Next Tottenham manager: Five names in the frame to replace Ange Postecoglou if he is sacked

Tottenham Hotspur manager has had a disastrous season in charge in North London.

Currently lying in 16th, they are on track for their worst-ever Premier League campaign, worsening the 15th-placed finish they achieved in 1993/94 under Argentinian legend Ossie Ardiles.

Spurs were limp in a at Anfield and must now regroup before the biggest game of their season so far.

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Thursday’s visit of Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final first leg represents Postecoglou’s final chance to save the season and potentially his job.

It is still plausible that the Australian could depart in the summer even if his side go on to claim the title and secure football.

Fan anger has so far been largely directed at the club’s hierarchy but patience for persistent poor performances is fast running out.

Here takes a look at five managers who could be in the N17 hot-seat come August if Postecoglou is, as expected, relieved of his duties this summer.

Mauricio Pochettino

After leaving the club six years ago, Mauricio Pochettino is being tipped by bookies for a grand return to North London.

The Argentine, who has cemented himself as Spurs’ most successful manager in recent history, is currently in charge of the US national team but could be tempted by a return to the Premier League and to the club that he took all the way to the Champions League final.

The European run in 2019 which included amazing comeback victories against Manchester City and Ajax, seems a far cry from the state the club are in now.

Perhaps Pochettino is the man to reverse their fortunes and get this young and talented side moving in the right direction.

Xavi Hernandez

Xavi Hernandez is another name that has been linked to any potential vacancy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The former Spanish midfield legend was most recently in charge of Barcelona, where he made more than 500 appearances as a player, and has been without a job since departing the Catalan giants last May.

A serial winner as a player, Xavi would certainly be able to call upon his playing experiences to help Spurs compete at the right end of the table.

However, his lack of managerial and Premier League experience would be a worry, and it is hard to see Daniel Levy taking a gamble like this.

Andoni Iraola

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is a name that will be on managerial shortlists across Europe.

The Spaniard’s work at the south coast club has been excellent. They play an attractive possession-based style of football and find themselves in a tight battle for European football next season.

His project at the Vitality Stadium is clear and well established and it remains unclear if an approach by Spurs would be enough to tempt him away from a club that is moving in the right direction.

Marco Silva

Fulham’s Marco Silva has also been touted for a move to North London following the steady progress he has made at Craven Cottage.

The Portuguese’s work in the Premier League is well documented with his sides known for their patience and control. He has a proven track record of improving players and would work well with a talented squad in need of guidance.

Again, much like Iraola, Silva has established a clear way of working and is in the middle of a successful project. Any move may not be straight forward.

Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank is the Premier League’s second-longest serving manager after Pep Guardiola and has been in situ at Brentford since 2018.

The club’s rise in that time has been remarkable; gaining promotion, moving to a new stadium and firmly establishing themselves in the top-flight.

The Dane has been the perfect man to oversee this long-term project. His calm and structured approach has allowed his side to steadily grow and adapt to the demands of the league.

The West London club have a unique way of approaching recruitment relying heavily on data insights to identify targets. Frank is used to this way of working and it remains to be seen how would adapt to working in a different environment.

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