The 2022/2023 season has been one to forget for Tottenham Hotspur. From yet more cup exits, to some of the biggest league defeats in their history and even, three managers in one season, albeit two are interim, the nadir seems to be never ending for fans.
From a Champions League final in 2019 to looking unlikely to qualify for Europe this season, is there a man capable of bringing Glory Glory back to Tottenham Hotspur?
The Season So Far:
Tottenham Hotspur announced that manager Antonio Conte has left the club by mutual consent, ending his 16-month tenure with the London-based club in March. Despite Conte winning league titles with former clubs Chelsea, Juventus, and Inter Milan, he was yet another serial winner to leave trophyless at Spurs. Despite starting 2023 relatively strongly despite Conte’s World Cup complaints, things quickly unravelled. Tottenham’s exit from the Champions League earlier in March and their FA Cup defeat by Sheffield United marked a lousy season for the club. This comes after they threw away a 3-1 lead to draw against struggling Southampton in Conte’s last match in charge, which led him to launch a furious criticism of his players and the club. The club’s chairman, Daniel Levy appointed assistant coach Cristian Stellini as interim manager who after four games in charge and a 6-1 loss against Newcastle at St James Park, the biggest away defeat since 2010, was promptly sacked.
From relatively unknown project managers such as Mauricio Pochettino to serial winners in Conte and José Mourinho, no manager has ever truly taken the team to the heights many critics thought they would hit. From superstars like Bale and Modric and even after their departures, World Cup winner Lloris and arguably one of the world’s best strikers Kane remained with them, silverware still eluded them. Many see the Tottenham job as a poisoned chalice even before this season with limited budgets and a chairman often described as “difficult”. What manager could overcome both Daniel Levy and the “spursy” history of Tottenham?
Will Mauricio Pochettino Return?
The one that got away, Mauricio Pochettino’s potential return to Tottenham Hotspur has been spoken about since he left. Widely regarded as one of the best managers to have coached Spurs and he led them to the historical 2019 Champions League final and has proven capable of working on a limited budget.
It’s always normal to see fans and club directors think about the return of managers that stay for a long time. Long spells don’t happen by accident in the EPL. However, when it comes to Pochettino, some fans still point to the fact that they got very close to historical silverware, but it didn’t exactly happen. The memory of being runners up in the Champions League fades fast, and the pride of being the kings of Europe lingers long. The fans of Nottingham Forest still take pride in those European Cups for a reason!
Is Julian Nagelsmann the Answer to Tottenham Hotspur’s Managerial Woes?
The departure of Julian Nagelsmann from Bayern Munich has sparked speculation that he could be Tottenham Hotspur’s next manager. The 35-year-old German manager is considered one of football’s brightest young players and is known for his innovative tactics and progressive approach to the game.
Nagelsmann is known for his high pressing and possession style and could bring another change to the Spurs squad. He has a solid track record, including leading Hoffenheim to their first-ever Champions League and RB Leipzig to two consecutive Bundesliga top-four finishes.
During his short stint at Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann won 60 of his 84 games as manager, posting a winning percentage of 71.4%. Although he won only one Bundesliga Cup and two German Super Cups during his tenure, he is highly regarded for his innovative tactics and ability to nurture young talent.
Nagelsmann has openly spoken of his respect and “soft spot” for Tottenham and his odds to take the position have increased on many UK betting apps, especially after dropping out of the Chelsea managerial race. If appointed as Tottenham Hotspur manager, Nagelsmann will take over a team that has struggled to find consistency since the Champions League final. With his approach, he could be an ideal candidate to help move the club forward, achieve its ambitions of battling for big trophies in upcoming seasons.
Luis Enrique being considered as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur?
Luis Enrique has emerged as one of the bookies’ favourites to replace Antonio Conte as the next manager of Tottenham Hotspur. The Spanish manager has been out of work since leaving his role as Spain’s national team coach after the World Cup. He is also reportedly wanted by fellow London side Chelsea. According to talkSPORT, Tottenham seeks to open talks with Enrique, and sources believe he is high on their agenda. Paddy Power has listed Enrique as one of the favourites to take over from Conte, with odds of 5/2.
Is Vincent Kompany staying with Burnley?
Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is considered a contender for the Tottenham Hotspur manager position, which has been vacant since Antonio Conte departed. Despite some concern about Kompany’s lack of experience in management, there is backing behind the scenes for the potential appointment of the former Belgium defender as Spurs’ new long-term manager. However, given the considerable success Kompany has had at Burnley since his appointment in June, the Lancashire side is determined to keep the former centre-back. It is prepared to offer him an improved contract to persuade him to stay.
Summary
Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial position has been a topic of discussion following the departure of Antonio Conte.The potential return of Mauricio Pochettino has been discussed, but some members of the Tottenham hierarchy have reservations about his appointment. Other options being considered include Julian Nagelsmann, who recently left Bayern Munich and is known for his innovative tactics and progressive approach to the game. Luis Enrique and Vincent Kompany are also being considered for the position.
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