Forget Pochettino & Iraola”-Levy told to hire “one of the best coaches in Europe” for Spurs
There’s no sugarcoating it: the current campaign has been nothing short of a catastrophe for Tottenham Hotspur.
While Ange Postecoglou still has the slim hope of salvaging the season with a Europa League triumph, the club’s domestic form has been dismal by any standard. In the Premier League, Spurs have suffered a stunning 19 defeats – an appalling figure for a side that started the season with aspirations of a top-four finish and potential silverware.
In fact, were it not for the glaring struggles of the league’s newly promoted clubs, Tottenham might have found themselves dangerously close to being dragged into an improbable relegation battle. Such a scenario, while once unthinkable, illustrates just how far the team has fallen this season.
Now, the growing consensus is that Postecoglou’s time in North London could be nearing its end, regardless of whether he manages to lift the Europa League trophy. The collapse in the league has been so severe that even European success may not be enough to preserve his job. In anticipation, the rumour mill has been churning with speculation over who could take the reins next.
Two names stand out among the list of reported candidates: former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and Bournemouth’s dynamic manager, Andoni Iraola. But they’re not the only ones on the radar. A surprising new contender has emerged, and he might just be the man to reset the club’s trajectory and reignite the belief at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Why Tottenham Could Turn to Pochettino or Iraola
To understand why these two are in the frame, it’s important to assess what each would bring to the table.
Mauricio Pochettino, of course, needs no introduction to Spurs supporters. The Argentine tactician remains a beloved figure in North London, having overseen one of the most exciting and competitive Spurs squads in recent memory. Under his leadership, Tottenham consistently challenged at the top end of the Premier League, reached a Champions League final, and played a high-intensity brand of football that thrilled fans and neutrals alike.
Despite his more recent struggles — a mixed tenure at Paris Saint-Germain, an underwhelming spell with Chelsea, and a rocky start with the U.S. Men’s National Team — Pochettino still commands respect for what he accomplished at Spurs. His return would be seen as a romantic reunion, offering a sense of stability, continuity, and perhaps a chance to finish what he started.
On the other hand, Iraola represents something fresher and more forward-thinking. The Spanish coach has rapidly built a reputation as one of the most promising young managers in European football. His work at Bournemouth has been nothing short of transformative. Taking over a side that was widely tipped for relegation, Iraola has instead turned the Cherries into legitimate contenders for European qualification — and all of this despite losing one of his key attacking players to Spurs in the summer.
Before arriving in England, Iraola made waves at Rayo Vallecano, turning the Madrid-based underdogs into a compact, aggressive outfit that punched well above its weight. His coaching credentials are growing stronger by the season, and his progressive tactics could align well with Tottenham’s long-term ambitions.
Still, there’s another name that hasn’t received as much attention — a name that could ultimately eclipse both Pochettino and Iraola in the eyes of the Spurs hierarchy.
Enter Niko Kovač – The Sleeper Pick Who Might Be the Best Fit
According to reports originating from Germany and relayed by GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham have made an inquiry about Niko Kovač — currently at the helm of Borussia Dortmund. Though not a household name in English football, Kovač is a respected figure in European coaching circles, particularly in the Bundesliga.
Over the past seven years, the Croatian manager has amassed a wealth of experience across top European clubs. His résumé includes stints with Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich, VfL Wolfsburg, AS Monaco, and now Dortmund. This breadth of experience across competitive environments and varying club expectations speaks to his adaptability and resilience.
Football analyst Sebastien C has gone as far as to call Kovač “one of the best coaches in Europe,” and with good reason. He’s widely known for his tactical pragmatism, preferring a vertical style of play that prioritizes quick transitions and forward thrust, while also maintaining defensive solidity. This balance might be exactly what Tottenham need right now.
Postecoglou’s high-risk attacking approach has been lauded for its bravery but heavily criticized for leaving the backline exposed — something Spurs fans have grown weary of. On the flip side, former manager Antonio Conte’s ultra-defensive setup stifled creativity and left many supporters disillusioned. Kovač, however, offers a measured middle ground.
Currently employing a 4-2-3-1 system at Dortmund, Kovač emphasizes structure and discipline while giving creative players the freedom to express themselves in the final third. This formation, with its built-in double pivot, could offer much-needed protection to Tottenham’s vulnerable defense, allowing more balance between attack and defense.
Crucially, Kovač is no stranger to success. He guided Eintracht Frankfurt to a stunning DFB-Pokal (German Cup) victory in 2018, beating Bayern Munich in the final. The following season, he won the domestic double — Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal — with Bayern. His credentials as a winner in high-pressure environments are firmly established.
A New Direction, A Fresh Identity?
While Kovač may not inspire immediate excitement among fans like Pochettino might, or carry the buzz of a rising star like Iraola, his steady hand, tactical flexibility, and experience at elite clubs could make him the ideal candidate for a club in search of identity and direction.
Tottenham’s issues this season have been deeply rooted in inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of tactical cohesion. In Kovač, Spurs could find a manager capable of imposing a clear structure, reinvigorating key players, and ultimately getting results without sacrificing entertainment.
The summer promises to be pivotal. If Tottenham want to get back to being a serious force in English and European football, choosing the right manager is essential. And while the spotlight might currently shine on familiar names, Niko Kovač is quietly emerging as a serious contender — and possibly, the man to lead Spurs into a new, successful era.