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Interview January 2026
Let's start with Spurs. From your time at the club, what do you think has been their biggest challenge in turning potential into consistent success?
It's the consistency of their performances. I mean, they keep changing manager, keep the big turnover of players. I don't think they've ever been shy on spending money. It just seems to be what they're actually spending it on.
And like I say, if you have a consistent performance, then you get results on the pitch and everyone's happy. But it seems to be a very disgruntled fan base for a very long time now.
⚠️ Sherwood on Spurs' ongoing inconsistency
On money, you recently said that Spurs need to stop signing 20 to 30 million pound players and put all that money into one 100 million pound difference maker. If you had to pick one, who would that player be in your eyes?
Not one now. I've said that they should have done that years ago, you know, when there was opportunities to sign players. At the moment now you can spend 60, 70, 100 million pounds on a bang average player. I mean, that's the market. That's what we're looking at at the moment. Spending 100 million pounds doesn't guarantee you anything at the moment.
But it gives you a better chance when you've got someone who's already performed in the Premier League. Someone like Declan Rice from West Ham, for instance. He would have been a perfect signing. I know it's in hindsight and he's done so well at Arsenal, but for a hundred million pounds, he should have been in the market for someone like him who not only improves you on a pitch, but improves your dressing room. It's like a leadership qualities. He's a captain without the armband. You know, he's just fantastic.
And someone else who played in the Premier League as well, prior to going to Chelsea was Caicedo. Far better than anything that Tottenham have in that midfield area.
My point was, I think, like I've always maintained, Tottenham aren't shy in spending money, it's just they're spending it in the wrong areas. They feel like if they're going to spend a hundred million, they'd rather get four players for that hundred million rather than the make-the-difference player.
I always feel at a club, if you want to be successful, you're going to have to have some hierarchy players, some players who you know, if they're fit, they go straight into your team. I don't see that after Son — who was in his prime probably two or three years ago — and Harry Kane. I don't see that.
I see one player there at the moment, possibly two, Micky van de Ven, who if he's fit should play and will play, and probably Romero. After that, it's much of a muchness — all decent players, but there's not a mix, there's not a blend. They're all quite similar. So yeah, I think that's something they need to address and that is down to recruitment.
🧠 Sherwood urges smarter Spurs recruitment
Yeah. So on recruitment, obviously they've just signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid. Do you think he's the right kind of midfielder they need or the right kind of profile they need?
Well, you'd like a Conor Gallagher because he's someone who's played in the Premier League before, but if they're only going to make one signing in this January window, it wouldn't be Conor Gallagher if it was for me. He's very similar to what they have.
You look at the midfield players they have. They have the likes of Pape Sarr. They have Bentancur — we know he's injured. Paulinha. Bergvall. Now this boy was tipped to be the best player around Europe a couple of years ago when Tottenham brought him to the club. Beat Barcelona to his signature, we heard all them sort of noises. Not saying he's a bad player, but Archie Gray, 40 million pounds from someone else's academy.
But Conor Gallagher's gone in there and he's got similar qualities to these guys. He's not Frank Lampard where he scores bundles of goals, he scores just as many as Bergvall and Paulinha does. He's a one in six man. Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing, and I think Conor would be good, but you need some guile.
You need some maverick-type players, someone who can control the game and play to the principles of what Tottenham Hotspur expect — try and risk the ball, play forward more, disguise passer. There are players out there they could have gotten — perhaps they might go for them in this January window.
And I'll give you a few examples like Ruben Neves — he's a ball controller, a good passer of the ball. He's gone to Saudi, he's looking to come back. He would have been a perfect fit. Angel Gomes, in my opinion, is a ball controller. Someone who puts his foot on the ball. Someone of the Bruno Fernandes ilk. That's what Tottenham are used to. That's what I had. I don't think they've ever replaced Mousa Dembele, a player who I had in the midfield. Never replaced him. Christian Eriksen gives you that control.
When I see Tottenham, sometimes I see them quite dangerous at times, but I never feel comfortable when I'm sitting there watching them thinking, they're in full control of this football match. Never get that feeling.
🛠️ Sherwood questions Spurs’ midfield profile
And how would you assess Tottenham's current squad compared to the one that you worked with? Do you think there's something still missing if they want to compete for major trophies?
Well, he's certainly got more numbers than what I had. But like I say, where's the hierarchy? I had, what I felt was, quite a special player in Mousa Dembele and I keep mentioning him, but I just felt like he gave me that control. Christian Eriksen, who was a player who would always play if he was fit.
I had a player when I first went in there who wasn't even involved in the first team — Emmanuel Adebayor — and I brought him into the squad. Now, Adebayor, in my opinion, on his day, was unplayable. And I had a very young Harry Kane coming through. He hadn't played before. So, you know, gave him the opportunity to play and he repaid it and he went on to be the best player Tottenham have ever had in a Tottenham shirt.
So, lacked quality, certainly in numbers and in depth, but I just felt like a little bit of a better blend than what they have today. But I'm not sure that this group of players at the moment are being shown in the correct light. I think there's a lot more to their game than what's actually been on show.
🎯 Sherwood compares current squad to his own era
You've mentioned the squad's certainly big enough. Do you think it's strong enough to push for Europe to be successful at the minute?
Yeah, the only reason they are is because the Premier League is so bad at the moment. It's not a strong Premier League. This is a very weak Premier League this year.
Arsenal are outstanding. I think Man City have always been outstanding. Aston Villa have put some consistent performances together, largely due to having an outstanding manager in Unai Emery. Liverpool have dropped off massively as everyone's seen. It's been a poor defence of the title.
