Master tactician emerging as a favourite for Tottenham job after Iraola blow
Tottenham Hotspur’s search for potential successors to Ange Postecoglou has taken another twist as Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola appears increasingly likely to remain at the Vitality Stadium next season. This development has forced chairman Daniel Levy to shift focus, with Fulham’s Marco Silva now emerging as a serious frontrunner for the potentially vacant Hotspur Way hotseat.
Reliable reports from The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath confirm Tottenham’s disappointment in their pursuit of the highly-rated Spanish coach. Iraola, who has guided Bournemouth to their most impressive Premier League campaign to date – with European qualification still mathematically possible – seems inclined to continue his project on the south coast.
The 42-year-old tactician has transformed the Cherries into one of the division’s most exciting teams, implementing an aggressive pressing style that has drawn comparisons with some of Europe’s most progressive coaches.
This setback comes at a delicate time for Tottenham, who face a crucial run of fixtures that could define their season and Postecoglou’s future. Despite remaining in Europa League contention – where they could end their 17-year trophy drought – speculation persists that the Australian’s position remains under threat regardless of continental success.
The club’s disastrous Premier League campaign, currently their worst in the competition’s history, has accelerated contingency planning in the boardroom.
Marco Silva: The New Favorite
With Iraola potentially off the table, attention has turned decisively towards Fulham’s Portuguese manager. Silva has quietly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most impressive coaches, guiding the Cottagers to European contention despite operating with a fraction of the budget available to the traditional ‘big six’.
His work at Craven Cottage has followed successful spells at Everton, Watford, and Hull City, where he earned praise for his tactical flexibility and man-management.
Silva’s current £4 million-per-year contract includes an £8 million release clause – a relatively modest sum for a club of Tottenham’s resources. Fulham would ideally like to extend his deal, but the 46-year-old appears in no rush to commit, aware that bigger opportunities may present themselves this summer.
His growing reputation was best summarized by former Hull City striker Evandro, who told Premier League Brasil:
“He is a master. I place Marco Silva on the same level as Jorge Sampaoli because of his outstanding management model. His greatest strength is maintaining rationality over emotion – a crucial quality when dealing with modern football’s pressures from fans and media.”
The Wider Candidate Pool
While Silva has moved to the forefront of Tottenham’s thinking, Levy and technical director Johan Lange have compiled an extensive shortlist. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner has impressed since taking over at Selhurst Park, implementing an exciting brand of football that has yielded impressive results against top-half opposition.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank remains highly regarded for his work on a budget, while Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and former Juventus manager Thiago Motta represent intriguing continental options.
Each candidate presents different virtues, but Silva’s Premier League experience and proven ability to improve players may give him the edge.
His teams play an attractive, possession-based style that would likely appease Tottenham’s fanbase, while his experience in both relegation battles and European pushes demonstrates valuable versatility
The coming month could prove decisive for Tottenham’s managerial situation. Postecoglou retains the opportunity to salvage the campaign through Europa League success, while upcoming league matches against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and West Ham will test the squad’s resilience. Should results deteriorate further, the pressure for change will become irresistible.
For Silva, the decision may come down to ambition versus stability. At Fulham, he enjoys complete control and the adoration of supporters.
At Tottenham, he would face immediate expectations to return the club to Champions League contention, but with greater resources and a larger platform to showcase his abilities.
One thing appears certain – Tottenham’s hierarchy are preparing for all eventualities. Whether Postecoglou survives or not, the club appears determined to identify a manager capable of restoring their identity and competitive edge. In Marco Silva, they may have found their ideal candidate.