‘Very strange’ – Harry Redknapp admits to being puzzled about Nuno decision

Harry Redknapp has questioned why Nuno Espirito Santo is putting the likes of Dele Alli in charge of marking opposition defenders during set-pieces.

Defending set-pieces was an issue for Tottenham last season and that is not something Nuno has been able to tackle during his time at the club so far.

The Spurs boss has admitted way the team has defended corners and free-kicks is a matter of concern for him.

However, Redknapp has now questioned the Portuguese coach’s decision to allow his attacking players to mark the opposition centre-backs, pointing to the mismatch between Alli and Thiago Silva in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Spurs last Sunday.

The former Tottenham manager told The Sun: “Of course they’re going to be conceding at set-pieces when they’ve got Dele Alli marking the likes of Thiago Silva.

“I thought it was very strange for Nuno and his backroom staff to sit in the dressing room before the Blues clash and make that call.

“He’s identified set pieces as a weakness in his team, but then he’s putting Alli up against Silva, who wants to come and head the ball for his life.

“It was a complete mismatch and of course they were made to pay big time for that when Silva grabbed the opener.

“I don’t know how you can do your homework before a game knowing full well that Silva is the main man in set-pieces then get your three best markers on Romelu Lukaku instead.

“For me, I don’t see why Nuno has got forwards marking the opposition’s best headers of the ball, because it happened again with Antonio Rudiger’s goal as well.”

Nuno has come under pressure early into his reign at Spurs boss and the 47-year-old seemingly has his work cut out if he is to get the side anywhere close to challenging for a top-four finish.

Spurs Web Opinion

I do believe that the majority of Spurs fans realise that we are in a transition and are happy to give Nuno time. However, the nature of social media is that extreme/fringe voices often get amplified. So, I am not surprised that some on Spurs twitter already seemed to have made up their minds about Nuno.

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