Forget Frank: Tottenham should hire ‘one of Europe’s most wanted managers’ instead

Tottenham Hotspur’s leadership faces a defining decision following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou after a turbulent season that pushed the club to its lowest point in the Premier League era.

With the Greek-Australian manager shown the exit despite securing a Europa League title just weeks earlier, attention now turns to his potential successor.

While early reports suggest Brentford’s Thomas Frank is in line for the job, there is compelling reason to believe that Andoni Iraola would be a smarter, longer-term choice for the North London outfit.

Postecoglou’s departure came on the heels of an alarming domestic campaign. Tottenham recorded 22 losses in 38 matches, crashing to 17th place—their worst finish in Premier League history and their poorest top-flight points tally since 1977.

While the Europa League triumph over Manchester United offered a glimmer of success, it failed to mask the glaring deficiencies in league performance. Despite lifting silverware, the results on home soil forced Daniel Levy to seek new leadership.

Brentford’s Thomas Frank emerged as a candidate, and although the Dane has performed admirably since taking the Bees into the Premier League, he may not align with Tottenham’s vision going forward. Questions linger about Frank’s tactical fit and the hefty release clause required to secure his services.

In contrast, Iraola’s profile fits Tottenham’s ambitions with greater precision. His track record, both in Spain and the Premier League, demonstrates a consistent upward trajectory, tactical flexibility, and an identity that mirrors what Spurs initially sought under Postecoglou:

high-pressing football, quick transitions, and youth development. Iraola began his managerial career modestly but effectively, with stints at AEK Larnaca and Mirandés laying the groundwork for his breakthrough at Rayo Vallecano, where he achieved promotion to La Liga and followed it with two stable mid-table finishes.

His appointment at Bournemouth raised eyebrows, particularly as the club had just dismissed Gary O’Neil despite securing Premier League survival. A sluggish start to Iraola’s reign led many to question the club’s decision, with only one win in the first 11 matches leaving them in 18th place.

However, Iraola responded with tactical adjustments and a surge in form that saw Bournemouth win 12 of their remaining 26 games to comfortably secure mid-table status. The team finished just one point shy of the top half in that campaign and followed it up with a ninth-place finish—one spot above Brentford.

Iraola’s attacking philosophy centers on width, pace, and fluid transitions—evident in the performances of players like Milos Kerkez, a wing-back who has drawn attention from top clubs like Liverpool.

This style resonates with what Spurs hoped to cultivate under Postecoglou and reflects an evolution that matches the Premier League’s current demands.

His ability to extract performance from younger players and foster a cohesive unit out of limited resources highlights qualities that Tottenham’s board should value, especially during a transitional period.

Sources close to the club indicate that Iraola has long been admired within Tottenham’s hierarchy. He has been described as “one of the most wanted managers in Europe” due to his proven ability to adapt, develop talent, and maintain an exciting brand of football.

His work at Rayo Vallecano demonstrated how he can elevate underdog sides into competitive forces, while his Bournemouth spell confirms his capacity to adjust to the demands of English football.

While Thomas Frank deserves credit for his transformation of Brentford from a mid-table Championship side to a solid Premier League outfit, there remains concern that his structured, often pragmatic style may not align with Tottenham’s emphasis on fluid attacking football.

Furthermore, the financial implications of his release clause only compound the risk of making him the club’s new figurehead.

Iraola, by contrast, could be a more affordable and stylistically appropriate candidate. Bournemouth’s looming player exodus might force the Spaniard to consider his own future, providing Spurs with an opportunity to act decisively and bring him aboard.

Given Tottenham’s young squad, aspirations for progressive football, and the need for a coach who has proven he can thrive in pressure environments, Iraola represents a logical, modern solution.

Daniel Levy and his team must think not just about immediate fixes but about the long-term identity of Tottenham Hotspur.

The decision to replace Postecoglou should go beyond win-loss records and focus on a manager whose style, adaptability, and ambition align with the club’s broader vision.

If Tottenham truly intends to rebuild sustainably and restore its competitive edge in both domestic and European football, Iraola may well be the answer they’ve been seeking.