Candidates Tottenham loves only if Ange Postecoglou is sacked, including Champions League runner-up
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is facing mounting scrutiny as the club endures what has been a nightmare campaign thus far. Spurs currently find themselves languishing in 15th place in the Premier League table, far closer to the dreaded relegation zone than to the coveted European qualification spots when measured in terms of points. This disappointing position has left fans and critics questioning the club’s direction under Postecoglou’s leadership.
While relegation is not yet an immediate threat—thanks to the bottom four clubs being somewhat adrift—Tottenham’s predicament is still alarming for a club of their stature. Spurs are miles away from where they had hoped to be, and injuries have been a significant factor in their struggles. Despite these setbacks, Postecoglou has struggled to find effective solutions to the challenges on the pitch, and this inability to adapt has only added to the pressure mounting on his shoulders.
For now, chairman Daniel Levy appears willing to give Postecoglou more time, with the club actively seeking reinforcements to strengthen the squad. However, patience can only stretch so far, and if Tottenham’s form doesn’t show signs of improvement in the coming weeks, Levy may have no choice but to consider a managerial change. Speculation about potential successors has already begun, with three names emerging as the leading candidates to take the reins if Postecoglou is shown the door.
Edin Terzic: The Top Contender
The front-runner for the role appears to be Edin Terzic, who is currently without a managerial position. The 42-year-old departed Borussia Dortmund after a successful three-year spell, which was split by a year away from the top job. During his time with the German giants, Terzic showcased his tactical acumen, guiding Dortmund to victory in the DFB-Pokal and coming agonizingly close to winning the Bundesliga title. In his final season, he also led the team to the Champions League final, where they fell to Real Madrid.
Terzic is renowned for his possession-based style of football, favoring formations such as 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. His experience at the highest level and his availability make him an attractive candidate for Spurs, particularly given the club’s need for a manager capable of steadying the ship and reinvigorating the squad.
Andoni Iraola: The Ambitious Choice
Another name being linked with the Tottenham job is Andoni Iraola, currently managing AFC Bournemouth. The Spanish tactician first caught the attention of football fans with his dynamic Rayo Vallecano side, which played an exciting and aggressive brand of football. Since moving to the Premier League, Iraola has transformed Bournemouth into a formidable outfit. After a slow start, the Cherries have surged up the table and now sit in an impressive seventh place, just three points off the top four.
Iraola’s preferred systems, such as 4-4-2 and 4-1-3-2, emphasize high pressing and quick transitions, often orchestrated by a key midfielder. However, prising him away from Bournemouth would not be easy. Convincing Iraola to leave a club competing for European places for a struggling Tottenham side would be a tough sell, and the financial cost of such a move would likely be significant.
Thomas Frank: The Resourceful Option
Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also being touted as a potential candidate to replace Postecoglou. The Danish coach has worked wonders with limited resources at Brentford, consistently keeping the club competitive despite injuries and other challenges. Currently, the Bees sit in 11th place, a testament to Frank’s ability to extract the maximum from his squad.
Though Brentford endured a slightly underwhelming campaign last season, they have remained a consistent mid-table team, often flirting with the top half. Frank’s experience in navigating difficult circumstances could make him an appealing option for Spurs, but, as with Iraola, persuading him to jump ship may prove challenging. Additionally, with interest in Frank’s services likely to grow in the months ahead, Levy would need to act swiftly to secure his signature.
The Clock is Ticking
As Tottenham’s dismal season drags on, the pressure on Postecoglou will only intensify. While Levy may be hesitant to make a change, the prospect of relegation—or even just the continued embarrassment of a bottom-half finish—could force his hand. With Terzic, Iraola, and Frank all offering unique strengths, the club has viable options to consider should they decide to move on from Postecoglou. The coming weeks will be critical for the Australian manager, who must find a way to turn Spurs’ fortunes around before it’s too late.
