Pundit reveals how Nuno could ‘lose authority in the dressing room’ against Man City

Shaka Hislop has claimed Nuno Espirito Santo could risk losing the dressing room in his very first game as Tottenham boss if he starts Harry Kane against Manchester City.

Kane is expected to start training with his teammates on Thursday and although Nuno has said the striker will be available for selection against City, there remains a major question mark over whether he will play.

Manchester City reportedly remain confident they will get the 28-year-old before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Even though the England captain has insisted he never refused to train, reports did indicate last week that Spurs were set to fine him.

Hislop has insisted if Kane starts against City on Sunday despite the controversy over the last couple of weeks, that would send a message that it is he, not Nuno, who is in charge.

The former West Ham goalkeeper told ESPN: “If this is the backdrop and there is any truth to Spurs’ stance about Harry Kane and his return.

“I don’t see how Nuno includes in his starting XI.

“I just feel that sends absolutely the wrong message. It says that Harry Kane is in charge. It says Nuno has to do what Harry Kane dictates.

“Then spin over to that is the message to the rest of the dressing room and who is in charge.

“That, for me, is something that even with a new manager coming never really gets back.

“If that’s his first salvo – you can’t afford to lose authority in the dressing room in your first official game in charge.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I do not expect Nuno to start Kane on Sunday as the Spurs boss has obviously been working on the team’s shape in pre-season. We will likely once again see a front four of Dele, Lucas, Bergwijn and Son.

Nuno’s decision on whether to name Kane on the bench or omit him from the matchday squad could be quite telling regarding the striker’s future.

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