The search has begun for Tottenham’s next manager.
Antonio Conte’s departure on Sunday night has triggered the start of another quest for Daniel Levy to find the man capable of delivering success in his half of north London.
Conte’s long-time assistant Cristian Stellini will take charge until the summer, helped by Ryan Mason, at least giving Spurs time to pursue their ideal candidate even if Champions League football ultimately evades them as a result of their patience.
Already, names including Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino are surfacing as contenders although Thomas Tuchel, now of Bayern Munich, is one target they have missed out on.
Here are the contenders to become the next Tottenham manager...
Julian Nagelsmann
The 35-year-old is a free agent following his surprise sacking by Bayern Munich and was wanted by Spurs back in the summer of 2021 after the departure of Jose Mourinho. They ended up with Nuno Espirito Santo instead.
Nagelsmann built a reputation as a prodigal coach of players and a particularly adept tactician at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, known for adapting his system to suit every opponent. Nagelsmann is likely to have plenty of interest in the summer, including from Real Madrid, but once owned a Spurs replica shirt and was a big admirer of their rise under Pochettino, suggesting a certain affinity with the club.
Mauricio Pochettino
The Argentine is the clear choice of supporters and interested in returning to the club where he spent five-and-a-half exhilarating seasons. Pochettino is a free agent following his sacking by Paris Saint-Germain and ticks many of the right boxes for Spurs: progressive football, a history of promoting youth and a suitably big name.
But they say you should never go back in football and the 51-year-old would be returning to a different club as a different manager.
A reunion would require Levy to swallow his pride and probably need managing director Fabio Paratici out of the way, amid a sense that there is not room for both him and Pochettino at Spurs.
Roberto De Zerbi
If Spurs want the next Pochettino and to start from scratch with a young project coach, they should look no further than the Brighton boss. The 43-year-old has taken the Seagulls to new levels since replacing Graham Potter, playing a refreshing brand of attacking, press-resistant football. He is a charismatic and forceful character, who should be able to quickly win over the dressing room.
But there are risks in taking managers from Brighton’s meticulous structure (just ask Chelsea), and Levy would surely feel more comfortable if De Zerbi had another year in the Premier League under his belt. But wait too long, and Spurs could miss their chance.
With Brighton pushing for a place in the top four and preparing for an FA Cup semi-final, Spurs would have to wait until the summer to try for De Zerbi.
Luis Enrique
The former Spain boss is out of work after being sacked after the World Cup and is thought to be open to a job in England. Enrique won the treble with Barcelona and has been described by Lionel Messi as the best boss he has worked with, along with Pep Guardiola.
As a proponent of tiki-taka, his sides like to get on the ball and he is a huge supporter of youth, both of which would suit Spurs. He is also a big name, which is likely to appeal to Levy and Harry Kane.
But the 52-year-old has not worked for a club since 2017, so there is a question over whether his methods remain cutting-edge in the domestic game. And he lasted just a season at each of his other club jobs, Roma and Celta Vigo.
Thomas Frank
The Dane has worked wonders at Brentford, establishing the Bees in the Premier League and mounting an unlikely push for Europe with an exciting brand of football. The 49-year-old has proven himself a superb, pragmatic coach, helping Ivan Toney to establish himself as one of the top-flight’s best players.
Frank perhaps lacks the glamour of other candidates but is an engaging character. There is a question over whether he is equipped for the step up, particularly given he would be leaving an innovative and well-structured club for a more disordered environment at Spurs.
There is also doubt about whether his Brentford side are good enough in possession for him to really suit a bigger club.
Oliver Glasner
The Austrian led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory last season, having previously caught the eye as manager of Wolfsburg. He is ambitious and would likely be interested in a move to the Premier League and a top club.
He plays a similar system to Conte - a back three and wing-backs - which would mean minimal disruption to Spurs’ current tactics but, for all their pressing, his teams are generally happy to cede possession.
After three reactive coaches, Spurs are more likely to prioritise a boss who can get them back playing on the front foot and to the obvious strengths of their top-heavy squad.
