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Comolli hits back after Redknapp rant
Tom Collomosse30.01.09
Damien Comolli today angrily hit back at Harry Redknapp's criticism of his transfer policy and defended the squad he built at Tottenham.
Comolli sanctioned £170million spending on players during his three years as sporting director, but the make-up of the squad was recently rubbished by current boss Redknapp.
He described it as "a mish-mash" after Spurs narrowly avoided humiliation in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Burnley - while the club have also struggled to pull away from the relegation zone.
Redknapp's desperation to strengthen the team has led him to try to bring back Robbie Keane, with reports today suggesting Liverpool are ready to report Spurs to the Premier League for allegedly tapping-up the Irishman.
Tottenham's pursuit of Keane looks doomed as Liverpool want a straight cash deal for the 28-year-old, who cost them £20.3m.
But Comolli pointed to Spurs's achievement in reaching two successive Carling Cup Finals as proof of the quality that is in the squad - and mocked some of the deals manager Redknapp has done in the past.
Comolli said: "Not many clubs outside the top four get to two cup finals in two seasons. I think that the quality is there.
"At Portsmouth, Harry Redknapp spent £6m on signing David Nugent from Preston, but he hardly ever played for him."
Comolli also claimed Redknapp had taken Didier Zokora on trial while the manager of Portsmouth but had rejected the Ivory Coast international.
"Zokora now plays virtually every game in midfield for Spurs, so it is a question of timing,” the Frenchman added.
Comolli's departure in October, along with that of former coach Juande Ramos and his staff, saw Spurs chairman Daniel Levy abandon the much-criticised director of football system, with Redknapp now in sole charge of coaching and transfers.
But Comolli defended the system, insisting it remained the best way of achieving success.
“AC Milan have been one of the most successful clubs in the world over the past two decades,” Comolli, who is now sporting director at French club St Etienne, told Sky Sports News.
“Coaches and players have come and gone during that time, but they have kept on winning with the director of football system, which proves it works very well.”
Keane's future is still unresolved but he will be back in the Liverpool squad for Sunday's game at Anfield with Chelsea. It has become a must-win game for manager Rafael Benitez who is under pressure following another draw at Wigan on Wednesday.
Reader views (9)
Unbelievable!
Redknapp is doing the same thing he did at Southampton. Blaming his predecessor and the players. Remember, Southampton went down!
He really is quite an unlikeable character, poor manager (what has he ever won, apart from last year against a championship team) and arrogant so and so.
He complains about his squad. I, as a Fulham follower, would be delighted if Fulham could sign two of his squad. They would probably walk in to the first team.
A motivator of English lads he might be but a David Moyes he isn't.
Get on with your job Harry, else Spurs will be the next in your line of failures.
RJ.
Expat in USA
- Ray Jarvis, Marlborough, MA, USA
Everyone blames Comolli & Im certain he isnt innocent, but surely Daniel Levy sanctioned the sales of Defoe, Keane, Berbatov, Chimbonda etc. As well as purchases such as Bent for £16.5 million. Even now with Comolli gone, we are making some very odd moves in the transfer market.... Modric £16.5 million, Palacios £14 million, Defoe £9 million more than we sold him for, Pav £12 million, Gomes £8.5 million, Bale £10 million, Corluka £8.5 million. Some of these are quality players, but we seem to anticpate competition for their signatures & pay extotionate prices, when in reality there has been no genuine competition. How has Daniel Levy escaped unscathed? Are we really that stupid?
- Rob Hotspurs, South London
Why is it that furious Spurs fans blame Comolli's dealings on his time at Arsenal. After all they poached him from the Gunners by offering a ludicrous pay increase and the promise of the "continental" approach. it didn't work out so don' bleat about it. That's life and just move on, but it never ceases to amaze me how fickle some Tottenham fans are for their lack of league success that they continue to blame that on their "North London Neighbours" as well
- John, Kent, Erith
just picking up on what Brian and Kevin have said, this is so right, as a director of football, he could not direct traffic !!!! you dont make a shopping list, give to somone else and moan if they get it wrong, we should never have employed him from day one, Zokora, works his guts out, his quick and marked Ronaldo out of the game when Man U came to us 1-1, but i agree he ain't going to bring a goal to the table, (watch bet he scores v bolton)
always happens, if he gets on ??? no doubt it, anyway we are far better of now, god i hope so, Lets get CRUZ CONTROL,,,,,,,,watch this space........
- Stuart Spurs, cambridge
Comolli was recruited based on his so-called record of working with Wenger in brining relatively unknown players to Arsenal who then turned out to be top-class players. In this regard, not one gem was unearthed by DC. He mainly concentrated on big-money buys, and outside of Berbatov, not one of these could be considered to be an unqualifed success.
His record was poor and he should have the good grace to admit it.
- Peterridsdale, Janesville USA
Berbatov cried like a spolit child, Daniel Levy should of cancelled his contract by mutual consent...Just look at him when he scored the goal against us in the FA Cup, i hope he don't do it in the Carling Cup..
Spurs, have always needs players who are committed and want to play for Spurs, like the Roberts, Mabbutts, Mackay etc...
We spent alot of money on players, who can't get into the team and neither will, how can you say Zokora, is worth 8 million, for someone who can't score a goal!
We need a lampard who can score goals...
- Adrian, london
Damien Comolli, is hitting out at Harry, blaming Berbatov for spurs troubles, spurs v bolton home last season, Berbatov had no interest what so ever then, he said then he wanted out, but whoever it was held the guy to ransom, he should have been sold within 2 weeks of the end of last season, but no, so any blame is spurs fault at that time, no one else, oh by the way he proved what a class player he is, see the way he controlled and scored sat, Comolli alledged dealings in the transfer market, i would not send him down the supermarket, because he will buy and come back with the wrong things hoping that will do and his x from the other side of north london, don't like swearing, so i aint saying the name, enough said...
- Stuart Spurs, cambridge
How much was spent on purchasing Kaboul, Boateng and Taarabt, none of whom have managed to win a regular place in the side and how much has been/will be received for them when they are/will be sold ?
Where is Spurs badly needed defensive midfielder, left sided midfielder (been required for some years) and cover for Ledley King whose problem has been known about for two years or so ?
Zokora is a loyal and hard working player but he is not a top defender and he cannot pass or shoot, a squad player at best. This had been obvious for at least two years.
Both Jol and Ramos have complained of not receiving co-operation from Damien Comolli at some stage. Spurs are better off without him.
A D. of F. is a good idea but the person fulfilling the role must work with and back up the manager as well as having a top class working knowledge of the game.
- Brian, Wokingham, England
Damien Comolli is remembered for one hing at Tottenham and that is getting Martin Jol sacked.
His player purchases were in opposition to Jol's requirements and Jol said that out straight.
I believe, that had Martin Jol been afforded the liaison with the board, which Harry R is enjoying and allowed to sign his own team that we would be in the Everton/Aston Villa situation now.
Anyway he's gone and Harry's here. Lets hope Harry brings the success expected of him, seeing as he is being allowed a free reign without the interference of a Football Director.
- Kevin, North London
