 |
| Tottenham Hotspur Manager Candidates |
Top contenders include Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, and Xabi Alonso. Other options are Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva, and Robbie Keane. Interim choices are Harry Redknapp, Ryan Mason, and Tim Sherwood.
Pochettino's Spurs reached the 2019 Champions League final, transforming them into genuine contenders....
Pochettino, a fan favorite, is reportedly willing to
“walk back to the club” after the World Cup, but his availability is uncertain due to his commitment with the US national team. De Zerbi, who recently left Marseille, is another top contender, known for his attractive style of play and experience in the Premier League with Brighton. Other names in the mix include
Xavi Hernandez, Robbie Keane, and
Oliver Glasner.
Spurs' stats are concerning - 36 scored, 37 conceded in 26 games, with a
negative goal difference.
Pressing intensity's dropped, and home form's been poor. The new boss needs to bring structure, aggression, and belief back pronto.
Pochettino: The Emotional Favorite
Mauricio Pochettino's tenure at Spurs was marked by impressive stats: 1.89 points per game, four top-four finishes, and a 2016/17 season where they scored 86 goals and conceded just 26. His teams were aggressive, intense, and structurally sound, often leading the league in shots and turnovers.
Pochettino's Spurs reached the
2019 Champions League final, transforming them into genuine contenders. However, his final season saw a decline, with recruitment stalling during the stadium transition and physical intensity dipping. He was dismissed in November 2019 with Spurs 14th in the league.
A Pochettino return brings clarity and cultural fit; he's proven he can build a top-four side at Spurs. The risk is expectation - the squad doesn't match his peak pressing teams, and second spells often lack momentum. Statistically, he's the strongest PL option, but he's with the US team till the World Cup.
Roberto De Zerbi
De Zerbi's a stylistically defined option, fresh from leaving Marseille. He built Brighton's progressive side, averaging 60% possession and ranking top for progressive passes. In 2022/23, Brighton finished sixth, scored 72 goals, and qualified for Europe. His football's about brave build-up, midfield overloads, and positional rotation. Spurs would gain structure and ambition with him.
Roberto De Zerbi's appointment would be a statement of intent, but it comes with risk - his teams can be vulnerable in transition, and Spurs' defense is already fragile.
Xabi Alonso's Balanced Approach
At
Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso built a team that's both strong in possession and disciplined in pressing, exactly what Spurs need. His team combines possession football with intense pressing, making them one of Europe's most balanced sides. This approach has yielded impressive results, with Leverkusen boasting strong defensive records and impressive attacking numbers.
Xabi Alonso's availability has catapulted him into the top tier of candidates to replace Thomas Frank at Tottenham, despite his mixed results and unhappy players at Real Madrid. His impressive track record in Germany, including an unbeaten streak of 51 games at Bayer Leverkusen, has earned him a reputation as one of Europe's most highly regarded young coaches.
Appointing Alonso would be a bold statement of intent, but convincing him to take over a struggling Spurs side would require a compelling long-term project. Alonso is likely to have multiple offers on the table, and Tottenham might have to wait until summer for his decision.
Glasner's Efficient Approach
Oliver Glasner turned
Crystal Palace into a structured, upwardly mobile side, securing a first-ever FA Cup and Community Shield. He operates in a 3-4-2-1, focusing on compact defense and disciplined transitions. Palace became efficient, ranking strong for transition goals and improving shot quality.
Oliver Glasner's blend of organisation and counter-attacking threat could address Tottenham's weaknesses, particularly their struggle to defend central spaces, having conceded 37 league goals. Glasner would prioritise structure over style, offering stability, which might not be eye-catching but could bring much-needed solidity. He's already announced his departure from Palace, so Spurs might be able to secure him.
Xavi's Possession-Based Approach
Xavi's teams prioritize territorial control, midfield overloads, and high defensive structure, as seen in Barcelona's La Liga-winning campaign where they conceded just 20 league goals. Spurs have lacked control this season, so Xavi's approach could help, but it'd require careful squad alignment. His lack of English football experience might count against him.
Iraola's High-Intensity Approach
Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth are one of the Premier League's most aggressive pressing sides, ranking high for high turnovers and shots generated after regains. His football's vertical and energetic, offering immediate intensity for Spurs, whose pressing metrics have declined. However, securing him might be tough given his success at Bournemouth.
Marco Silva's Reliable Approach
Marco Silva's Fulham have achieved consistent mid-table finishes through compact defending and measured possession. He's less glamorous but reliable, offering tactical balance - exactly what Spurs need given their 16th-place position.
Robbie Keane's Emotional Connection
Robbie Keane, a club legend with 122 Spurs goals, would bring an emotional lift, playing with tempo and vertical intent. His teams thrive on pace and directness. However, the challenge is scale - managing Spurs in a relegation battle is far tougher than dominating in Hungary.
Interim Options Lack Long-Term Certainty
Harry Redknapp brings experience and pragmatism, Ryan Mason offers internal continuity, and Tim Sherwood adds personality - but none might be enough to avoid relegation.
Urgency Demands Coherence Over Style
With 12 games left, Spurs need a manager who brings coherence, not just excitement. The next boss must act quickly to turn things around. Would you like to explore permanent options?
No comments:
Leave comment here