Spurs' New Lead: Tottenham Eye Francesco Farioli as Potential Managerial Replacement

Tottenham Hotspur target Francesco Farioli after his shock departure from Ajax, citing disagreements with the club's executive board.

Francesco Farioli, the 36-year-old Italian coach, has emerged as a top target for Tottenham Hotspur after announcing his shock departure from Ajax on Monday. Farioli cited disagreements with the club's executive board as the reason behind his sudden exit, following Ajax's disappointing season where they failed to redeem a 9-point lead in the Eredivisie and ultimately lost the title to PSV Eindhoven.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering Farioli as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou, whose future at the club is uncertain despite leading the team to the Europa League final against Manchester United. Fabio Paratici, a key figure in Tottenham's decision-making process, has recommended Farioli to chairman Daniel Levy, citing his impressive work at Ajax and Nice. Farioli's modern tactical approach and attacking style of football align with Tottenham's long-term vision, making him an attractive candidate for the job.

Farioli's potential appointment at Tottenham would mark a significant coup for the club, given his reputation as one of the most promising young managers in football. With his experience and tactical acumen, he could bring a fresh perspective to the team and help them achieve their goals.

Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly considering Francesco Farioli, a 36-year-old Italian manager and former disciple of Roberto De Zerbi, as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou. Despite leading the team to the Europa League final against Manchester United this week, Postecoglou's future at Tottenham looks uncertain due to the team's struggles in the Premier League, where they currently sit 17th, just one spot above the relegation zone, with 38 points from 37 matches.

Farioli, who recently announced his departure from Ajax due to disagreements with the club's executive board, has caught Tottenham's attention with his modern tactical approach and attacking style of football, which aligns with the club's long-term vision. Fabio Paratici, a key figure in Tottenham's decision-making process, has recommended Farioli to chairman Daniel Levy, citing his impressive work at Ajax and Nice.

Key Facts about Francesco Farioli:

• Age: 36 years old
• Background: Former disciple of Roberto De Zerbi, worked as a goalkeeping coach before becoming a manager
• Previous Roles: Managed Karagumruk, Alanyaspor, OGC Nice, and Ajax
• Tactical Style: Focuses on positional play, mixing Pep Guardiola's field occupation philosophy with Roberto De Zerbi's tempo dictation
• Release Clause: €5 million (£4.2m, $5.6m)

If appointed, Farioli would likely bring significant changes to Tottenham's playing style, including:

• Formation: Switching to a 2-3-2-3 buildup with two natural pivots
• Player Roles: Emphasizing one-sided inversions and between-the-lines operators for midfielders like Maddison and Kulusevski
• Defensive Strategy: Implementing a mid-block fallout against teams with multiple bridge creators

Tottenham will decide on Postecoglou's future after the Europa League final, with Farioli being a top contender to take over.

'I'll never forget what we lived' ❌❌❌

- @France_Fario -

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 19, 2025

Francesco Farioli is emerging as a top contender to replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham Hotspur's manager. The 36-year-old Italian coach recently announced his departure from Ajax, citing disagreements with the club's executive board. Farioli's impressive track record, including leading Ajax to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie, has caught the attention of Tottenham's chairman, Daniel Levy.

Fabio Paratici, a key figure in Tottenham's decision-making process, is reportedly a big fan of Farioli and has recommended him to Levy. Paratici's potential return to Tottenham this summer, after serving a worldwide ban related to Juventus' accountancy issues, could further solidify Farioli's chances. With a release clause of €5 million, Farioli is seen as a viable option for Spurs.

Tottenham's interest in Farioli is driven by his modern tactical approach, which aligns with the club's long-term vision. Despite Ajax's disappointing end to the season, Farioli's credentials and potential make him an attractive candidate to lead Spurs into a new era l.