Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, finds himself under increasing pressure following a difficult start to the 2024/25 Premier League season. The team suffered a 6-3 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, marking their eighth loss of the campaign, which has led many to speculate about the future of the Australian manager. Despite the heavy loss, there has been no indication that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is actively considering a managerial change. However, Levy’s track record suggests that no decision can be ruled out, and a replacement for Postecoglou could be sought if results do not improve soon.
In the wake of the Liverpool loss, Postecoglou’s position seems precarious. Spurs are languishing in mid-table, far from the Champions League spots that were once expected, and with the club’s fortunes on the decline, Levy may feel the pressure to make a change. Although there is no formal suggestion that Postecoglou will be sacked imminently, his tenure at Tottenham could be at risk if performances continue to fall short of expectations.
Should Levy decide to part ways with Postecoglou, there are several potential candidates who could step into the managerial role at Tottenham. One of the names being discussed is Graham Potter, the former Chelsea boss. Although Potter has been out of work since his departure from Stamford Bridge two years ago, he has been waiting for the right opportunity to return to management. A move to Tottenham could present him with an attractive proposition, although his previous stint at Chelsea, which ended in disappointment, might be a significant hurdle. Despite this, his experience in the Premier League could be an asset, and he may be willing to take on the challenge of managing a club like Spurs.
Another name that has been linked with the position is Kieran McKenna, who has been making waves as the manager of Ipswich Town. McKenna is familiar with Tottenham, having spent much of his playing career at the club before an early retirement due to injury. After transitioning to coaching, he worked with Tottenham’s under-18s before moving on to Manchester United’s academy. His success with Ipswich, where he has built a strong reputation as a promising manager, has made him an attractive candidate for higher-profile jobs. However, McKenna recently signed a long-term deal with Ipswich, which includes a release clause that could make any potential move to Tottenham complicated and costly.
Andoni Iraola is another manager whose name has been floated as a possible successor to Postecoglou. Currently managing Bournemouth, Iraola has impressed many with his tactical acumen and ability to extract strong performances from a squad with limited resources. Under his guidance, Bournemouth has punched above its weight, even reaching the upper echelons of the Premier League in the past season. His success at Bournemouth could make him an ideal candidate for Tottenham, but it may be difficult to prise him away from the south coast, particularly given the attractive nature of his current project.
Finally, Gareth Southgate, England’s national team manager, is another name being mentioned in discussions about Tottenham’s future. Southgate has enjoyed considerable success with the England national team, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020. Known for his man-management skills, Southgate’s approach could bring much-needed stability to Tottenham. However, it is unlikely that Southgate would consider leaving his post with England, especially after recently hinting that he may step away from football management altogether. His comments on LinkedIn about wanting to explore other projects and passions suggest that a move to Spurs may not be on the cards.
At this point, it is unclear whether Postecoglou will remain in charge at Tottenham, but with the club’s struggles continuing, the pressure on him is intensifying. If Levy does decide to act, he will have several options at his disposal, though each potential candidate brings their own set of challenges and considerations. For now, Tottenham fans will be hoping that Postecoglou can turn the team’s fortunes around and silence the growing calls for a change at the helm. However, as always with football, the landscape can change quickly, and nothing can be ruled out as Tottenham seeks to regain its competitive edge.
