Tottenham Manager Contenders Compared After Postecoglou Axe

Tottenham are seeking a replacement for sacked boss Ange Postecoglou.

Chairman Daniel Levy has axed Postecoglou, even though the Australian ended Spurs` 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Europa League trophy.

The 59-year-old manager had stated his work wasn`t finished after leading his team to victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao last month.

However, after extensive consideration, Levy ultimately decided to part ways with Postecoglou.

Given Tottenham`s 17th-place finish in the Premier League table, the Spurs chairman is eager for a manager who can guide the team back towards the top four.

With Spurs having secured qualification for the Champions League through the Europa League, Postecoglou`s successor faces the challenge of improving the league performance while managing European competition.

SunSport evaluates the potential candidates to take over from the dismissed Ange, examining the pros and cons of each.

THOMAS FRANK

Pros: The Brentford manager has demonstrated adaptability over seven notable seasons in West London.

The direct-speaking Dane appears a sensible choice. Known for effective communication with players and the media, Frank seems capable of handling a potentially difficult transition with a squad that largely supported Postecoglou.

Frank, 51, has employed various formations at Brentford and is expected to be able to improve Spurs` vulnerable defence. He also has a proven record of developing prolific strikers, including Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Ivan Toney, and Ollie Watkins.

SunSport understands Frank is considered the leading candidate for the Spurs job.

Cons: After the triumph in Bilbao, Spurs fans and potentially players might feel disappointed if the manager who engineered that success is replaced by a boss primarily known for mid-table stability.

Despite his strengths, Frank has not won a major trophy, though this is partly because he hasn`t managed clubs expected to compete for them.

Frank`s style can sometimes involve direct football, which hasn`t been popular at Spurs under previous managers like Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho.

MARCO SILVA

Pros: The Portuguese coach has done an impressive job at Fulham, transitioning them from a Championship yo-yo club to a stable mid-table Premier League team.

This kind of stability could appeal to the Spurs board, who have experienced a turbulent six years since Mauricio Pochettino`s departure.

Last season, Fulham performed well in London derbies, defeating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and drawing with Arsenal – results that Spurs often struggled to achieve under Postecoglou.

Cons: Silva`s previous high-profile move, from Watford to Everton, was unsuccessful; the 47-year-old was sacked less than two years into his tenure.

He isn`t widely known for charisma, which might make it challenging for him to quickly win over the Spurs fanbase.

Silva also hasn`t won any trophies since the Greek title in 2016 and has never finished higher than eighth place in the Premier League.

MICHAEL CARRICK

Pros: Having played for Spurs from 2004 to 2006, Carrick understands the club`s operations and what the supporters value.

Carrick, 43, has previous experience working with Daniel Levy, which could be beneficial in his relationship with the Spurs chairman.

After spending several years at Manchester United, the former midfielder has a valuable network of contacts in the football world.

Cons: Frankly, Spurs fans are likely to object strongly to appointing a manager recently sacked by a Championship team.

Carrick`s first full-time managerial role at Middlesbrough was arguably unsuccessful, as he failed to achieve promotion in three attempts.

In all three of his seasons with Boro, the team`s performance declined towards the end of the season – a trait unacceptable to Spurs fans and the board.

OLIVER GLASNER

Pros: Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has a proven ability to win trophies.

The 50-year-old Austrian won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022 and then led Crystal Palace to their first major trophy, the FA Cup, last season.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Crystal Palace`s European participation next season, Spurs might try to sign Glasner, potentially along with long-term transfer targets Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi.

Cons: Palace chairman Steve Parish would likely resist selling his manager, having fought to keep Glasner when Bayern Munich showed interest a year ago.

While Tottenham are interested in Palace players Eze and Guehi, acquiring them might be difficult if Palace feels aggrieved by losing their manager to Spurs. This could potentially delay any moves for the England internationals.

Glasner`s preference for a three-at-the-back formation is somewhat similar to Antonio Conte`s system, which proved unsuccessful after his first year at Tottenham. Furthermore, key Spurs defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have been prone to injuries recently.

XAVI

Pros: Former Barcelona manager Xavi would bring significant star power to the dugout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs fans traditionally value flair and attractive football, so having one of the world`s greatest midfielders as manager would likely be appealing.

Xavi, 45, demonstrated his ability to succeed under pressure by winning the LaLiga title in 2022-23. He also showed tactical flexibility by adapting Barcelona`s traditional 4-3-3 system when necessary.

Cons: Xavi lacks experience in English football, having neither played nor managed in the Premier League.

His role at Barcelona, while successful, was distinct from the challenge at Spurs, which would initially be more of a rebuilding project than a push for titles.

During a poor spell in the 2023-24 season, Xavi announced he would leave Barca at the end of the campaign, only to later reverse his decision before ultimately being sacked anyway.

SCOTT PARKER

Pros: Similar to Carrick, Parker has a strong understanding of Spurs, having played for the club previously.

Parker also began his coaching career at Tottenham, having managed their Under-18s during the 2017-18 season.

Parker, 44, has previously worked with coach Matt Wells, who was part of Postecoglou`s coaching staff for the last two seasons.

Cons: Tottenham supporters would likely be very unimpressed by Parker`s appointment.

The former midfielder has had previous attempts managing in the Premier League with Fulham and Bournemouth, being sacked by both clubs.

Parker`s football style has sometimes been considered uninspiring, which Spurs fans would find hard to accept unless results were exceptionally strong.

ANDONI IRAOLA

Pros: Iraola`s intense pressing style of football could excite Spurs fans next season.

The Spaniard`s progression through roles in LaLiga and on the South Coast (with Bournemouth) is somewhat similar to Mauricio Pochettino`s career path before he joined Tottenham.

Iraola has demonstrated an ability to improve players, with individuals like Dominic Solanke developing significantly under his guidance.

Cons: Iraola`s football style requires time to implement, and patience might be limited after Postecoglou`s dismissal.

Bournemouth (`The Cherries`) did not win any of their first nine Premier League matches under Iraola at the start of the 2023-24 season.

Postecoglou faced criticism for the number of injuries among his players, possibly linked to his footballing style. Similar concerns about injury risk have been raised regarding Iraola`s approach.