And it's wide open. Manchester United — talking about how poor they've been — are in Champions League positions. That tells you everything. So no, there is an opportunity. There is an opportunity for them to get to the Champions League. They need to put some consistent results together. But every six or seven or eight other teams are thinking the same.
So it's competitive without doubt — the Premier League always is — but the quality is just not there at the moment. So you'd have to say, yes, wide open for them to finish in the top five, where I think it's going to be a Champions League spot.
🔍 Sherwood on Spurs' top-four chances
So, Spurs are often criticised for their mentality in big moments. Based on your experience at the club, how fair do you think that label is?
Well the proof's in the pudding. And you can't argue with it, can you really? I mean, it's all about — for me it was when I was a kid and growing up and when I played and when I managed — it was all about winning. You want to win trophies and they’ve won one trophy in God knows how many years.
And Ange Postecoglou was the man who was able to achieve that. So yeah, there have been big moments during that time and they've come up short — so you can't argue with it.
🧠 Sherwood on Spurs’ mental block in big games
Back in 2014, you called out a lack of character and guts from the Tottenham players after a particular thrashing by Chelsea. Do you think much has changed since then and is it a calculated risk when a manager criticises their players publicly or can there be an upside?
Well, it was an upside for me because I don't think we did bad after that. I mean, we had a decent run after that. So I can only speak from my experiences. I think it's a risky business now these days, you know, because the communication between manager and players is not like it was.
I always felt like I wanted my managers to be very honest and open with me and not dress it up any other way. But I think now it's completely different. I think as a society, people don't talk to each other anymore. You know, you can see four people sitting in a restaurant, all on their phones and they're probably talking to each other via WhatsApp or texting, rather than actually opening up and speaking.
So communication in all walks of life has changed. And I think certainly in football management, that honest manager who tells it how it is to the players is a dying breed — and certainly going out talking to the press against your players.
I did it for a reason. I wanted to get a response and I felt like I got a response from them. But I never mentioned any names, I said it as a collective. But it hurts and it is a risk doing that these days, yeah, certainly.
🗣️ Sherwood reflects on public player criticism
Let's say you were made director of football tomorrow. What would be two or three things you'd change in the club to bring on success in a more consistent basis?
Well, I look at recruitment. I think it's all down to recruitment. You speak to any football man and say what are the problems with any clubs who are not doing well — you look at the group of players and you need a blend.
Like I say, you need different players in different areas of the field. You've certainly got the numbers at Tottenham, but have they got different characteristics in different positions of the field? I don't think they have.
I think it's quite similar. I think the wide players are quite similar. Like I talked about their midfield, I think they're all quite similar as well. So you need a playing style and you need the principles of what Tottenham fans expect.
They pay their money. You've got to entertain them. You've got to give them what they want. And what they want is the team to be playing on the front foot. They want to turn up and pay their money to see someone who's going to excite them. Someone who's going to do something a little bit different. And I think at the moment they're being shortchanged.
🧠 Sherwood: Recruitment is Spurs’ biggest fix
Do you think Thomas Frank can still be successful at Spurs? You know the crowd, the club and the culture, the style of play too. Do you think Frank fits into that mould?
Well, no, at the moment he doesn't. He hasn't proved that. He hasn't proved that in where he was at Brentford, but it’s a different job. He's done a brilliant job at Brentford. And everyone likes Thomas Frank, but I would ask the question — is it important that everyone likes you?
I think some of the greatest managers we've seen in this country, certainly in the Premier League, they're not necessarily liked. They're not necessarily liked by their players, but they're respected. They're not necessarily liked by the fans — but when they win, the fans like them.
I don't think it's a criteria. I think it's just about picking a playing style. I'm sure he's capable of finding a style. His teams at Brentford won games, scored a lot of goals. But a lot of them goals come from set pieces, from long direct play, which is fine. If you're winning the games, then everything's correct in a manager’s book — and the fans will accept it.
But if you're not winning games on a consistent level like Tottenham are at the moment, I think you're always going to come under pressure if your playing style is not what the fans expect.
And like I say, what the fans expect there is not too much. They want everyone to try their hardest. They want to fight for the badge. But they also, when anyone gets the ball, they want them to look forward. They want to pass the ball forward. They want, when the ball's in wide areas, to get players in the box — to create some pressure on the opposition.
And at the moment they're coming up short in that regard. Now is he capable of doing that? I think given time, I think he is. He needs to understand the Tottenham way. And at the moment he's not playing the Tottenham way.
📉 Sherwood: Frank must learn the Spurs way
You took over at Spurs when Andre Villas-Boas was sacked mid-season. What do you think are the positives and negatives of when you change your manager mid-season? Do you think Chelsea and United are right to do it? Do you think Spurs should maybe follow suit or back Frank?
I don't blame anyone when they change their manager. I feel sorry for the managers when they lose their job because sometimes it's not necessarily their fault. I think sometimes the recruitment, the head of recruitment, the sporting directors, the decision makers need to look at themselves and say, is there anything we could have done better to help this man out?
But I quite admire owners who don't sit on their hands. It's impossible to change the playing staff with wholesale changes — you need someone who's going to get a tune out of that group of players. And changing the manager sometimes helps, sometimes doesn't.
When I went into Aston Villa, it was an upturn of form. We managed to stay in the division, went to a cup final, and in the following year, they changed the manager after me three times and still got relegated. Whose fault was that? The four managers? Or was it perhaps the recruitment of the players in the first place?
Now, it doesn't always work out changing a manager halfway through — but I admire the fact that sometimes you just can't sit on your hands and watch it deteriorate to the point where you're in a position you don't want to be.
If you asked me what I would do, I would assess the group of players and decide whether there was a manager out there who could get a bounce out of them.
