Manager ‘similar to Jurgen Klopp’ is now edging closer to replacing Postecoglou at Tottenham

For the first time in his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, Ange Postecoglou faces genuine uncertainty about his position. While the Australian has been granted some leniency due to the sheer volume of injuries afflicting the squad, the situation has reached a tipping point.

Key players like Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and Guglielmo Vicario remain sidelined, leaving Postecoglou with a depleted lineup.

However, Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Leicester City, a team that had been on a seven-game losing streak under Ruud van Nistelrooy, has cast a shadow over his future. This loss, which left Tottenham languishing in 15th place in the Premier League, is seen as unacceptable.

Roughly two weeks ago, Tottenham were reportedly backing Postecoglou, according to TBR Football. Yet, with the club now only eight points above the relegation zone, it’s unclear how much longer chairman Daniel Levy’s patience will hold. A managerial change seems increasingly possible, and Edin Terzic has emerged as a strong contender to replace Postecoglou if a decision is made to part ways.

Edin Terzic, a German coach with ties to the Premier League, is likely to attract serious consideration for the role. Reports from the Telegraph suggest that Levy views him as a viable candidate, should Postecoglou’s dismissal become inevitable.

Terzic, who previously worked at West Ham as an assistant to Slaven Bilic, has been without a managerial position since leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season. During his time with Dortmund, he led the club to the UEFA Champions League final, showcasing his ability to thrive on the biggest stages.

Terzic’s tactical approach aligns closely with Postecoglou’s preferred style. Both managers favor a 4-3-3 formation and an intense, high-energy style of play. This approach resonates with players, as demonstrated by Giovanni Reyna’s comments about Terzic’s impact at Dortmund.

Reyna praised the German for revitalizing a struggling team, describing how he injected energy and intensity into their performances. Tottenham, similarly described as “half dead” before Postecoglou’s arrival, could benefit from Terzic’s ability to galvanize a squad.

However, Terzic brings a level of tactical flexibility that could set him apart. While Postecoglou has consistently prioritized attacking football, often to the detriment of defensive stability, Terzic has shown a willingness to adapt.

He has no qualms about employing a more defensive setup when circumstances demand it, which could address Tottenham’s ongoing struggles with consistency and balance.

Adding to his appeal is a comparison frequently made between Terzic and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp. Former England goalkeeper David James highlighted the similarities between the two coaches, citing Terzic’s Borussia Dortmund background and his high-intensity style.

With Klopp’s success serving as a benchmark for many aspiring managers, Terzic’s resemblance to the Liverpool boss could work in his favor during discussions with Levy. His track record at Dortmund, which includes 75 wins, 24 draws, and 29 losses from 128 matches, underscores his competence and potential to succeed at the highest level.

Terzic’s ability to integrate seamlessly into life in London further strengthens his candidacy. His previous stint in the capital during his time at West Ham provides familiarity with the city and its footballing culture.

Additionally, Tottenham’s current squad appears well-suited to his preferred 4-3-3 system, reducing the potential upheaval that a managerial transition might entail.

However, the challenges awaiting any new manager at Tottenham cannot be overstated. Under ENIC’s ownership, the club has cycled through 16 managers in 24 years, winning just one major trophy during that period. This lack of long-term stability has often undermined promising projects, raising questions about whether any coach can truly succeed under the current regime.

Levy’s decision-making will undoubtedly come under scrutiny as the situation unfolds. While the potential appointment of Terzic offers hope for a brighter future, the underlying structural issues at Tottenham remain a significant obstacle.

The club’s inability to translate investments in infrastructure and talent into sustained success has frustrated fans and left them yearning for a clear vision.

Ultimately, Postecoglou’s fate hinges on whether he can reverse Tottenham’s downward trajectory in the coming weeks. The prospect of relegation, however remote, looms large, and the pressure to deliver results is immense.

If Levy decides to make a change, Terzic represents an intriguing option with the credentials and adaptability to steer the club forward. Yet, for Tottenham to truly achieve their ambitions, they must address the systemic problems that have long hindered their progress. Without meaningful changes at the top, even the most talented manager may struggle to fulfill the club’s potential.