Report: Tottenham want to replace Ange with manager who just sold Steven Bergwijn
While Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their first Europa League final in six years, their dismal Premier League campaign has cast serious doubt over Ange Postecoglou’s future.
The Australian manager, who arrived amid much fanfare last summer, has overseen a shocking collapse in domestic form, leaving Spurs languishing near the relegation zone.
With pressure mounting, the North London club have reportedly identified Ajax boss Francesco Farioli as their preferred candidate to take the reins should they part ways with Postecoglou.
At just 36 years old, Farioli represents a bold, forward-thinking appointment for Tottenham. Despite Ajax’s recent stumble in the Eredivisie title race—where they surrendered a commanding lead to PSV Eindhoven—the Italian tactician’s progressive philosophy and impressive track record have caught the eye of Spurs’ hierarchy.
His €5 million (£4.2 million) release clause makes him an affordable option, and his willingness to make tough decisions, such as sanctioning Steven Bergwijn’s sale to Al-Ittihad earlier this season, demonstrates a ruthlessness that Tottenham may crave after a campaign of underachievement.
The driving force behind Farioli’s candidacy appears to be Fabio Paratici, the former Tottenham sporting director who is set to return to the club after serving a ban.
Paratici, who played a key role in Spurs’ recruitment before his suspension, has reportedly urged chairman Daniel Levy to consider Farioli as the ideal long-term solution.
The Italian’s influence at Tottenham is growing, with reports suggesting he has already agreed terms on his comeback after turning down interest from AC Milan.
Farioli’s tactical flexibility and emphasis on attacking football align with Tottenham’s traditional values, while his experience at Nice and Ajax proves he can handle the pressures of a high-profile club.
His Ajax side have been prolific in front of goal, scoring 100 times in just 53 matches under his guidance—a stark contrast to Spurs’ recent struggles in the final third.
Postecoglou, meanwhile, finds himself on increasingly thin ice. Despite reaching a European final, his league record has been indefensible, with Spurs currently sitting just three points above the relegation zone.
The club’s hierarchy are said to be waiting until after the Europa League showdown with Manchester United before making a final decision, but the growing links to Farioli suggest they are already preparing for life after the Australian.
Should Tottenham pull the trigger, Farioli’s appointment would mark a fresh start—a young, ambitious coach with a clear philosophy, backed by Paratici’s recruitment expertise.
For a club in desperate need of direction, it could prove a shrewd move. But with the season’s climax still to come, Postecoglou at least has one last chance to salvage something from what has been a bitterly disappointing campaign.