Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham have contacted ‘one of the most wanted managers in Europe’
As the Premier League season reaches its climax, all eyes turn to Tottenham Hotspur where a dramatic managerial saga is unfolding. While most top clubs appear settled with their leadership, the North London outfit faces potentially the most consequential decision of their recent history – stick with Ange Postecoglou or embark on a new direction?
This campaign has proven disastrous by Tottenham’s standards. The numbers paint a bleak picture: 15 defeats in 29 league matches, including seven humiliating home losses. The table below illustrates how Postecoglou’s record compares with potential successors:
| Manager | Games | Wins | Losses | Win % | Goals For | Goals Against | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postecoglou | 29 | 10 | 15 | 34% | 55 | 43 | +12 |
| Andoni Iraola | 29 | 12 | 9 | 41% | 48 | 36 | +12 |
| Marco Silva | 29 | 12 | 8 | 41% | 43 | 38 | +5 |
| Simone Inzaghi | 30 | 20 | 3 | 66% | 67 | 28 | +39 |
The statistics reveal troubling patterns – Tottenham’s defense has been porous, their win percentage underwhelming, and their consistency nonexistent. Yet the board hesitates, recognizing the Europa League presents a potential lifeline.
Should Postecoglou guide Spurs to European glory, securing Champions League qualification in the process, it would provide compelling justification to continue his project.
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola emerges as the most intriguing alternative. The Spanish tactician has transformed the Cherries with an attacking philosophy that develops young talent – precisely the profile Tottenham covets.
His £10-11 million release clause makes him financially accessible, though competition will be fierce for a manager rapidly becoming Europe’s most sought-after coaching prospect.
Marco Silva represents another viable option. The Portuguese has worked miracles at Fulham on a modest budget, demonstrating tactical flexibility and man-management skills that have impressed Spurs’ hierarchy.
However, his availability remains uncertain with several clubs likely to pursue his services.
The dream appointment would be Inter’s Simone Inzaghi, fresh from securing the Serie A title. His 66% win rate and +39 goal difference dwarf Postecoglou’s output, but prying him from Milan seems improbable given Inter’s satisfaction with his work and upcoming Club World Cup commitments.
Tottenham’s leadership faces a complex calculus:
- European Success – Winning the Europa League would validate Postecoglou’s methods and provide Champions League revenue
- Squad Development – Has the Australian improved individual players and implemented a recognizable style?
- Fan Sentiment – Supporters remain divided on whether recent struggles reflect systemic issues or transitional growing pains
- Market Dynamics – Availability of superior alternatives like Iraola may force their hand
The coming weeks will prove decisive. Poor results could accelerate change, while European glory might buy Postecoglou more time.
What’s certain is Tottenham cannot afford another season of mediocrity – whether under familiar leadership or fresh direction, the club must rediscover its competitive edge to satisfy ambitious owners and a restless fanbase.
One truth emerges clearly from the data: maintaining the status quo without European success would represent a gamble Tottenham can ill afford. The numbers don’t lie, and they suggest change may be not just preferable, but necessary for a club with Tottenham’s aspirations.