Brutal Postecoglou sack closer than ever with Tottenham manager shortlist down to three names

Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham is becoming increasingly uncertain following the team’s FA Cup exit against Aston Villa. Sources confirm that the club has already started considering potential replacements, with three names currently on their shortlist.

Tottenham’s season has been disastrous, with the team sitting 14th in the Premier League and eliminated from both domestic cup competitions. Their only hope of salvaging the campaign now lies in the Europa League, but even that seems like an uphill battle given their recent form.

Postecoglou, known for winning silverware in his second season at previous clubs, had ambitions of replicating that success with Spurs. However, with each passing week, the chances of that happening diminish.

While injuries have undoubtedly played a role in Tottenham’s struggles, the harsh reality of football is that results dictate a manager’s fate. Winning just one of their last eight league games has left them dangerously close to a relegation battle, with their latest defeat against third-bottom Leicester City further fueling concerns about the team’s downward spiral.

Reports suggest that Postecoglou’s fate could be decided by Tottenham’s upcoming home fixture against Manchester United. A loss in that game might force the club’s hierarchy to take action. Among the potential replacements being considered is an elite European coach who reached the Champions League final last season.

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic remains a strong candidate, particularly since he is currently out of contract and open to a Premier League move. Having led Dortmund to the brink of Bundesliga glory before narrowly missing out, Terzic has proven his ability to compete at the highest level. His availability makes him an attractive option for Tottenham should they decide to part ways with Postecoglou.

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has also emerged as a managerial candidate. Sources indicate that Tottenham’s decision-makers hold him in high regard and would consider him a serious contender. However, prying him away from Bournemouth mid-season could prove difficult, as he remains fully focused on guiding the Cherries to a strong finish in the Premier League.

Another name linked with the Spurs job is Brentford boss Thomas Frank. The Danish manager was reportedly on Tottenham’s radar before Postecoglou’s appointment in 2023, and club officials still admire his tactical approach.

With Brentford potentially facing a transition period at the end of the season, Frank could be ready to take the next step in his managerial career. Tottenham may not be the only club interested in his services, making him a high-profile target should the managerial position at Spurs become vacant.

Postecoglou’s current struggles have reignited discussions about the club’s previous managerial changes. While his 14th-place standing raises alarm bells, history suggests that Tottenham have made decisions in similar circumstances before.

Antonio Conte was sacked while the team sat in fourth place, despite initially bringing hope of progress. His departure was followed by chaos, with interim coach Cristian Stellini dismissed shortly after, leaving Ryan Mason to finish the season as caretaker.

Nuno Espírito Santo was dismissed when Spurs found themselves in ninth place, despite winning the Premier League Manager of the Month award in August 2021. His tenure unraveled quickly, and the club opted to replace him with Conte. Ironically, Nuno has since rebuilt his reputation at Nottingham Forest, proving that his abilities were perhaps undervalued during his brief Tottenham spell.

Jose Mourinho, despite his reputation for delivering trophies, was shown the door in April 2021 with the team sitting seventh in the table. His dismissal just days before a cup final left many questioning the timing of the decision. Ryan Mason stepped in as interim manager, but Tottenham ultimately lost the final to Manchester City, extending their trophy drought.

Mauricio Pochettino, the only manager to guide Tottenham to a Champions League final, was also dismissed when the club found themselves in 14th place in November 2019.

Daniel Levy, in a rare admission, acknowledged that the decision was difficult but necessary due to disappointing domestic performances. Pochettino’s legacy at the club remains significant, but at the time, the board believed a change was essential.

Now, Tottenham finds itself in a familiar predicament, grappling with whether to persist with Postecoglou or make yet another managerial switch. While the Australian’s vision and attacking philosophy initially excited fans, his reluctance to adapt to the team’s struggles has raised concerns.

Critics argue that his tactics leave the squad too exposed, especially considering the defensive frailties that have been evident throughout the campaign. The growing pressure from both fans and pundits has put Daniel Levy in a difficult position.

The club must now weigh the risks of sticking with Postecoglou versus making a mid-season change. Sacking a manager during the campaign can be disruptive, as seen in past seasons, but failing to address the team’s struggles could lead to further decline.

If Tottenham continue their current trajectory, they risk finishing even lower than last season, which would represent a significant step backward for a club with Champions League aspirations.

With the Europa League as the only remaining chance for silverware, Tottenham must act decisively. If Levy and the board believe Postecoglou can turn things around, they must provide him with the resources and support needed to implement his vision successfully.

However, if they lack faith in his ability to steady the ship, they may be left with no choice but to move in a different direction. The next few weeks could be crucial in determining Tottenham’s long-term trajectory, with managerial uncertainty once again dominating the narrative in North London.