With regards to Tottenham at the moment, what is the objective? They can't win the FA Cup, they can't win the Carabao Cup, they're not going to win the Premier League. They can win the Champions League, but it’s very unlikely. So it has to be Champions League qualification — that’s always the objective at Tottenham. And that’s still possible.
🔄 Sherwood on changing managers mid-campaign
You were recently critical of the club for not giving Troy Parrott a fair chance and having to leave for AZ Alkmaar to prove himself. Do you think Tottenham's academy pathway is broken at the minute?
100%. I can't remember the last player who came through the academy into Tottenham's first team on a regular basis. Not blaming anyone in the academy. What I'm looking at is the football club.
Now, Troy was an example because I was commentating on that game. I'm not saying Troy Parrott will be the answer, but what I am saying is they've spent a lot of money on other strikers who have come to that club who are no better than Troy Parrott.
So why wasn't he given the same opportunity? Or any other academy player? Why aren't they given the same opportunity as the 30, 40, 50, 70 million pound players?
That's my argument. Give them an opportunity. It's easy for the academy manager and the coaching staff to say they're not good enough. It can't be the case all the time.
I’ve walked that path. When I got into Watford’s first team at 17 or 18, I wasn’t good enough then — but someone recognised that I might be able to improve. I did. But I was given the chance to.
I call the kids the stocking fillers. I used to say, save your money on the non-difference maker and use your academy players to bolster the squad. Spend all your money on the one hierarchy player. I don’t see that happening at Spurs. I haven’t seen it for a long time. I can't even remember the last player to break in regularly from the academy.
🧱 Sherwood slams Spurs’ youth integration
One player who did actually make it through that pathway I can think of, Harry Kane, who you gave the big break to, and he'd previously been sent out on loan practically everywhere. Do you think he would have ever had the success he has had and do you think it's time he won the Ballon d'Or?
Yeah, I think it's time he won the Ballon d'Or. I don't think he can do any more. It's a big year. Maybe they have to win the Champions League or the World Cup for England to seal it — but I don’t know why that’s needed. His numbers are incredible.
I can’t speak highly enough of him. As a 17 or 18-year-old, he wasn’t a guaranteed podium player. But in his head, with his determination and drive to be the best — he always had half a chance. He took the opportunity and never looked back.
🌍 Sherwood backs Kane for Ballon d’Or glory
I think his goal numbers internationally are ridiculous now. I think he scored 78 in 112 caps. I think Pele was on 77. So it goes to show how good a player he is. Where do you think he ranks among the greatest strikers you've ever seen?
He's right up there, isn't he? One of the best strikers the Premier League has ever seen. Worldwide — you just see the highlights of others, but Harry Kane is a consistent performer.
And it just shows you, since he's left Tottenham, how much he carried that side. Him and Heung-min Son — who was fantastic as well when he was at his best — carried the team into a position where it should never really have been.
It's not only what Harry gives you on the pitch — it's what he gives you in the dressing room as well. Leadership qualities. Like I talked about with Declan Rice — something nobody sees. They just see matchday. But Kane and Rice drive you forward. He’s a generational player. Absolutely fantastic. Probably the best Tottenham have ever produced — up there with Glenn Hoddle or Ledley King.
🎯 Sherwood on Kane’s elite status
Let's talk a bit about Manchester United. You recently questioned if Benjamin Sesko was good enough for Manchester United. Are there any other players there that you're a little bit unsure about?
Where do I start? It’s easier to say who I am sure about.
I can only go on what I’ve seen so far, and with Sesko I think he’s struggled — but he’s still developing. In the game I called him out, he scored twice. But the new manager left him out and they had their best performance of the season. I probably wouldn’t have played him either, based on what I’ve seen. And he’s not alone.
There are so many Man United players who should be nowhere near the club. I do live in the past a bit, remembering how great United once were. I played against the greats — Van Persie, Tevez, Sheringham, Solskjaer, Rooney, Yorke, Cole, Berbatov. Now it’s Sesko. That’s where I’m coming from. And I know it’s a different era, but United just don’t sign the best anymore.
📉 Sherwood: Man Utd are a shadow of the past
Michael Carrick has just been given the job to the end of the season. Granted, he's just beat City 2-0. Do you think if he gets more results and gets the Champions League spot, they'd be right to keep him or should they go for someone like Ancelotti?
It would be difficult for them not to take him. That performance against Man City couldn’t have gone any better. Performance and result were spot on. 2-0 flattered City, honestly. Now he’s got Arsenal — huge game. But that group of players will now believe they can beat anyone.
And don’t forget, it's one game a week. They're out of the cups and Europe, so Carrick and Steve Holland have time to work with this group. That wasn’t a fluke — that was a drilled and organised team. Offensively and defensively they were excellent.
If they finish fourth or fifth, that’s success. And it would be tough to sack him. But I think Carrick already asked the question — will I get this job long-term if I do well? And I think the answer was no. Because they’ve tried that route with Ole before and don’t want a repeat.
I don’t think it should be Ancelotti. If I had to pick, I’d go for Thomas Tuchel — a proven winner who knows how to handle big players. The issue is, clubs now want head coaches, not managers. Tuchel wants full control — and I agree with that. Teams who win usually have proper managers in charge, not just head coaches.
⚖️ Sherwood on Carrick vs Tuchel debate
On that note about full control, obviously Amorim has just left United because he didn't really have that. Do you think there's a club in the Premier League that could suit him in terms of giving him more power or do you think that doesn't really exist in the top six anymore?
Why would you? He’s already been released. Why give someone full power unless you’re sure they’ll bring success? Football clubs need to trust the person in charge if they’re going to hand over full control.
I get it. But the manager has to work with the players. He needs to be in charge of who comes in. If you don’t let the manager choose his own tools, how can he be judged fairly?
