Exclusive: Tottenham target McKenna as possible Postecoglou replacement
Tottenham Hotspur have identified Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as their top candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou should the club decide to part ways with the Australian.
McKenna, aged 38, has gained significant recognition since taking over at Ipswich in December 2021, achieving remarkable success by leading the Tractor Boys to consecutive promotions in the past two seasons.
Despite interest from high-profile clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United during the summer, McKenna opted to commit his future to Ipswich, signing a contract extension that keeps him at Portman Road until 2028.
However, sources indicate that Tottenham view McKenna as their preferred option if they opt for a managerial change. The pressure on Postecoglou has intensified following Spurs’ recent 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, a result that saw the manager subjected to boos from frustrated supporters.
Reports suggest that if Tottenham’s form doesn’t improve by January, the club could decide to make a managerial switch.
The north London club has struggled for consistency, securing just one win in their last six outings across all competitions. That sole victory, a commanding 4-0 triumph over Manchester City, showcased the team’s potential but remains an isolated highlight in an otherwise difficult period.
McKenna’s name has emerged as a prime candidate for the role, with his impressive track record and Tottenham connections making him an appealing prospect for the club.
McKenna’s ties to Tottenham run deep. He spent seven years within the club’s academy system before a severe hip injury forced his premature retirement from professional football.
Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, first serving as Tottenham’s Head of Academy Performance Analysis and later becoming the club’s Under-18 head coach in 2015. His coaching abilities caught the attention of Manchester United, who brought him in the following year.
At United, McKenna rose through the ranks, eventually serving as an assistant to José Mourinho, further solidifying his reputation as a talented tactician.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou has faced growing scrutiny amid Tottenham’s struggles. Following the loss to Bournemouth, the manager directly confronted a group of frustrated Spurs fans, listening to their criticisms and addressing their concerns.
Speaking ahead of the team’s upcoming clash with Chelsea, Postecoglou admitted that hearing the fans’ anger was difficult but acknowledged their right to express their disappointment.
“I didn’t like what was being said because I’m a human being, but you’ve got to cop it,” Postecoglou remarked during his pre-match press conference. “I’ve been around long enough to know that when things don’t go well, you’ve got to understand the frustration and disappointment.
They’re rightly disappointed tonight because we’ve let a game of football get away from us. I’m OK with all that. They gave me some direct feedback, which I guess is taken onboard.”
Despite the challenges, Postecoglou remains determined to turn things around. He emphasized his commitment to improving the team’s performance and vowed to keep fighting to deliver better results. “I’m really disappointed with tonight and I’m determined to get it right. I will keep fighting until we do,” he added, signaling his resilience in the face of mounting pressure.
Tottenham’s struggles this season have highlighted both tactical and personnel challenges. While the team has demonstrated flashes of potential, inconsistency in key moments has cost them crucial points.
As speculation about McKenna’s potential appointment grows, Postecoglou’s ability to reverse the club’s fortunes will remain under intense scrutiny.
For McKenna, the prospect of returning to the club where his coaching journey began could represent an exciting opportunity, but for now, the focus remains on whether Postecoglou can overcome the current obstacles and restore confidence among the Spurs faithful.