Levy likes him: Spurs eye “insane” Ange upgrade who’s “one of the best in the league”
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has taken a brutal turn, with recent weeks proving particularly damaging. After a dismal Premier League campaign, cup competitions seemed like the club’s best opportunity for success, but those hopes have now vanished.
In a span of just seven days, Spurs suffered elimination from both the League Cup and FA Cup, falling to Liverpool and Aston Villa, respectively. This latest disappointment has intensified the scrutiny on Ange Postecoglou, whose position as manager looks increasingly unstable.
While the Australian has faced significant challenges, including an extensive injury list that has disrupted his ability to field a consistent lineup, patience among fans and club officials appears to be wearing thin.
Reports suggest that Daniel Levy and his team may already have a replacement in mind should Tottenham decide to part ways with Postecoglou. The upcoming fixture against Manchester United could play a decisive role in determining his future.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, another defeat could prompt Spurs to move forward with their contingency plan, which reportedly includes three potential managerial candidates.
Among those under consideration are former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzić and Brentford’s Thomas Frank, but perhaps the most intriguing name is Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola. The Spanish coach has garnered significant admiration within Tottenham’s hierarchy, though prying him away from Bournemouth mid-season would be a considerable challenge.
Iraola’s coaching career has been marked by a pattern of exceeding expectations, making him an appealing candidate for Tottenham’s long-term project.
His managerial journey began with AEK Larnaca, where he guided the Cypriot side into the Europa League group stage for only the second time in their history.
He then took second-tier Mirandés on an unlikely run to the Copa del Rey semi-finals before leading Rayo Vallecano from Spain’s second division to a stable position in La Liga.
His move to Bournemouth saw him transform a relegation-threatened side into a competitive Premier League outfit capable of challenging for European spots. Under his leadership, the Cherries have recorded victories over top teams, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham.
Football analyst Ben Mattinson has labeled Iraola “one of the best in the league,” a statement supported by statistical comparisons between him and Postecoglou.
The numbers from the current Premier League season highlight a stark contrast in their performances. Iraola has guided Bournemouth through 24 league matches, securing 11 wins, seven draws, and six defeats, averaging 1.67 points per game.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou’s Spurs have won just eight of their 24 matches, drawing three and losing 13, resulting in a significantly lower average of 1.13 points per game.
| Manager | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iraola | 24 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 1.67 |
| Postecoglou | 24 | 8 | 3 | 13 | 1.13 |
Despite the challenges involved in securing Iraola’s services, Tottenham remains an attractive proposition for any ambitious manager. The club’s stature, resources, and potential to compete at the highest level could be enough to persuade him to make the switch.
If Spurs intensify their pursuit, there is every chance they could convince Iraola to take the helm, ushering in a new era with a tactician who has already proven his ability to maximize a squad’s potential.