Ryan Mason believes Tottenham are still a “big club” and that being linked with the vacant manager’s job is a “massive positive” for any coach.
Antonio Conte left the club in March by mutual consent after criticising the club and his own players in a succession of infamous press conferences.
Cristian Stellini, Conte’s assistant, took over as caretaker manager but was sacked following the 6-1 annihilation at the hands of Newcastle last month. Mason returned as caretaker until the end of the season, the same role he had in spring 2021.
Feyenoord manager Arne Slot had been linked with the Spurs job until this week, when he ruled himself out and then signed a new contract extension, keeping him at the Dutch champions until 2026.
Mason has said he would like the job permanently, but was not willing to admit it upsets him when other potential suitors rule themselves out of the race.
“These are all hypothetical things”, Mason said. “Maybe these people you mention — I don’t know who, because I’ve not been looking at the press — are not exactly moving themselves away from it. They know it’s a big club.
“They know if Tottenham and their name is being linked, it’s a massive positive for them.
“It’s a big club. We know it is. Every manager, every coach knows this is a big club. Players do, fans do. You can feel it when you’re in our stadium. This will stay a big club, and it’s going to be attractive for whoever is in charge next season. I am sure players, as well, will want to come here.”
Spurs face relegation-threatened Leeds on Sunday, knowing they can secure Europa Conference League football for next season if they better Aston Villa’s result against Brighton and match Brentford’s against champions Manchester City.
