Tottenham stars nickname duo "pinky and perky" as UEFA report shames Solskjaer

Tottenham players have dubbed Fabio Paratici and Steve Hitchen "pinky and perky" as they have suddenly become more noticeable this season.

Managing director of football Paratici and technical performance director Hitchen have even sat on the bench for games this season but have been watching training and have even tried to be in team meetings.

It has not gone down well among the players and it has been seen as undermining under-pressure Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo in some quarters.

Paratici is well connected but was a surprise appointment and one which took Hitchen by surprise with a few people expecting Tottenham 's highly-experienced talent spotter to leave.

But they are both on contracts and their combined and increased profile around first team matters is only turning up the heat on Nuno while some players believe it shows a lack of respect and understanding.

Fabio Paratici has taken on a big role at Tottenham alongside Steve Hitchen ( Image:

Getty Images)

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had his tactical knowledge scrutinised again - this time in an official UEFA report.

The UEFA reports on tournaments and finals are always fascinating reading on trends, tactics and management with Patrick Vieira and Gareth Southgate among the observers credited with taking an overview on last season's Champions League and Europa League.

But some of the most damning comments come around Solskjaer going head-to-head and being outwitted by Villarreal boss Unai Emery in the Europa League final in May.

Emery made five substitutes in normal time, made a sixth in extra time and yet United boss Solskjaer did not make a single change in 90 minutes.

UEFA Technical Observer Frans Hoek said: "When you look at the way Unai managed things with Villarreal, then having five substitutes is really a game changer. It gives an enormous amount of new possibilities."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was outfoxed by Unai Emery in the Europa League final ( Image:

PA)

The report goes on to conclude: "The final was an excellent example of how substitutes were able to impact on games. Although the title match was ultimately decided on a penalty shoot-out, Emery's decision to use all five of his available substitutes in normal time - and the additional sixth replacement in extra time - ensured his team made a much fresher impression throughout the additional period.

"The possession statistics confirm this transformation. Over the first 90 minutes, Manchester United had enjoyed most of the possession (almost 60%, rising to over 70% in the last 15 minutes), but Villarreal gained much more of the ball in extra time, pushing close to 60% of possession in the second period."

Interestingly, English observer John Peacock identified Paul Pogba as "the focal point of the team" and vital to United's win over Roma in the semi final while in the Champions League report it describes the players who lie down behind walls at free kicks as "sleepers."

They have also christened Pep Guardiola's system of using full backs as "false full backs" as the way, in particular, Joao Cancelo drops into midfield and creates more space for team mates out wide.

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Sky and BT Sport will be able to do post-match interviews in the tunnel again this weekend - but that still does not solve the issue.

Premier League clubs and TV companies alike are unhappy that managers and players have to speak pitch side before and after games with the issue being highlighted at the North London derby.

Arsenal supporters stayed behind after the final whistle and cheered Mikel Arteta but gave Spurs counterpart Nuno Espirito Santo some relentless stick when they did their post-match interviews.

The host broadcasters - when it is a Sky or BT game - will be allowed in the new "purple zone" instead with the touchline reporters - like Geoff Shreeves or Des Kelly - having to do a lateral flow Covid test and potentially another one before being allowed inside.

Both players and managers have been interviewed pitchside this season ( Image:

Getty Images)

But there are still numerous more TV and radio interviews which will carry on pitch side, meaning fans can still shout at, abuse and potentially threaten players and managers.

The vast majority of clubs want to move back inside, do more media interviews face-to-face as there are genuine concerns about safety particularly around fiery games.

Premier League bosses had hoped to set up new purple zones from the start of the season but medical advice put it on hold with the set-up being reviewed in October.

However, clubs do not think the Premier League want to go beyond the slight change afforded to Sky and BT even after the latest international break.

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Kelly Hogarth has earned a reputation as being one of the best and most influential marketing, media and talent advisers in football.

She has helped Manchester United star Marcus Rashford with his powerful #endchildfoodpoverty campaign and is now also working with Manchester City 's England forward Raheem Sterling.

Marcus Rashford's #endchildfoodpoverty campaign has been helped by influential Kelly Hogarth ( Image:

BBC)

Sterling, who already works with Gillette among other stellar brands, has signed a commercial contract with Italian fashion brand Bottega Veneta and his outstanding summer with England only strengthened his reputation as one of the country's biggest names.

Hogarth recently left Roc Nation to set up her own company called Thelma Gwen, has helped Rashford also set up a partnership with Macmillan Children's Books and their best seller You Are A Champion has been No1 in the children's sales chart.

They have also made 390,000 copies available to be distributed by the National Lottery and Magic Breakfast, a superb and worthwhile charity.

She was recently named on PR Week's UK Power Book, is known for her shrewd advice and passionate campaigns which have have already been such a success for Rashford

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The escalating war between FIFA and UEFA is being viewed with great interest by the top clubs.

One executive probably spoke for the majority in suggesting "football is for sale" and the highest bidders will come from Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia are not far behind.