Spurs supporters were mystified by Villas-Boas’s stubborn refusal to pick the striker – despite Spurs’ lack of firepower in front of goal.
At the beginning of the season, the Spurs striker walked into a team meeting wearing a hat and the Portuguese boss asked him to remove it; a request Adebayor declined.
The pair exchanged heated words and during the argument Villas-Boas vowed not to play the striker.
Adebayor played no part in the season as a result of that clash, except for one appearance as a half-time substitute during the 6-0 humbling by Manchester City.
Since Villas-Boas was sacked, the striker has been restored by new boss Tim Sherwood, who has reaped the rewards.
The striker has given Spurs a new lease of life and netted four times in five appearances.
Villas-Boas relied on Adebayor last season as Tottenham beat their record Premier League points haul with 72.
The striker played 34 games for the club and scored five goals in the last 11 games of the season.
But this term Villas-Boas often persevered with just Roberto Soldado up front, leaving Adebayor languishing in the reserves.
Villas-Boas came to Tottenham with a reputation for poor squad management – he banished Nicolas Anelka and Alex at Chelsea and upset many of the more established players at the club.
Next up for Tottenham and Adebayor is a trip to the Emirates, to face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.
Saturday’s match is one the striker will be fired up for, given he used to play for the Gunners and there is a sour relationship between the two.
After Adebayor ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Arsenal fans after he scored against them for Manchester City, they hold a strong animosity towards him.
During a 5-2 defeat by Arsenal while playing for Spurs in 2012, Adebayor netted the opening goal – but then was sent off for a wild tackle on Santi Cazorla.
Written by Steve Milne – have your say below 🙂