🔐 Sherwood on Amorim & modern football power
What do you think of Victor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze’s subdued start at Arsenal? Was it a mistake to sign Gyokeres given Havertz and Jesus are back?
No, I don't think it was a mistake. It just shows the striker market right now. We’re talking about Sesko and Gyokeres — both chased by top clubs. They’ve got a chance. It’s early days.
Gyokeres is a nuisance. I wouldn’t want to play against him — he’ll push defenders around, create space. His goal return hasn’t been fantastic, but he looks like he’s appreciated and is a good character. And if the season ended now, he’s got a winner’s medal — that’s success.
📈 Sherwood defends Gyokeres’ Arsenal impact
Do you think Manchester City have it in them to close the gap between them and Arsenal this season?
If anyone does, it’s City. If you’re Arsenal, you don’t want to see that light blue shirt in the rear-view mirror. Pep’s been there and done it. So have most of his players.
End of February, start of March — that’s when the title race really begins. You can’t win it early, but you can be out of it. City are not out of it. I think Arsenal will go on to win the league, but City will push them very close.
🏁 Sherwood predicts Arsenal edge title race
Interview September 2024
Exclusive interview with Tim Sherwood:
- Tottenham will win thrilling North London Derby but only four Spurs players would get in the Arsenal XI
- Man Utd should throw the King’s Ransom at Harry Kane
- Unai Emery has the credentials to be the next boss at Old Trafford
- Cristiano Ronaldo will be a successful manager - Messi won’t bother
- Jack Grealish won’t reach his very best level in Pep Guardiola’s system
Former Premier League manager turned pundit Tim Sherwood said that Tottenham will beat rivals Arsenal 3-2 in a thrilling North London Derby – but admitted that only four Spurs players would get into a combined XI.
The Premier League winner with Blackburn has also told Erik ten Hag that he has no choice but to win his next three games in charge, predicting a sixth or seventh place finish in the table matching the bookmakers prediction in the current odds..
Sherwood has also told Manchester United that they should throw the King’s Ransom at Harry Kane to tempt him away from Bayern Munich in a potential Premier League return.
The former Aston Villa boss has also noted that Unai Emery has the credentials to be a future manager of Manchester United and admitted that Jack Grealish won’t reach his best level in Pep Guardiola’s system at Manchester City.
Q: What is your Premier League top four prediction?
Top 4 prediction: Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs! 🏆 Man City still the team to beat with Haaland on fire 🔥 Arsenal close second. Liverpool looking strong under Slot 💪 and Spurs edging out Chelsea due to consistency! 👍⚽
TS: “Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham.
“Manchester City are still the team to beat with Erling Haaland on fire, which is bad news as far as everyone else is concerned - but Arsenal will run them close again.
“Having said that, they won’t be helped by injuries and suspension against Tottenham, before facing Atalanta in the Champions League and then City, but I still see them pushing Pep Guardiola’s side the closest.
“Then you have Liverpool where Arne Slot has fit in seamlessly, the players look like they are happy and look like they want to play for him, the fans are all upbeat.
“It was a huge blow to lose Jurgen Klopp but Slot has been the perfect fit so far, they will be cemented into the top four.
“Then you have Chelsea and Tottenham, with Chelsea it’s all about if they can find that consistency that you need. It’s difficult but I'd edge towards Tottenham.
“I just think that he's had a bit of time now, Ange Postocoglou. Spurs have a clear identity in terms of how they play and the additions they have made will help that but they do have to be careful of injuries as there isn’t a huge depth.
“Chelsea have that depth but not the consistency, so I think they’ll just miss out as Enzo Maresca settles in.”
Premier League Outright Winner Odds
Here are the current odds available at online bookmakers for the Premier League
Q: Where will Man Utd finish in the Premier League?
Man Utd to finish 6th or 7th! 📉 Ten Hag has trophies but no clear philosophy or steady improvement. Relying on moments from top players won’t cut it for top 4 challenge. Need more consistency! ⚽️
TS: “At this moment in time, I’d say that Manchester United will finish sixth or seventh will be an improvement on last year but isn’t good enough for a giant club like they are.
“Erik ten Hag has won two trophies in two years so you can’t say he’s done a bad job, but I haven’t seen any steady improvement and I don’t see a philosophy there.
“I don’t see a clear pattern of play and I don’t see what he is trying to achieve. You don’t know what you are going to get, they rely on moments from their top players without having an identity which you need to challenge on a consistent basis.
“You can rely on players to give you moments in cup competitions but you need more than that to challenge in the Premier League, so I don’t think they’ll get into the top four at the moment.”
Q: Can Erik ten Hag eventually bring his Ajax playing style to Man Utd?
TS: “Erik ten Hag has spoken about his style of play with Ajax but any manager could do the same with Ajax due to the lack of competition in the league.
“If you manage Ajax it’s a requirement to win the league, they usually have the best players and the best academy, he’s been at Manchester United for two years now and there is no sign of it.
“I still don't see the identity of the team and I'm not excited about the signings they've made either, there is a hell of a lot of work that needs to be done.
“As a pundit I say it how it is and there hasn’t been an improvement, you’re waiting to see that progression and we haven't.
“I genuinely want to see them be great again because I want the big teams to be challenging, but I just don't see it coming in the Premier League any time soon.
“How long will the club give Ten Hag to turn it around? I was very surprised that they gave him a new contract as it looked like a good time to move him, his stock would’ve still been high and he could’ve got another job – but I don’t see him improving United.
“He is going to have to stumble across a system and formation that works but after two years, he hasn’t been able to do it.”
Ten Hag's Ajax style at Man Utd? Not seeing it. 📉 Ajax had less competition, but at United, there's no clear identity or exciting signings after 2 years. Needs to find a working system urgently! ⏳ Could be in big trouble without wins vs Southampton, Barnsley, and Palace! 🥵
Q: Could Erik ten Hag be the first manager to go this season if Man Utd don’t beat Southampton, Barnsley and Crystal Palace?
