Tottenham should sack Ange immediately and bring in ‘genius’ manager before UEL final
The pressure continues to mount on Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur following another disappointing result, this time a damaging defeat to Crystal Palace that leaves the club languishing in 17th place in the Premier League.
Just months after securing a fifth-place finish last season, Spurs now find themselves in crisis mode, with serious questions being raised about the Australian manager’s future.
According to recent reports, Fabio Paratici, Tottenham’s influential director of football, has identified Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi as a potential replacement should the club decide to part ways with Postecoglou.
Paratici is said to be “crazy” about the Italian tactician, whose stock remains high despite Brighton’s mid-table finish last season.
De Zerbi, currently preparing for Marseille’s Europa League final against Manchester United, has rebuilt his reputation in Ligue 1, guiding the French side to a top-three finish and Champions League qualification.
Why De Zerbi Appeals to Tottenham
De Zerbi’s credentials speak for themselves. After taking over at Brighton in 2022 following Graham Potter’s departure, he immediately made an impact, leading the Seagulls to a sixth-place finish—their highest-ever Premier League standing—and securing European football for the first time in the club’s history. His possession-based, attacking philosophy earned widespread praise, with many labeling him a “tactical genius.”
While his second season at Brighton saw a dip in results, De Zerbi’s overall record in England remains impressive.
His ability to develop young players, implement an attractive style of play, and compete against elite opposition makes him an enticing option for Tottenham, who crave both stability and a return to the upper echelons of English football.
| Club | Games Managed | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palermo | 13 | 1 | 3 | 9 |
| Benevento | 29 | 6 | 3 | 20 |
| Sassuolo | 120 | 43 | 36 | 41 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | 30 | 20 | 5 | 5 |
| Brighton | 89 | 38 | 22 | 29 |
| Marseille | 35 | 20 | 6 | 9 |
Postecoglou’s Precarious Position
Postecoglou arrived at Tottenham with high expectations after his successful spell at Celtic, but this season has been a stark contrast to last year’s relative stability.
The team’s alarming slide down the table has left supporters frustrated, and with Spurs now just two points above the relegation zone, patience is wearing thin.
The Australian manager had previously vowed to deliver silverware in his second season, but with Tottenham’s trophy drought stretching back to 2008, the Europa League final represents their last realistic chance of ending that barren run.
Failure in Bilbao could spell the end of Postecoglou’s tenure, particularly if Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy believe De Zerbi can offer a more immediate route back to success.
The Case for Change
De Zerbi’s tactical flexibility and experience in both the Premier League and European competitions make him an ideal candidate to revitalize Tottenham. His teams play with intensity, creativity, and a clear identity—qualities that have been lacking at Spurs for some time.
Moreover, his familiarity with English football means he could hit the ground running, something that would appeal to a club desperate to avoid another transitional season.
While Postecoglou deserves credit for last season’s top-five finish, football is a results-driven business, and Tottenham’s current trajectory is unsustainable. If the board decides a change is necessary, De Zerbi represents one of the most exciting options available.
His work at Brighton proved he can compete with limited resources—imagine what he could achieve with Tottenham’s infrastructure and financial backing.
What Happens Next?
All eyes will now be on Tottenham’s Europa League final against Manchester United. A victory would not only secure a trophy but also guarantee Champions League football next season—a scenario that might buy Postecoglou more time. However, defeat could accelerate the club’s pursuit of De Zerbi, particularly if Marseille are open to negotiations.
For Spurs, the decision is clear: stick with Postecoglou and hope for a dramatic turnaround, or act decisively and bring in a manager with a proven track record of elevating teams beyond expectations.
With Paratici reportedly pushing for De Zerbi, the Italian’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new era at Tottenham Hotspur—one that finally delivers the success their long-suffering fans crave.
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of May 11, 2025.