Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham considering “phenomenal” title-winning manager alongside Iraola
Tottenham Hotspur’s hierarchy has quietly begun preparing for life beyond Ange Postecoglou as the Australian manager fights to save his job amid the club’s worst Premier League campaign in recent memory.
With Spurs languishing in 14th position after suffering 15 league defeats, chairman Daniel Levy and the board have discreetly compiled a shortlist of potential successors, recognizing their upcoming Europa League campaign may represent Postecoglou’s final opportunity to prove his worth.
The situation has grown increasingly precarious for the former Celtic boss, whose attacking philosophy has failed to translate into consistent results during his second season in North London.
While Postecoglou pins his hopes on European success to salvage his tenure, Tottenham’s leadership has cast its net wide in identifying potential replacements.
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola currently leads the pack of candidates, with his transformative work at the Vitality Stadium demonstrating the tactical acumen and man-management skills Spurs desperately need.
However, Iraola isn’t the only name under serious consideration. Fulham’s Marco Silva has emerged as another compelling option after establishing himself as the most successful manager in the Cottagers’ modern history.
His ability to implement an attractive, possession-based style while working within financial constraints makes him particularly appealing to a Spurs side facing Profit and Sustainability Rules limitations.
The most ambitious target on Tottenham’s radar remains Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi, though securing the Italian would require a monumental effort. Fabrizio Romano’s sources within the club have “guaranteed” genuine interest in the 48-year-old tactician, whose credentials include a Serie A title and Champions League final appearance.
Former players like Felipe Caicedo have lavished praise on Inzaghi’s man-management skills, with the ex-Inter striker claiming: “He has that special factor that other coaches lack. He manages to get inside your head, he tells you the right things at the right time.”
Yet several obstacles complicate any potential move for Inzaghi. His current focus remains firmly on Inter’s Scudetto challenge and the upcoming Club World Cup, making a summer departure unlikely.
The £169,000-per-week manager also enjoys strong relationships with Inter’s hierarchy and players, factors that could outweigh Tottenham’s overtures.
The coming weeks will prove decisive in determining Postecoglou’s fate. Tottenham’s upcoming Premier League fixtures present both opportunity and peril:
- April 3rd: Chelsea (away)
- April 6th: Southampton (home)
- April 13th: Wolves (away)
- April 21st: Nottingham Forest (home)
- April 27th: Liverpool (away)
Positive results in these matches could ease mounting pressure, but the Europa League ultimately represents Postecoglou’s most plausible path to redemption.
Should he fail to deliver European success, Tottenham appear ready to act swiftly, with former managing director Fabio Paratici reportedly advocating for Inzaghi despite the logistical challenges involved.
This looming managerial decision carries profound implications for Tottenham’s future. Iraola would represent a progressive but risky appointment given his limited top-level experience, while Silva offers Premier League-proven stability.
Inzaghi, though the most decorated option, would require substantial concessions from both club and coach to materialize.
As the season reaches its climax, Tottenham find themselves at a crossroads. Will Postecoglou rally his squad for one last push to save his job?
Or will Levy’s contingency plans soon transition from theory to reality? One thing remains certain – the stakes couldn’t be higher for a club desperate to rediscover its place among England’s elite.