TS: ‘Erik ten Hag could be in big trouble in a matter of weeks, but he can also see these fixtures as a chance to get three wins on the board and get confidence flowing.
“Having said that, If they don't win all three of these games, I think the pressure will start ramping up towards that October international break.”
Q: Which three sides will be relegated to the Championship?
Relegation predictions: Southampton, Leicester, Ipswich. 📉 The gap between divisions is growing, making it tough for promoted teams. Everton worry me, but Dyche can save them. 🛡️ Experience matters!
TS: “In the battle to avoid relegation, I worry for Everton – but they won’t be in my three favourites to go down.
“I’d first go for Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich because the gap between the two divisions is getting bigger, these sides are always going to struggle.
“No matter how much money they spend and who they can attract to their clubs, it's just not easy to bridge that gap. They find, especially when they come up with a playing styles like Burnley had, you get punished playing out from the back.
“We are seeing it now with Ipswich and Southampton. You get away with it in the Championship and you win enough games to get yourself in motion. In the Premier League, you don't get away with playing out and giving the ball away in dangerous areas. You get punished.
“I think there's been a rude awakening for these teams at the moment, so for me, Sean Dyche is the best man to be in charge of Everton because he's been there and done it. He stays calm.
“If anyone can get Everton to safety again, it’s him. If they didn't have the points deduction last year then they would have been comfortable survivors in the Premier League.
“Having said that, I do worry for them. It's been a poor start. From being 2-0 up to losing 3-2 at home and so late in the game, it’s a crippling blow for confidence.
“But Sean is a very experienced manager at that end of the table and he knows you need to dust yourself down and move on and on to the next game.”
Q: What do you make of Aston Villa’s Champions League ticket prices?
TS: “Seeing Aston Villa’s ticket prices, it’s a shame really. I’m not sure how much difference it makes to finances as well, very little.
“It’s unnecessary publicity for me. I think if they're going to challenge or go far in the Champions League, they need their fans fully behind them.
“That is one of the best supported clubs and when that place is rocking, I've been there first-hand, the place bounces and they're going to need that, they’re going to need all the help they're going to get when they step up playing at a higher level in the Champions League.
“They’ll want it to be full and I still hope it will be, but I was surprised that Villa chose to go down that route of hiking prices.”
Villa's high Champions League ticket prices? Unnecessary publicity and not helpful 💸. They need full fan support to thrive. 🏟️ Success? Aiming for the next phase. With Emery’s European experience, they can be a real danger! 💪🔵
Q: What would mark success for Aston Villa in the Champions League?
TS: “Aston Villa should target progression to the next phase in the Champions League. That’s what they will be looking for. It will be more difficult with more games and there is going to have to be lots of analysis on different teams, but I think that can suit them.
“In Unai Emery, they’ve certainly got the best manager to cope with European football. He's a prolific winner in the Europa League and he’s had a taste of Champions League.
“I think he's an experienced man who knows how to navigate it. He's a top draw manager, very calm and he knows how to shuffle the pack. He rotates his squad perfectly and he’s been helped out with the finances they've recruited very well.
“I've got hopes for them. I don't think they can win it because I think there's possibly only two teams who can win it in Real Madrid and Man City.
“But Villa can be a danger. If you're any team, you don't want to play away at Aston Villa. On their day and with the experience of their manager, they can cause an upset against anyone.”
Q: Which competition should Tottenham focus on this season?
TS: “If I was Ange Postecoglou, I would go all out to win a domestic cup this season and you’d have to say that the easiest one to win is the Carabao Cup.
“The Carabao Cup is the one Spurs should go for, they should put all their eggs in one basket in terms of winning a domestic cup. He’ll be a hero if he can do it and I think he is capable of doing it.
“The way they play on the front foot will suit one off games and they have the quality to find that momentum and win a trophy. They will need luck with the draws and have to hope to avoid Arsenal, Liverpool and certainly Manchester City early, but on their day they can beat anyone.”
Spurs should focus on the Carabao Cup 🏆💪. One-off games suit their style, and winning a domestic cup would make Postecoglou a hero! North London Derby? Leaning towards Spurs 🔵 with Arsenal missing key players. Predicting a thrilling 3-2 win for Tottenham! ⚽️
Q: Who are the favourites going into the North London Derby?
TS: “Heading into the North London Derby, I’d have to lean towards Tottenham.
“Declan Rice was already a huge miss for Arsenal and then they had the massive blow regarding Martin Odegaard, he is a fantastic player that controls the tempo of the game which they will need against Tottenham.
“Tottenham will want to play like they always play. It's a clear identity. They go on the front foot and they play at a thousand miles an hour and you need players who can hold the ball and you need players who can break up that counter first and foremost. That's Rice and Odegaard.
“They're going to miss them two guys and that's why I think Tottenham will get all three points.
“I think it would be tight because they're two quality teams and Arsenal have done brilliantly in recent years. Mikel has done an unbelievable job with them.
“But just with the injuries and the home advantage for Tottenham, I'm just going to say that it will be a thriller that ends 3-2 to Tottenham.”
Q: What is your North London Derby combined XI if all players were fit?
TS: “Raya; Udogie, Van de Ven, Saliba, White; Rice, Odegaard, Maddison; Saka, Havertz, Son.
“I’d have Raya in goal. There was a big circus around him and Aaron Ramsdale and he took that debate away with his performances. He's proved to be an excellent goalkeeper. Vicario has been excellent but there were some concerns over set-pieces and he’s still a young man.
