Tim Sherwood spoke in the press conference after the game, and said “I don’t think he’s good enough to be in the side at the minute” when asked why Sandro was not included in the squad in the 3-1 win against Fulham. This angered many fans and further widened the disagreements between the manager and fans.
Sandro should be a starter. To not even make the bench is quite appalling indeed. Perhaps he might have not looked in good form in training, maybe not working hard enough as Sherwood would deem acceptable, but Sandro does not come across as a slacker. Even if he was a little off form in training, his ability as a footballer would still put him in the squad. It was incredibly harsh not to have him in the side.
Sticking to the 4-4-2 formation, Chadli and Paulinho were accompanying each other in the centre of midfield at the start. Dembele was back after a recent injury took him out of the side for many games and was subbed on for Paulinho in the second half. This is a good midfield as Dembele can provide a more defensive role and Chadli the offensive role. But to start with Paulinho and Chadli is a rather attack minded midfield. This is a show of Sherwood’s tactics. Sure, the midfielders should be able to attack and defend in the right time, but some midfielders are better suited to each role. They might be strong players but it doesn’t mean they have a defenders mindset to help when the opposition are on the attack.
Against a team like Fulham, maybe it is perhaps more suitable to have a positive approach to the game, as the quality of players is much lower than if Tottenham were to play a top four side. A defensive midfielder is vital against better teams. Dembele was subbed on in the second half which was a good move to keep the midfield ticking over. Perhaps in other games Dembele will the be starter and once the lead is taken, Sandro might replace him or join him in midfield to protect the lead and vice versa.
The Brazilian belongs in the first team. Sherwood needs to realise that. He also needs to show better respect to his more experienced players. Making a public comment like he did might be a kick up the backside to get Sandro to perhaps do better, but whats wrong with just a quiet word after training? There doesn’t need to be a whole Soap Opera about it.
In the 2012/2013 season, Sandro had the most interceptions in the top five European Leagues. The total of 80 interceptions shows how effective he is in his role in midfield. Tottenham have creativity in Eriksen. But, they need Sandro to get the ball from the opposition and then to pass the ball to Eriksen so he can do his magic. More interceptions lead to more possession of the ball. More possession means less time for the opponent to build anything. Sandro is vital.
Get Sandro back in the first team, Tim. He belongs there.
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