries curtailed my career at the age of 33, thankfully i knew at a younger age that i wanted to take the management path and started planning as such. But never in a million years did i think i’d end up where i did, especially when Tim Newman (Agent) phoned me with the news.
“Morning, Tim.”
“Good morning to you. I’ve got some fantastic news for you.”
“Go on.”
“Well as you’re well aware we’ve quietly said that you’re now looking to step into management. And today, i think it’s all paid off.”
“Colour me intrigued.”
“Well i’ve had Rudi Voller on the phone, telling me he’s interested in getting you over to Leverkusen for an interview with a view to replace, Peter Bosz.”
“Bayer Leverkusen? They’ve got some highly rated youngsters. Definitely interesting proposition.” Germany? Never envisaged seeing myself there.
“That’s not all. Because tomorrow you’ve got the interview with Rudi and Simon Rolfes, but once that’s concluded, head back home straight away and make your way to London. Because the day after, you’ve got an interview with Daniel Levy.” I feel silent for a few moments, catching my breath. Spending my entire career at the club i love. They also gave me my coaching start, but wait, Poch left?
“Figured that’d leave you speechless. Mauricio has been relieved of his duties, and Daniel was immediately on the phone to enquire about your availability. I did say that Leverkusen were interested as well. But given the choice, we all know who you’d choose.”
“I can’t believe they’ve sacked, Mauricio. He’s done a fantastic job. And we only missed out on Champions League football on goal difference to Liverpool. And with the lack of investment over the past 18 months, he’s done wonders.” My love for Spurs was evident to anyone that met me, but i had a tremendous amount of respect for Mauricio and what he had done.
“Look. I know you and Mauricio got on like a house on fire. And i can’t quite believe that they’ve sacked him. But this has given you an ample opportunity at your dream job. Who know if or when it’ll come around again.”
“Knowing Daniel, very soon.”
“Maybe so, but i’d suggest keeping those thoughts to yourself. Karl, just get yourself over to Leverkusen, then back to London, then if you get an offer on either. Think it through.”
“Ok thanks. And Tim, thank you.” Putting the phone down i was still in a state of shock and soon the television caught my attention as Sky Sports Breaking News had announced the departure of Mauricio much to the shock of everyone.
1st June 2019
It had been 10 & 11 days since my interviews, and still hadn’t heard anything from Tim. Although media outlets were filtering news out that both Leverkusen and Tottenham were interviewing many candidates for the job. All of whom were much more experienced and successful in management, so i wasn’t holding out too much hope for either. But later that day, got the call that was about to set me on a change that could be the making of me, or the end.
“Karl, my man. How have you been?”
“Patiently waiting for some news, Tim, that’s how i’ve been.”
“That’s understandable, but as you know both jobs are well known and they’ve had a lot of interest.”
“I know, that’s why i’m not holding out much hope, Tim.”
“Well i don’t know why, because Daniel has offered you the job on a one year contract.” It all went silent again as i punched the air, not knowing what to say or how to react.
“That’s not all. So too have Simon and Rudi. They were impressed by your vision and ambition. And they know they’ll be taking a huge risk, but they’re confident it’s going to end much better than it did with Sami Hyypia. So i’ve told both, that you’re going to think it through and let me know tomorrow. And that sits fine with them. How about you?”
“Erm.. Yeah… That’s.. Fine.. Sorry, i’m abit shell shocked. Never expected one offer, let alone both.”
“You’ve obviously impressed them both. And we all know your love for Spurs and they are offering quite the lucrative proposition, but you’ve got 24 hours, until then, have fun.
The phone line went dead and i sat there in silence, even with the wife and kids running around, all i could think about was whether to uproot my family and move to a completely new country. Or stay here and take charge of the team i love.
