Tottenham given 5 options to replace Ange Postecoglou as ‘quit’ claim made
Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham Hotspur faces growing uncertainty as accusations emerge that his players have lost faith in him. The 59-year-old took charge in June 2023, but his tenure has been far from smooth, with Spurs languishing in 14th place after suffering 13 defeats in the Premier League.
Their hopes of reaching the Carabao Cup final also crumbled after a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Liverpool, despite holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.
Despite mounting pressure, Tottenham’s hierarchy continues to back Postecoglou, with chairman Daniel Levy demonstrating his support through active involvement in the January transfer window.
However, former Watford striker Troy Deeney has fueled speculation that Postecoglou may have lost control of the dressing room. In a column for The Sun, Deeney claimed that several Spurs players effectively gave up during the Liverpool match, suggesting they had quit on their manager, the fanbase, and the club’s ambitions.
His observations were reinforced by the fact that only one player stepped up for post-match media duties, further hinting at possible unrest within the squad.
If Tottenham opts to part ways with Postecoglou, several potential successors are already being discussed. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has rapidly built a reputation as one of the most exciting managers in the Premier League. Under his leadership, the Cherries have defied expectations, currently sitting in seventh place and outperforming established names such as Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, and Eddie Howe.
Even amid an injury crisis that sidelined key strikers Evanilson and Enes Ünal, Iraola has kept Bournemouth competitive. His success has not gone unnoticed, with bookmakers ranking him among the leading candidates for the Spurs job. However, prying him away from Bournemouth would require a significant financial commitment, as his contract includes a substantial release clause.
Another strong contender is Brentford’s Thomas Frank, who has been instrumental in the club’s rise from the Championship to becoming a stable Premier League outfit. Known for his attacking philosophy, Frank has previously expressed an openness to taking on a bigger challenge.
In December, he outlined key factors he would consider before joining a new club, emphasizing financial backing, player recruitment flexibility, and the potential to improve the squad. His ambition to compete at a higher level makes him an attractive option for Tottenham, especially given his ability to develop talent and maintain a competitive squad despite limited resources.
A more sentimental choice would be Mauricio Pochettino, who remains deeply connected to Tottenham despite his current role at Chelsea. The Argentine guided Spurs to a Champions League final in 2019 but was dismissed later that year after a downturn in results.
In a 2022 interview with BT Sport, he spoke openly about his desire to return, stating that he still felt unfinished business at the club. However, his interest in managing the United States national team for the 2026 World Cup could complicate any potential reunion. While bookmakers place him among the frontrunners, it remains uncertain whether he would leave Chelsea for a second spell in North London.
Another intriguing candidate is Kieran McKenna, who has impressed with his managerial work at Ipswich Town. He played a key role in their return to the Premier League after a 22-year absence, showcasing his tactical acumen and ability to build a competitive squad.
Although Ipswich currently struggles in 19th place, McKenna’s deep ties to Tottenham—having spent seven years in the club’s academy before returning as an Under-18s coach in 2015—make him a compelling option. His familiarity with the club’s culture and philosophy could give him an edge in securing the job.
Edin Terzić also emerges as a strong candidate after his recent departure from Borussia Dortmund. He led the German side to the Champions League final last season and previously won the DFB-Pokal in 2021.
Despite links to Besiktas, club executive Serdal Adalı revealed that Terzić was holding out for a potential opportunity at Tottenham. His ability to navigate high-pressure environments and deliver success in European competitions could make him an appealing choice for Levy.
While speculation over Postecoglou’s future continues, Spurs must carefully consider their next steps. His tenure has shown glimpses of promise, but poor results and concerns over player commitment have cast doubt on his long-term viability.
If Tottenham moves in a new direction, securing a manager who can restore stability, inspire the squad, and elevate performances will be paramount. With a host of talented candidates available, the club faces a critical decision that could shape its trajectory for years to come.