Tottenham’s managerial search is well underway after their decision to sack Ange Postecoglou on Friday.
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Tottenham appear to have decided upon their main managerial target after sacking Ange Postecoglou on Friday. Spurs may have won their first trophy in 17 years just over two weeks ago, securing Champions League qualification in the process, but a disastrous Premier League campaign meant the club decided to fire Postecoglou.
The Australian boss will have been waiting patiently for the call during his time off with his family back home Down Under, but when it did arrive, it wasn’t good news. In a statement made through his agency, the now unemployed boss wrote: “When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride. The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.
“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.”
Tottenham thanked Postecoglou and told him he was always welcome in North London in their own statement, but they have little time for sentiment. Spurs must identify and hire a new manager quickly with pre-season approaching, given they spent so much time mulling over the Postecoglou decision. The option is, of course, there for them to take their time, but the reality is that they will miss out on transfer targets in the meantime, with players unlikely to sign for a club without a manager.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs actually reached out to former Brighton and current Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi, but rejection means they will focus all efforts on appointing the favourite for the role - Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
Romano posted on X: “Tottenham are prepared to advance in talks with leading candidate Thomas Frank in the next days. Spurs also approached Roberto De Zerbi in the recent days… but the Italian head coach rejected as he wants to stay at Olympique Marseille.”
Frank is under contract with Brentford until 2027, so it’s likely Tottenham will be hit with a significant bill to wrap up the appointment. The North London club are also going to have to convince him to make the move, with the Bees boss having spoken in glowing terms about his current club and its owner in recent days. The Brentford boss is going to want money to spend and to know he will have the time to make a true impact. After all, it is not a risk-free endeavour for Frank, who is achieving success in a good environment at Brentford.