Harry Diamond
It’s official Mauricio Pochettino is no longer the manager of Spurs, with a club statement released tonight suggesting the Argentine coach has been sacked.
Pochettino’s departure will leave a huge void to fill for the Spurs hierarchy after the Argentine established the club as Champions League regulars, and we’ve decided to look at some of the potential candidates to replace the 47-year-old.
So for those of you who like to check out the latest odds on betting sites, here are the five favourites…
Eddie Howe – 9/1
The Bournemouth manager is highly regarded within the Premier League, having overseen the club’s rise through the English football pyramid to establish themselves as a top-flight outfit.
Bournemouth have once again enjoyed a bright start to the season and Howe has a long list of admirers, the Cherries’ boss still just 41-years-old despite having had over a decade in first-team management.
Howe’s attractive style of play would appeal, though he is unproven at the highest level and prising him from the Vitality Stadium may prove difficult mid-season. Long linked with a move to one of England’s leading clubs, this could be the opportunity that persuades the Bournemouth boss to leave the South Coast.
Gareth Southgate – 8/1
Like Howe, persuading Southgate to leave his current post may prove difficult at present, the England manager having seen his side secure qualification for next summer’s European Championships during the recent international break.
Southgate’s stock has significantly risen since he somewhat surprisingly took over the Three Lions in 2016, guiding England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and integrating some of the country’s best young talent into the national set-up.
The 49-year-old has shown tactical versatility in the role and has matured since struggling as Middlesborough manager earlier in his career, whilst he has won praise for his conduct since becoming England boss.
Likely to want to oversee next summer’s tournament at least before returning to club football, Spurs will probably have to play the waiting game if they identify Southgate as their next manager.
Brendan Rodgers – 6/1
It’s been some return to the Premier League for Brendan Rodgers, who has transformed Leicester into arguably the most improved team in the division since taking over at the King Power Stadium in February.
The high-flying Foxes are currently second following their impressive start to the new campaign, and the club harbour realistic ambitions of reaching next season’s Champions League.
The former Liverpool manager has received plenty of plaudits for his work with the East Midlands outfit, but could he be tempted to North London with the promise of increased resources with which to work?
Rodgers has a solid foundation at Leicester and the majority of the side’s best players are still in their early 20’s, so the Northern Irishman will face a difficult decision should Spurs come calling.
Leicester will do their utmost to keep him at the club, but a second opportunity at one of the country’s traditional ‘top six’ could be hard to turn down.
See also – 20 of Brendan Rodgers most cringiest quotes
Carlo Ancelotti – 3/1
One of Europe’s most respected coaches having won domestic titles in four different countries as well as three Champions Leagues, Napoli boss Ancelotti could be attainable following an underwhelming start to the new season with the Serie A side.
Napoli are already 13 points adrift of league leaders Juventus following their stuttering start to the campaign, and reports have suggested the Italian side would not stand in Ancelotti’s way should they receive an approach from Tottenham for the 60-year-old.
The experienced coach would bring a wealth of experiences, whilst he is also proven in the Premier League having won a domestic double during a two-year spell in charge of London rivals Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho – 7/4
The bookmaker’s favourite is former Manchester United and Chelsea manager Mourinho, who is yet to return to management since being sacked at Old Trafford in December of last year.
Mourinho’s previous relationship with the Chelsea faithful may mean his appointment is opposed by sections of the Tottenham support, though the 56-year-old is a proven winner and would bring blockbuster viewing to the Premier League.
Mourinho is said to be waiting patiently for an opportunity to return at a club he believes can challenge for major honours, with Spurs possessing the infrastructure that could tempt the Portuguese back to English football.
The opportunity to become the first manager in history to win major silverware with three English sides would also greatly appeal to the two-time Champions League winner, whilst the prospect of Mourinho locking horns with Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and former Chelsea player Frank Lampard is likely to whet the appetite for football fans.
See also – Tweets of the Week: Leicester’s Lion King, Rapinoe’s speech and Sancho’s skills
Read Also: Five of the best Premier League title races ever