“At left-back is Destiny Udogie, he has pace and power, goes forward at the right time and he suits their style perfectly so he edges out Jurrien Timber.
“Then I’d go for Ben White, if it was a wing-back I’d go for Pedro Porro because he isn’t a right-back in the traditional sense, the manager does play to his strengths. For his allround game I’d have to go for White, he works so well with Buyako Saka and does his job.
“In the middle I'd go for Micky van de Ven on the left side and William Saliba on the right. Van de Ven has been brilliant. The fastest player in the Premier League last season, he can handle the ball. He drives forward if there's space in front of him.
“For me, one of the best centre halves we've seen in the last two years is Saliba, he's been absolutely outstanding for Arsenal. Growing in stature, this boy is like a real leader of the team, so he has to be in there.
“In the middle I’d go for Declan Rice behind Martin Odegaard and James Maddison. Rice will do a job, he’s reliable and is a manager’s dream. Odegaard serves the forwards and has an eye for goal, while Maddison on his day is as good as anyone.
“Then it’s Heung-Min Son and Saka, you can't look beyond them. Son with the experience and the numbers he posts, he is a dream for his team-mates and the fans.
“Saka, he is so durable. People say he needs a break but he keeps going and doesn’t seem to pick up injuries. He is such a threat and Tottenham have to keep him quiet if they are going to win.
“Dominic Solanke hasn’t been at Tottenham long enough to get the nod so I’d go for Kai Havertz in a false nine.
“He has guile and is a clever player, he scores goals. I was quite critical of him in the past and I wasn’t alone, but Mikel Arteta has seen the full picture and he can drop in like Harry Kane as well as get himself in goal scoring positions like Kane.”
Q: Are Arsenal facing a make or break few weeks even this early?
TS: “It’s early in the season but it could be a make or break few weeks for Arsenal. They can’t win the title this early but they can lose it, especially when you have a juggernaut like Manchester City who have started so strongly.
“Arsenal needed to have a head start and something to hold on to, but now they can’t afford to drop any more points this early.
“These are a pivotal few weeks for Arsenal across the Premier League and I’d say they have to get four points from Spurs and Manchester City to stay in the title picture.”
Arsenal's make or break weeks ahead! 🚨 Can't win the title early but could lose it; need 4 points from Spurs and Man City to stay in the race. Title pressure is on! 🏆📉 As for selling Smith Rowe, not a mistake. Good move for his career, even with Odegaard injured.
Q: Was selling Emile Smith Rowe a mistake now Odegaard is injured?
TS: “I don’t think it was a mistake to sell Emile Smith Rowe, even though Martin Odegaard has now picked up an injury.
“They decided between them that it would be the best thing for his career to leave and go and play on a regular basis, I also think he is more of a dribbler which isn’t like Odegaard.
“For Arsenal it would’ve been nice to have Smith Rowe vs Tottenham, but for his career he’s made the right choice.”
Q: How much pride do you have in Harry Kane’s achievements?
TS: “I have lots of pride in Harry Kane, he is incredible. To be at Wembley to see him get his 100th cap was fantastic and it was just inevitable that he would score.
“This boy writes his own scripts and he's not put the pencil down yet. He's just going to keep going, breaking all sorts of records in the Bundesliga and I believe that he will win something this year with Vincent Kompany in charge.
“Hopefully they get a domestic double and maybe push for something in the Champions League.
“I’m incredibly proud of Harry. It’s wonderful for Harry and his family. I just think it's a testament to any kids out there who want to be top footballers.
“Don't just think you've made it when you make the first appearance in the first team. There is a lot of hard work to go. Harry still doesn't feel like there's a ceiling above him. He still feels like he can keep pushing the boundaries and I believe he can. He's an incredible athlete.
“He may not be as quick as the Ronaldo's and the Messi's of this world, he's very, very durable.
“He works very tirelessly in the gym to keep his body in good shape and I think he will continue to play for another four or five years at the top level.”
Proud of Harry Kane! 🌟 100th England cap and still breaking records. Expecting trophies with Bayern under Kompany 🏆. Returning to Premier League? Likely on a free transfer. United should throw everything to sign him! 🔴 Man Utd & City missed a huge opportunity. Kane would've changed fortunes instantly.
Q: When will Harry Kane return to the Premier League?
TS: “Bayern Munich don’t give good players away for nothing and I don’t think they would sell him unless they made a profit and that probably won’t happen with any Premier League teams.
“I think he will return to the Premier League on a free transfer when his contract expires, but if I was Manchester United I’d throw the King’s Ransom at trying to sign him before then and then some.
“But Harry's determined to be a success in Germany and I think he will be. It’ll start with his team winning trophies this season, I really believe that.”
Q: Did Man Utd and Man City make a huge mistake in not signing him?
TS: “At the time of his links to Manchester City and Manchester United, I was vocal in saying United should sign him because he would’ve changed their fortunes around straight away.
“Not only because they're absolutely top drawer players, but also top drawer men and personalities you need in the dressing room to help and show a great example to the rest of them.
“At the time for United, that was Declan Rice and that was Harry Kane. If they would have done that, I don't think they would still be wasting money in other areas.
“I've always said, don't go out and waste your money just to bring in a signing for the sake of it. Go and bring in someone who's going to be better than what you got and judge that on their Premier League experience.
“They would’ve hit the floor running and not only would they improve your team, they would improve individuals and young players coming through around them because of their attitudes.”
Q: Who could compete with Lee Carsley for the England job?
Lee Carsley is perfect for the England job 🏴. He's experienced with the youth setup and brings exciting, front-foot football. Not many obvious candidates right now. Eddie Howe would be great, but he's thriving at Newcastle. 🏰 FA likely to back Carsley!
