Roberto De Zerbi's tenure at Tottenham has been marked by disappointment, with the club languishing at the bottom of the Premier League despite a summer overhaul of the squad. As pressures mount ahead of a critical fixture against Manchester United under Michael Carrick, the Italian's position appears increasingly precarious.
Bookmakers are already putting their money on potential successors for top clubs, so De Zerbi's departure feels more a matter of 'when' than 'if'. Andrey Dyumin has compiled a list of 10 candidates who are seen as most likely to take on this challenging role.
Main contenders for the Spurs hotseat
10. Mauricio Pochettino: There’s a strong argument suggesting neither he nor the club can move on without addressing the unfinished business of cold, hard trophies. The reality is that a return could jeopardise his legacy, yet it remains a possibility. Despite signing a new contract with the USA, he's evidently keen on the role.
9. Marcelo Bielsa: If Pochettino isn't the answer, how about his mentor and main inspiration? With Bielsa, one thing’s for certain: it won’t be boring.
8. Oliver Glasner: Bringing in a coach who is one of only two managers in the Premier League not to have beaten Tottenham this season may appear contentious. However, given his relationship with Mr. Marinakis, he may yet be available when De Zerbi departs.
7. Marco Silva: A rather mundane yet sensible choice, which means there’s a good chance it won’t happen.
6. Antonio Conte: An absolutely mad option, which also means... he probably won’t be in the running.
5. Eddie Howe: Another sensible choice with a solid chance of materialising into reality.
4. Julian Nagelsmann: A name that falls into the 'wild option' category, but you’ve caught on to the logic by now.
3. Arne Slot: Previously linked with the London club ahead of Ange Postecoglou's appointment. This choice may seem underwhelming given Tottenham's current plight, but football is rarely governed by rational logic.
2. Kieran McKenna: The former Ipswich manager possesses the requisite 'club DNA' for this role, having spent years in Spurs’ academy as both player and coach.
1. Fabian Hurzeler: The obvious favourite with the bookmakers, yet one had better hope that it doesn’t come to that.
