Spurs seem to be in a spiral of decline following Antonio Conte’s departure, which enforces the necessity of the next appointment to be correct. Daniel Levy will likely be at the head of the search committee following Fabio Paratici’s global ban, and fans will put pressure on this appointment becoming successful.
The consensus amongst the Tottenham fanbase is that there is a sense of boredom around a defensive-minded play-style, particularly with how Antonio Conte opted for a five-back formation for every game of his Spurs tenure. Fans now want to see a front-foot, positive attacking side similar to what was effective under Mauricio Pochettino. It truly links back to the clubs ‘to dare is to do’ brave, positive mindset.
Therefore, the next appointment has to be a manager which works harmoniously with the club’s values on the style of football. An attempt to hire a ‘serial winner’ to help the club achieve silverware was unsuccessful under Jose Mourinho and Conte. The manager to lead Spurs into next season has to reflect that attacking mindset.
Truthfully, a successful attack does not come without a solid structure and spine of a team. The Tottenham defence is nowhere near good enough in comparison to the nearest competitors, and must improve. Spurs will also have to revert from signing wing-backs to full-backs, and recent signings such as Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie may have to adapt defensively and positionally to the full-back role.
With all that being said, the upcoming list will devise the top five selections that will become/are available on the manager market for the upcoming season, with all targets being realistic to Tottenham’s expectations.
1. Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann was on the receiving end of a harsh sacking at the elite Bayern Munich a few weeks back but has been on Daniel Levy’s radar for years. The ex-Leipzig coach dismantled Tottenham 4-0 in the knockout stages of the Champions League in 2020, and has experienced playing both a five-back and four-back, but maintains an attacking philosophy regardless. This appointment would excite the fans and players, and Nagelsmann has been open with his admiration for the club.
2. Roberto De Zerbi
The most unrealistic of the list, but arguably the most genius of coaches. He currently has a £13m release clause at the top four contending Brighton. He is great at overachieving with a limited squad and is tactically intelligent. Daniel Levy is unlikely to pull the trigger and pay for a coach currently under contract, but this appointment would send shockwaves through the league.
3. Mauricio Pochettino
It feels a reunion is inevitable between this coach and this club, and that time could be now. Pochettino had admiration from the fans and clubs, and he was undoubtedly the best coach to never win a trophy at Spurs. His attacking, pressing style is attractive, but it feels like a bigger clear out is needed before his re-appointment, but it would be unsurprising to see the Argentinian return.
4. Ruben Amorim
The Sporting coach has earned victories against both North London clubs this season, most notably a penalty shootout win at the Emirates. He would certainly suit the current squad well and would maintain a five-back formation, but this coach is much better at utilising the wing-backs more positively and enjoys more front-foot football. Tempting him away from Sporting would not be easy, however.
5. Luis Enrique
The ex-Spain coach expressed his desire to coach in England someday not too long ago, but only if he can do ‘big, important things’. Some will argue that is him ruling out Spurs, but Levy is notoriously good at selling a project. Enrique has had successful tenures at the top club, and certainly has the greatest reputation of all five on the list. He would be a safe appointment, but there is always a sense that a manager of his quality and standards could grow frustrated.
We have heard other noises of managers being linked such as Arne Slot, Ange Postecoglu and Oliver Glasner but they simply do not make the list due to their lack of experience at the top level. Spurs may have to take the risk of appointing a coach without the experience based on the state of the club at this current moment.
Tottenham will likely search to have a manager for as soon as the transfer window opens. If it drags on, fans will lose trust. It is vital that Levy is efficient in his decision-making progress.
Comments