Redemption; the act of saving or being saved from sin, error or evil.

Whilst the words’ biblical connotations are perhaps rather ostentatious, its general definition can draw comparisons with Andre Villas-Boas and his attempt at redefining his career at Tottenham. His much maligned spell at Chelsea will, unfairly or not, be forever remembered as an unmitigated disaster. However, time is a healer, and it appears that with a new job at one of the most exciting vacancies in the Premier League, the Portuguese may well be on the right path to reignite his managerial career. Nonetheless, thoughtless comments made to the media last week may indicate the naivety that was shown in glimpses at Stamford Bridge. Throughout a press conference, the 34-year old implied that in his time at Chelsea, he was unfairly treated and given false promises. Whilst there may be some legitimacy in AVB’s comments, his focus should solely be about his new club. By artfully criticising his previous employers, the pressure builds at his new position. If circumstances turn awry at White Hart Lane, his comments will seem irrational and false. While it may have relived some of the aggravation from the former Porto man, was his outburst really worth piling unnecessary pressure on himself?

“Words did not meet the actions of what we were doing (at Chelsea) in terms of the project, so I think I was cut short, Tottenham is much more important than me and what I have to do is try to take them to success and not make it a personal issue”.

“I met the (Spurs) chairman (Daniel Levy), and saw the way he goes about his business at the club,”

“He knows what he is doing, approaching the market in a different way. He is a person of great football understanding and he had the effect of giving me the assurances I wanted in terms of building something.”

Whilst these remarks made by Villas-Boas in the aforementioned press conference may have been an attempt to try and explain his early exit at Chelsea, there is no question that the frustration of his time at Stamford Bridge played a vital role in his comments. By criticizing his former employers and then distancing himself from any troublesome issues should they arise at Spurs, he is covering his own back. The 34-year old needn’t dig his own grave yet though. He is still untested in the league over a full season. He wasn’t given enough time at Chelsea yet will be watched closely to attain whether similar disasters could unfold at White Hart Lane. With pressure on his back already from the relentless media, his accusations that churned out like an erupting volcano added fuel to the fire. His explanation of a healthy relationship with Daniel Levy is an obvious taunt at Roman Abramovich, with whom he did not have the most productive of relationships with. However, this may have been down to the extortionate amount of money that the Russian had to spend in tearing up Villas-Boas’ contract at Porto, while Levy had no such compensation to deal with. The Portuguese speaks of assurances that Levy has given him as some form of guarantee that his job is safeguarded. However, previous comments indicate that Abramovich may have also given assurances. Who’s to say that if Spurs are performing below par after Christmas, the chairman will have no alternative but to change manager?

Ultimately, the comments made by Villas-Boas will probably fade into the background of the constant rigmarole that surrounds all Premier League clubs. However, it does seem naïve of the Portuguese to make these statements, as if totally passing the blame for his Chelsea faults whilst displaying sincerity for a club where he may meet similar redundancy issues should he not live up to expectation.

Let me know what you think. Was AVB naive to fuel a war between himself and his previous employers? Let me know on twitter @mattpegg1

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