Five possible candidates to take over from Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, with Thomas Frank rising as the top choice.

In a surprising turn of events, Tottenham Hotspur have decided to part ways with Ange Postecoglou, despite the Australian manager ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought. The 59-year-old leaves north London after clinching the Europa League title last month, triumphing over Manchester United in the final held in Bilbao. This victory fulfilled his promise to deliver silverware in his second season at the helm.

However, the joy of lifting the trophy was overshadowed by a dismal league campaign, with Spurs finishing a disappointing 17th in the Premier League. They recorded their worst points tally in history, amassing just 38 points—25 points adrift of the top five. The Europa League success was not enough to save Postecoglou, who ultimately paid the price for the club’s poor league performance.

As Tottenham look to the future, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Postecoglou. It is understood that Spurs have already made inquiries regarding his availability. However, Frank is not the only name on Daniel Levy’s radar, and TNT Sports has taken a closer look at potential contenders to succeed Postecoglou’s turbulent reign.

Thomas Frank (Brentford)

The Danish manager is the frontrunner for the role after an impressive six-year tenure at Brentford. Since leading the Bees to victory in the Championship play-off final in 2021, Frank has established the club as a competitive force, gradually pushing them towards European contention. This season, Brentford finished in 10th place, 18 points clear of Spurs and just 10 points shy of a Europa League spot.

Frank has a proven track record of developing talent, transforming players like Ollie Watkins, Bryan Mbeumo, and Ivan Toney into Premier League stars. His ability to adapt tactically could be a perfect match for a young Spurs side brimming with potential.

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)

Just above Frank’s Brentford in the league, Andoni Iraola enjoyed a remarkable season with Bournemouth, guiding them to a record points tally of 56. Appointed in the summer of 2023, Iraola has revitalised the team with an attractive style of play, leading them to the FA Cup quarter-finals and securing impressive victories over top clubs including Arsenal and Manchester City.

His high-pressing, energetic approach shares some similarities with Postecoglou’s philosophy, yet Iraola maintains a flexibility that allows him to adapt his tactics without overburdening his players with risk.

Marco Silva (Fulham)

Marco Silva, the Fulham manager, is another candidate who has honed his skills in the Premier League. He has led his side to the FA Cup quarter-finals in consecutive seasons and, despite finishing 11th, they were in the mix for European qualification throughout the campaign.

Silva’s previous stint at Everton, which ended in disappointment, looms over his candidacy. However, he has rebuilt his reputation at Craven Cottage, and while managing Spurs would bring a new level of pressure, his experience with big clubs could serve him well.

Mauricio Pochettino (United States)

While perhaps the most unlikely candidate, Mauricio Pochettino’s name remains synonymous with Spurs, and many fans would welcome his return. Currently managing the United States national team, Pochettino faces pressure ahead of the 2026 World Cup, having recently suffered defeats in the CONCACAF Nations League.

The Argentine is a beloved figure in north London, having led Spurs to impressive league finishes and a Champions League final in 2019. Although he has expressed a desire to return to Tottenham, luring him away from his current role would require a substantial financial package to compensate the US federation.

Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)

After leading Crystal Palace to an FA Cup victory against Manchester City and securing European football, Oliver Glasner’s name has been linked to the Spurs job. While Palace chairman Steve Parish has indicated that Glasner will remain at Selhurst Park for the upcoming Europa League campaign, his rising stock suggests he may not stay there for long.

Having previously won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, Glasner’s recent success has solidified his reputation as a top manager, making him a compelling candidate for Tottenham’s vacant position.

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