Harry Redknapp has claimed that he holds the key to convincing Luka Modric to stay put and that the situation can be sorted with a decent chat and an improved contract – but David Pleat says "sell up" and some fans already see yesterday's no show as the final straw.
"If anyone can pick him up, I can. I have a great relationship with him," the gaffer explained, but says that Modric's relationship with the chairman might need more work.
"They probably fell out a little bit over that first meeting," added Redknapp. "If they can have a meeting and resolve the whole situation and Daniel tells him we need him, he is important and that we are ambitious and will bring one or two players in, you might find the boy will be okay."
Former boss David Pleat says different. He says that Tottenham should face up to the fact that Modric doesn't want to stay and cash in before it's too late, even hinting at some underhand tactics on Chelsea's behalf.
"Spurs are being forced to lose a player because someone has done their business behind the scenes and now he’s seeing £150,000 a week or whatever Chelsea are saying they’ll pay him," Pleat told Talksport.
"With Modric it’s simple – he’s asked for a transfer so he doesn’t want to play there. He shouldn’t be a hero with the fans because he doesn’t want to play for the shirt.
“So Tottenham need to maximise the price and get every penny they can for him. And to pacify the supporters, they should take good money, plus a player. That would help."
Last night seems to have been a big turning point with the fans as a number of forums seem to suggest.
Nasri was willing to put in a good shift for Arsenal despite his Manchester City move looming large, and John Obi Mikel turned out for Chelsea even though his father had been kidnapped. Yet poor little Luka Modric has to stay at home because he can't get his own way.
The Croatian claims to love and respect the Tottenham fans but he was still willing to sit at home while thousands of supporters forked out for tickets and transport to Manchester only to see their depleated side outplayed in midfield, desperately lacking someone who could open up the defending champions.
Modric's head wasn't in the right place. Or so we are told. Well £60,000 a week should be enough to put anybody's head in the right place. Even Cesc Fabregas continued to play for his employer despite his head being elsewhere.
As Kevin Bond said, everyone has their price and, despite Daniel Levy's strong stance over the summer saga the simple truth of the matter may be that Chelsea haven't matched our valuation.
If the Blues don't come through with an acceptable offer in time, then Modric will have a huge job clawing back the respect of the White Hart Lane faithful.
Maybe that Monday-night trip up to Manchester doesn't seem such a bad idea after all, eh Luka?
Arry plays peacemaker as Luka loses respect
posted on 23/8/11
Spurcat Maybe if he'd played the whole story straight down the Levy line poor ickle Ratboy would have got the message earlier!
posted on 23/8/11
Spurcat
There is no doubt in my mind that you are spot on Harry never misses a chance to big himself up and look like the good guy.
posted on 23/8/11
Good article TFM
If Harry has a good relationship with frodo like he says he has, then why hasnt he already sorted it all out - i say play him in the reserves until he shows some respect, and if he doesnt want to play reserves, dont pay the rat faced
posted on 23/8/11
oddiY - Sadly we don't have reserves but perhaps Ratboy should play with the kids and maybe we should make Harry manage them so he can be close to him
posted on 23/8/11
ddd
Fair point mate and I think you're right. I was a great admirer of Harry long before he became our manager and in general, I applaud his approach with the media.
But even my patience is beginning to wane over his increased spouting "look and listen to me" attitude.
Crikey, I was watching a game at the weekend, and in the advert break, there was Harry in his back garden yapping to Jeff Stelling in some fantasy football plug.
I am surprised he thinks he can find the time to "lift Luka up".
posted on 23/8/11
good point ddd
Its about time we had the reserves back, just so we could play frodo there, although i am sure we could put him out on loan to the "dog and duck" B team.
It must be difficult for a professional like Levy working with Harry, he needs to learn to button it, he just cant stop talking drivel, i used to find it amusing, and a little charming - it just grates me now
posted on 23/8/11
Spurcat
As you know I was 100% in favour of Harry but he has also been a disappointment to me lately as well. He is all about Harry and thats for sure
posted on 23/8/11
I dont remember him being so narcissistic when he was at the south coast clubs or at the spammers ...i may have not been paying close enough attention to him then, but think that now he has been to the champions league, and thinks he is favourite to be the next England manager his ego has got a little out of control
posted on 23/8/11
Grand
I don't think he's ever been any different. When he was at Pompey, it was all "before I came here, we were playing the likes of Rochdale every week", then when he came to us it was the famous 2 points/8 games thing.
If his heart is set on the Englad job, then fair enough and good luck to him in that, but whilst he is manager of our club, then sometimes I wish he'd just button it once in a while instead of promoting himself.
posted on 23/8/11
spurcat I agree with your take on things. I would perhaps take it a bit further, which is not popular with many on here but it's my view. I'm always open to give the benefit of the doubt but as you may see by my previous posts I have never been convinced by Harry's commitment to us. He did us a good turn or two but on the whole I think his heart has never been totally in it. Harry is very much a fame and fortune type of person and a scrapper whre his own hide is concerned as has been seen in his dealings over the years.
Nobody ever knows the full story but he seems to have his eye on other things especially lately which is not good for the club.