TS: “I think Lee Carsley is a perfect fit for England, I really do. Look at the Spanish model, they've pretty much got that with their man at the moment. He's gone through the age groups and been successful, he knows what it's like to bring through the younger players.
“I think Lee has been watching from afar in job with the under 21s. He saw that Gareth made that step.
“He's giving the fans what they were crying out for. He's trying new players and it's exciting to watch on the front foot which people want to see.
“It's very difficult when you're playing against teams like Ireland and Finland because it's hard to judge them. He's got six games now across three camps and he will win every game I would suggest he would because of the competition we're playing against.
“I think the FA want to give him the job and there isn’t any other obvious candidate at the moment.
“The best candidate for me is Eddie Howe, but Eddie Howe is in a fantastic job at Newcastle and he looks like he's really enjoying it there and they're building something. So he's not going to leave that at the moment.
“If he did change his mind, then it might put the cat amongst the pigeons.”
Q: Will Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool exit be like Gareth Bale at Tottenham?
TS: “Andre Villas-Boas pretty much built the whole team around Gareth Bale and just let him have a free role, he was fantastic under Harry Redknapp before that in the Champions League so you can’t really blame him.
“When he went to Real Madrid he was a prolific winner over there of Champions Leagues and domestic trophies. What he did for Wales was also absolutely incredible.
“With Salah and Liverpool, they aren’t the one-man team that Tottenham were so it might not be such a shock to the system, but he's certainly a world class player and very difficult to replace.”
Salah’s Liverpool exit won’t be like Bale at Spurs. ⚽️ Liverpool aren’t a one-man team, but replacing Salah will be tough. 🔴 As for Darwin Nunez, there are enough competitions for rotation. He needs confidence and love from Arne Slot. His chance will come! 💪
Q: Will Darwin Nunez be pushing for a Liverpool exit in January?
TS: “There are enough competitions for Darwin Nunez to be rotated by Arne Slot to keep him from trying to push for a move away due to lack of playing time.
“At the moment he is looking for consistency with his starting XI but when the fixtures pick up he will get his time, with Harvey Elliott now out injured too.
“But Nunez is a cult hero at Liverpool for doing nothing at the moment. But he does have ability and just need to be made to feel confident and be shown some love by his manager.
“Arne Slot now has to put his arm around him, give him some one-to-one treatment and tell him his opportunity will come, and when it comes and when he plays well, leave him in the team.”
Q: Who are your third favourites for the Champions League after Man City and Real Madrid?
TS: “Apart from Manchester City and Real Madrid, I’d go with Arsenal to win the Champions League. They have shown on their day that they can beat anyone and having been delighted to be back in it last year now they could go and compete.
“Liverpool could also go far as such experienced winners of it and you also have to look at Bayern Munich, they have what it takes to go a long way.”
Q: Should Harry Maguire be favoured over Matthijs de Ligt at Man Utd?
On Maguire vs. De Ligt: United had more pressing needs. De Ligt isn’t £50m better than Maguire and isn’t guaranteed to excel in the Premier League. Money better spent elsewhere! 💸🔴 On Unai Emery: He has the credentials for Man Utd, but Villa would fight to keep him. He's turned their fortunes around and knows the Premier League. 🌟⚽
TS: “I feel like there were areas of the field and more pressing areas of the field where Manchester United needed to strengthen.
“They’vs obviously decided to back Ten Hag and give him the money to get players who he knows - but this is not the De Ligt who was at Ajax.
“When you move to huge clubs, you move there for a reason because you're a very talented player. So he went to Juventus and he was okay, but then they decided to let him go.
“Good teams don't let good players go too easily. Then he was in and out of the team at Bayern Munich but having said that, I do like him as a player. I just don’t think he’s £50m better than Harry Maguire.
I think they need a centre forward. I can't remember the last time I saw a Manchester United squad with one fit centre forward and that's pretty much what they have got.
“I think they could have used their money in different areas rather than bringing a player who's isn’t much better than what you’ve got, especially when it will be their first season to play in the Premier League.
“I don't think Ten Hag has got the time to bed someone in, he needs ready-made players. Look at a couple of years ago when they should’ve signed Harry Kane and Declan Rice.
“There is no guarantee that De Ligt can do it in the Premier League, but I hope he does. He looks like a good lad. But he’s certainly not better than Lisandro Martinez, who is a fan favourite.
“Additionally, I think he’s a similar player to Harry Maguire, they’ve got similar qualities and I think that money could’ve been spent well in different areas.”
Q: Does Unai Emery have the credentials to be a future Man Utd manager?
TS: “Unai Emery certainly has the credentials to be a future Manchester United manager, but Aston Villa would do everything they can not to lose him and I don’t think he’d be interested in leaving to take that job.
“Aston Villa, they've given him everything. They've given the sporting director what he wants as well. He's pretty much running the club from top to bottom. And why wouldn't they?
“He has had a couple of fantastic seasons and he's turned their fortunes around, on top of that, every time he signs a player, it seems to be a success and he improves the ones they already have.
“He is a dream manager and Villa are right to trust him, it would be difficult to prise him away now, but certainly he looks like a man to me who's very level -headed and can handle the big pressure.
“Back to that old thing of experience in the Premier League, he knows all about it. They weren't bringing him in cold, he'd already dipped his toe in the water with Arsenal and that would have been a benefit to him in this job.”
Q: Where do you stand in the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate?
Messi vs Ronaldo? Both are out of this world 🌟, but I lean towards Messi for his incredible dribbling and goal-scoring. Ronaldo, a bit more manufactured but brilliant. 🤩 As for management, I see Ronaldo pursuing it and being successful, while Messi may kick back and relax. 🏆
TS: “Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi can’t be judged alongside any other players, they’re not world class – they are out of this world.
