The article states that Comolli is 'fighting to save is position' after coming under scrutiny because of the estimated re-sale value of his expensive acquisitions. Although it is by no means the first time his position has been questioned - their have been rumblings of discontent among the fans for some time - Comolli will be alarmed that his position has been called into question by one of the countries leading newspapers.
Fortunately for the Frenchman it seems that The Times' has based the entire article around basic mathematics rather than insider knowledge or hard fact. By totalling up the combined transfer fees of all the players he has recommended to the club and then subtracting the players current estimated value the articles author has come to the blindingly obvious conclusion that he's spent a large amount of money on players whose value has plummeted. Despite the non too scientific methodology it makes unpleasant reading for anyone involved with the club.
Before continuing it must be said that the article is a spectacularly good example of lazy journalism. Wielding a calculator and making what amount to educated guesses masqueraded as informed news is niether big nor clever. The estimated current value of the players listed is at best based on opinion and at worst on the latest figure to be quoted by the tabloids. The small description of each players impact is far too simplistic and gives little credence to the genuinely accepted view that players bought in from different leagues need time to bed in and adapt to the English game before they really shine.
That isn't to say that the article doesn't make a valid point. So far Comolli has failed to unearth the talent of the future that he was famed for finding whilst working as Arsene Wenger's chief scout . Furthermore, many of the players he has bought to boost the current squad have struggled to make an impact. That said, there is time for that to change and it would be unwise of Daniel Levy to give Comolli the boot during a summer where everyone at the club needs to be pulling in the right direction. Any rash move now could disrupt Juande Ramos' preparation for a busy pre-season.
So where has Frank Arnesen's successor got it right and where has he gone horribly wrong? Below we list some his hits, and his misses, and as you will see, the conclusion is far from as clear cut as The Times would like us to believe.
The Hits
Jonathan Woodgate - signed from Middlesbrough for £7.5m a price that now looks like a very good bit of business. Has been superb in almost all of his appearances for the club and has been relatively injury free. Touted as a replacement for King as permanent captain and regained his place in the England squad due to his excellent recent performances.
Gareth Bale - although he has been injured for much of the season, Bale showed in his few appearances for the club that he will develop into a superb player given more Premiership experience. His signing was a major coup for the club and it is only fair to give Comolli some of the credit. Worth more than the quoted £6.5m in The Times.
Alan Hutton - the adventurous Scotland international took a lot of persuading to come south of the border but represents another acquisition snatched from under the noses of some of Europe's biggest clubs. A solid first few months at the club are enough to suggest he will only get better. £8m is a fair price for a good full-back in the current climate.
Dimitar Berbatov - In terms of resale value and impact on the first team, he is Comolli's best signing. If he leaves in the summer the club are likely to make at least a £15m profit.
Could go either way
Younes Kaboul - many have questioned spending £8m on a defender who had a shaky start to the season but the French U-21 captain has shown flashes of ability. It's very harsh to judge him on his first season at the club because King's absence put a great deal of pressure on him. Still has time to turn it around.
Adel Taarabt - A relatively cheap signing, Adel, like Kaboul, Adel has shown a lot of raw potential but is yet to grow out of the mentality that plagues many young players in that he wants to beat the opposition on his own. If he grows up and learns to be a team player he could be a star.
Chris Gunter - Hasn't made a real impact on the first-team yet but has shown he may have a role to play in the future.
The Misses
Didier Zokora - a decent centre-mid but not worth the £8.2m the club spent on him. Has drive and energy but has no creativity and couldn't hit a cow's backside with a banjo. Has shown commendable versatility but isn't of the calibre required to push the club forward.
Hossam Ghaly - A frustrating midfielder, Ghaly is plagued by attitude problems and an annoying habit of giving the ball to anyone other than his team-mates. Wasn't helped by being played out on the wing. Guaranteed to leave in the summer for a reasonable loss of money.
Darren Bent - A miss simply because of the astronomical fee we paid for him and that he has struggled to dislodge Keane or Berbatov. Has looked decent at times and can't be expected to play at his best without a run of games.
Kevin-Prince Boateng - Although young players should be given time, Boateng is yet to show why he was bought to the club. Wasteful in possession and not particularly dynamic he is firmly in the 'miss' category at the moment.
There are others who have struggled to justify their purchase - Ricardo Rocha and Gilberto spring to mind - but overall the above players hardly offer irrefutable evidence that Comolli is failing in his role as sporting director. The fact since he joined we have signed some of the most coveted young talents in football speaks volumes for the man many are quick to dismiss. There are clearly questions regarding some of the fees we have paid but it is unfair to judge the man on this until the players are sold on.
As sporting director Comolli has a hand in bringing Gareth Bale, Dimitar Berbatov and, most recently, Luka Modric to White Hart Lane. On the basis of these three players alone, he does not deserve the sack.