The halls of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are currently filled with a strange mixture of immediate dread and long-term ambition. As interim boss Igor Tudor fights a desperate battle on the pitch to keep the club in the Premier League, the hierarchy behind the scenes is already busy scouting for the man who will lead the rebuild in 2026.
This dual reality is a difficult one for fans to swallow. On one hand, the club is teetering in 16th place, sitting a mere four points above the relegation zone. On the other, the board is linked with some of the most sophisticated tactical minds in the world.
A drop to the Championship is a scenario that remains unthinkable for a club of this stature, yet the reality of the league table suggests that survival is far from guaranteed.
Igor Tudor’s debut against Arsenal was a sobering experience, a performance that lacked the defensive bite and attacking cohesion required for a top-flight survival scrap.
However, there is a glimmer of hope as the team prepares for a crucial trip to Craven Cottage this Sunday. The return of Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso provides a massive boost to a defensive unit that has looked increasingly fragile.
Tudor knows that a significant result against Fulham is not just about points; it is about changing the toxic atmosphere that has settled over North London after another shocking campaign.
The division Tottenham finds itself in next season will ultimately dictate their level of appeal to world-class managers. Despite the current crisis, the club continues to aim high. Sources suggest that a shortlist has already been drawn up, featuring a mix of familiar faces and innovative newcomers.
At the top of that list are Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi. Pochettino, of course, represents the “romantic” choice. His previous tenure in North London is remembered as a golden era of high-pressing football and Champions League nights.
However, there are valid concerns about a potential return. By the time this season concludes, the Argentine will have been out of the dugout for two years, leading many to wonder if his tactical approach still fits the modern, fast-paced landscape of the Premier League.
If the club decides that looking backward is a mistake, they may turn their eyes toward Como 1807. Cesc Fabregas has become the name on everyone’s lips after his extraordinary work in Serie A. At just 38 years old, the Spaniard has guided Como to sixth place, making a genuine and unexpected push for Champions League football.
His ability to attract elite young talents like Nico Paz to a smaller club—and subsequently develop them into league-leading performers—has caught the eye of Europe’s elite. While Fabregas holds deep-rooted connections to Arsenal and Chelsea, reports indicate he would be open to the challenge of the Tottenham job.
Fabregas is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young coaches in European football, praised for his tactical acumen and natural charisma. He represents a “project manager” in the truest sense—someone who can overhaul a squad and instill a clear, attractive identity.
Tottenham is not the only club noticing his rise, however. Manchester City is reportedly conducting due diligence on Fabregas as they begin the difficult task of planning for life after Pep Guardiola. This potential competition highlights just how highly the Spaniard is valued.
| Potential Tottenham Manager Candidates | Current Status | Tactical Style |
| Mauricio Pochettino | Free Agent | High-Pressing / Emotional |
| Roberto De Zerbi | Free Agent | Possession-Based / Fluid |
| Cesc Fabregas | Como 1807 | Innovative / Technical |
| Igor Tudor | Interim (Spurs) | Pragmatic / Disciplined |
Ultimately, the identity of the next permanent manager is a secondary concern compared to the immediate threat of relegation. The coming weeks under Igor Tudor will decide if the 2026-27 season is spent battling for a place in the top four or fighting for a way back from the second tier.
If Tudor can find a way to steady the ship and leverage the return of his key defenders, the board will have the luxury of choosing between romance and innovation. If he fails, the list of candidates willing to take the job will shrink as quickly as the club’s Premier League status. For now, the focus remains on Fulham, where the first steps toward salvation must be taken.
