Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic is understood to be one of five contenders to succeed Igor Tudor at Tottenham. Tudor, 47, has agreed to become caretaker boss until the conclusion of the current campaign. The ex-Galatasaray, Marseille and Juventus manager serves as an interim solution while chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange assess a broader pool of candidates ahead of a summer appointment.
Amongst those under consideration is German-Croatian tactician Terzic, 43, who progressed up the ladder at Dortmund having initially served as a scout within the Bundesliga outfit's academy, working directly under then-boss Jurgen Klopp. A caretaker stint overseeing the senior side during the latter half of the 2020/21 campaign yielded DFB-Pokal glory. Following the mutual departure of his successor Marco Rose, who's also being named in connection with Spurs' managerial vacancy, at the conclusion of the subsequent season, Terzic was eventually handed the role on a permanent basis.
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It stands as the only senior permanent position on his managerial record, though one which boasts considerable credentials. Dortmund came tantalisingly close to breaking Bayern Munich's 10-year stranglehold on the title during his maiden season.
They narrowly missed out on the title on goal difference after a 2-2 draw with Mainz on the final day. The subsequent season was less remarkable domestically, with only a fifth-place finish, but they made it to the Champions League final before a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid once again shattered Black and Yellow hearts.
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However, behind closed doors, Terzic was grappling with a player mutiny. In December 2023, Sky Germany revealed that a significant portion of the team wanted him out due to his perceived lack of influence during training sessions.
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Despite their affection for his personality, they believed he was deficient in the tactical aspect, particularly in terms of pressing. His defensive approach wasn't winning any fans in the squad, with some players even going so far as to voice their concerns to then-CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke behind his back.
Bild reported that club icon Marco Reus was one of the main instigators of this revolt. However, their pleas fell on deaf ears, with Watzke refusing to sack Terzic halfway through the season.
This proved to be merely a temporary reprieve. As is often the case, player power eventually prevailed, with Terzic asking to leave at the end of the season, presumably considering his position untenable given the widespread distrust.
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This could potentially raise concerns for Spurs, who according to the Telegraph have included him and Rose in their list of potential managers. Roberto De Zerbi, who recently left Marseille, and fan favourite ex-manager Mauricio Pochettino, who's committed to guiding the United States in their home World Cup this summer, are also being considered, along with Ferencváros head coach and former forward Robbie Keane.