Journalist Dean Jones has hinted at the possibility of Tottenham appointing former boss Mauricio Pochettino to succeed Antonio Conte.
The Lowdown: Conte future uncertain…
The Italian, after taking over from ex-head coach Nuno Espirito Santo in late 2021, has gone on to guide Spurs to a top four Premier League finish and subsequent Champions League qualification.
The north Londoners are still in Europe, topping Group D and cruising into the Last 16, whilst also remaining in the hat for an FA Cup fifth round draw.
As Spurs also compete for a top four finish again domestically, things are looking fairly solid on the pitch, but doubts surround manager Conte’s long-term future at N17 given his deal expires in the summer.
The former Chelsea boss has also undergone surgery on his gallbladder due to cholecystitis after severe abdominal pain, understandably side-lining all of his on-field matters for the time being.
The Latest: Jones drops Pochettino hint…
The club have an option to extend his contract by a further year but chairman Daniel Levy and Spurs may not see eye-to-eye with Conte in terms of long-term vision.
As such, the possibility of hiring a replacement has been mentioned in the press, with Jones stating we may ‘even be hearing’ of a Pochettino return.
The journalist explained to GIVEMESPORT:
“There is still every chance Conte could leave and we may even be hearing about a Pochettino return by the end of the season.”
The Verdict: Good option?
If the 53-year-old doesn’t commit his long term future to Spurs, we believe Pochettino is the perfect man to take the helm.
Paris-Saint Germain’s former head coach has been described by experts, like Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, as a perfect successor to Conte considering he already knows the club like the ‘back of his hand’.
This removes any need for an adjustment period given Pochettino is already very familiar with the ownership, facilities, supporters and some squad members.
The Argentine also guided Spurs to their first ever Champions League final in 2019 and encourages an attack-minded style of football – something which will undoubtedly excite supporters.
Former Lilywhites keeper Heurelho Gomes is one ex-player to seriously endorse Pochettino, with the shot-stopper describing him as a ‘football genius’.
Also currently a free agent, he would command no termination fee to employ, making him both a prime and shrewd candidate for the Spurs manager role.
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