“They’re freaks really. Continually churning out numbers and being so durable, hardly ever injured, it’s testament to how they have looked after themselves as well as their ability.
“They are fantastic role models but actually quite unrealistic role models for kids. They are just incredible, so special.
“It’s a privilege to have been in an era to watch them play, but if I had to choose it would be Messi, his manipulation of the ball and the goals he has scored down the years.
“His dribbling is incredible and he gets even uncultured football watchers off their seats every week and has barely ever disappointed.
“Ronaldo is a little bit more manufactured, but still brilliant.”
Q: Do you think Messi or Ronaldo will go into management?
TS: “In terms of management, I can’t see it being the path of Lionel Messi, I think he will put his feet up somewhere.
“With Cristiano Ronaldo, I don’t think he will be able to leave the game behind. He is in love with the game and I can certainly see him doing it and being successful.
“I’d love to see him as a manager and he won’t have a lack of offers if he does go down that route.”
Q: Is Jack Grealish held back at all by playing into Man City’s system?
Jack Grealish shines with freedom but thrives in Man City's structure under Pep. 🌟 He sticks to the left, creates space, and supports the team. 🏆 Prefers a free role, but loves the trophies. Big season ahead if he stays fit. 💪 At England, he's excellent drifting.
TS: “You could say Jack Grealish isn’t at his very best unless he has the freedom of the park, but no one gets that at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
“You play to a structure of how Pep Guardiola wants to play and if you don't stick to that, then you don't play because they've got so many options that he can just leave you out.
“He wants Jack to stay on the left hand side, create a melee, drag people over and give some freedom to the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne and he does it well.
“If Jack stays fit I see him having a big season again this year. I do think Jack would prefer having a free role, but he also likes picking up trophies at the end of every season.
“It’s not like him being at Aston Villa when I needed him to just go and pick the ball up and even told other players just to find Jack and given him the ball.
“I used to say to Jack, I want you to give the ball away more than anyone else has it, because I want you to take risks and be at the heart of the team.
“Certainly during England’s win over Ireland, he drifted everywhere and picked it up in behind and looked excellent.
“He could receive the ball in a phone box and hopefully under Lee Carsley he becomes a mainstay in the England team, although that won’t be easy with Phil Foden and Cole Palmer coming back. But Jack has done himself no harm.”
Q: What are the biggest differences between managing and being a pundit?
TS: “The biggest difference between being a manager and a pundit is the pressure that comes with it, there is so much pressure as a manager and you take that home with you.
“As a pundit, after doing a show on TV, you want to do well and I find it easy because I just tell it how it is and say how I feel. I give my opinion and try to be myself. If people like it, they like it and if they don’t, they don’t.
“As a manager you can’t go home and put everything to one side and forget about it. You are thinking 24/7 and that can consume you and rightly so when you need your team to perform.
“If you can’t do that you get sacked, it’s as simple as that.”
Q: Would you get back into management if given the right opportunity?
TS: “I’m enjoying what I’m doing at the moment but I’d definitely get back into management if I had the right offer, 100%.
“I would like to go back into the development of younger players. I love that role and I think I'm good at it as well. I think I can recognise the talent and nurture and mould young players to reach their potential at the top level. I have done that in the past and I think I could again.
“I still have the energy to be able to do it and I've got the passion for it. I’ve got the honesty with players, look at Harry Kane and Jack Grealish and other players I’ve brought through, you and them have to be strong enough to know it’s not good news all the time and they need that to improve.
“I'd love to find a role where I can develop young players again.”
Q: Who were the best managers to share a drink with after a game?
TS: “I loved sharing a drink and a chat with any manager as long as we had won, but some managers wouldn’t come in if they lost.
“Arsene Wenger would only come in if Arsenal had won and unfortunately for me I did see him a few times.”
Tim Sherwood Profile
Timothy Alan Sherwood (born February 6, 1969) is a former English footballer and manager, renowned for captaining Blackburn Rovers to their Premier League title in 1995. His career as a midfielder spanned from 1987 to 2005, during which he played for Watford, Norwich City, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, and Coventry City. He earned three caps for the England national team in 1999.
Club Career
Sherwood was born in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, and began his professional career at Watford, making his debut in 1987. After 32 league appearances, he transferred to Norwich City in 1989, where he scored 13 goals in 88 games. In 1992, he joined Blackburn Rovers, becoming a key player and captain, leading them to a Premier League title in the 1994-95 season. In 1999, he moved to Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £3 million fee, winning a runners-up medal in the 2002 League Cup. His tenure was cut short following a public fallout with manager Glenn Hoddle, leading to his departure in 2003. Sherwood then signed with Portsmouth, playing a pivotal role in their First Division Championship win but suffered a career-impacting leg injury in 2003. He concluded his playing career at Coventry City, where he captained the side but struggled with injuries and other commitments, ultimately leaving the club in 2005.
International Career
Sherwood accrued England caps at various youth levels and earned an England B cap before making his senior team debut at age 30 in a Euro 2000 qualifier against Poland in March 1999. He gained two more caps the same year, playing against Hungary and Sweden.
Managerial Career
Transitioning to coaching, Sherwood took roles at Tottenham Hotspur starting in 2008, eventually becoming manager in December 2013. Despite achieving a commendable sixth-place finish, he was dismissed in May 2014. In February 2015, he became manager of Aston Villa, leading the team to an FA Cup final and avoiding relegation, but was sacked in October 2015 following a poor run of results. He later served as Director of Football for Swindon Town from November 2016 until June 2017, departing after the club's relegation.
Media Career
Post-retirement, Sherwood established himself as a football pundit, offering commentary on English football for Al-Jazeera Sport, Setanta Sports, and more recently, Amazon Prime Video's Premier League coverage.
