Tottenham Hotspur's search for their new head coach has now headed in yet another direction after they opted to pull the plug on discussions with former Shakhtar Donetsk and Roma boss Paulo Fonseca.
Having failed to secure a move for either Mauricio Pochettino or Antonio Conte, Spurs turned their attentions to Fonseca, who had recently become available after leaving Roma and being replaced by Jose Mourinho.
However, Spurs' interest in Fonseca has now been brought to a remarkable conclusion, just as it appeared as though the Portuguese chief looked set to sign on the dotted line.
Amazingly, former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso could now replace Mourinho in north London, with Spurs having been alerted to his availability, following his exit from Fiorentina today.
Gattuso spent just 23 days in charge of the Serie A club before leaving, with a dispute over investment for new signings being cited in Italy as the catalyst.
However, Gattuso's availability soon alerted Spurs' new managing director of football operations Fabio Paratici, who wanted to hire him at Juventus. Now, the former Napoli boss could replace Mourinho in north London in what would be a shock appointment.
Gattuso, as a player, built up a reputation as a fiery character who got right in the faces of his opponents. He also had an angry streak within himself, meaning he would often strike the fear into the opposition.
However, as a manager, it appears as though he has shown everyone a different side to his personality.
That is because, according to AC Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu, who is being linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea at this moment in time, Gattuso has excellent man-management skills.
The Turkey international played under Gattuso while he was in charge of Milan between 2017 and 2019 and Calhanoglu offered a short insight into what the Italian was like.
“I thank [Gennaro] Gattuso, he always talks with me, even when I’m not playing well, he knows I have quality and I want to repay him with performances like this,” Calhanoglu told Sky Italia.
That statement offers Spurs an insight into what life could be like for the players if talks with Gattuso prove to be successful.
Having a good man-manager, as well as one who is capable of getting the team playing attractive football, can be a recipe for success.
Considering Gattuso was always seen as a fired up character, and not one that necessarily had another side to him, certainly on the pitch, it could be music to the ears of Spurs' supporters.
As well as that, good man-management skills could be key for every member of the squad to be singing from the same hymn sheet after a few months of upheaval and uncertainty.
