Tottenham Hotspur are facing one of the most turbulent periods in their recent history. The club has been without a permanent manager since Antonio Conte was sacked in March and has yet to find a suitable replacement. The club’s lack of identity and direction has been exposed by their poor performance on the pitch and their uncertain future. This article will analyze the reasons behind Tottenham’s managerial crisis and how it reflects their deeper problems as a club.

The Conte Conundrum

Tottenham hired Antonio Conte after Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo had both been sacked in the same year. The Italian was seen as a proven winner, having won titles with Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter Milan. However, his tenure at Spurs was short-lived and turbulent. He clashed with the board over transfers, criticized the players for their lack of mentality and ambition, and failed to improve the team’s results and style of play. He was sacked in March 2023, after only 17 games in charge, leaving Spurs sixth in the  English Premier League and out of all cup competitions.

The Nagelsmann Saga

After Conte’s departure, Tottenham was linked with several high-caliber candidates for the vacant position. One of them was Julian Nagelsmann, the former Bayern Munich boss sacked by the Bundesliga champions in March 2023. Nagelsmann was regarded as one of Europe’s most promising managerial talents, having led RB Leipzig to the Champions League semi-finals and Bayern to the league title in his first season. He was also known for his modern, expansive, and attacking style of play, which fit Tottenham’s vision of becoming a more attractive and successful team.

However, Nagelsmann is no longer under consideration by Tottenham, who have moved on to other targets. Nagelsmann was reluctant to enter into talks with Spurs without knowing who would be their new sporting director, as he wanted to have a say in the club’s transfer policy.

The Search Continues

Tottenham’s search for a new manager continues, but it is still being determined what sort of manager they are looking for. Under Mauricio Pochettino, who left the club in 2019, Spurs had an identity as a team and a club. They played attractive and aggressive football, developed young players, challenged for trophies, and reached the Champions League final. Since then, though, Tottenham have lost their way. They have hired conservative coaches like Mourinho, Nuno, and Conte without the underlying strategy to set them up for success. They have also failed to invest in the squad, renew key players’ contracts or sell unwanted ones.

Tottenham needs a manager who can restore Spurs’ identity and direction and deliver results and trophies. They need a manager who can work with a limited budget and attract top players. They need a manager who can handle the pressure and expectations of the fans but also deal with the board’s interference. They need a manager to rebuild the team and keep their star players happy.

According to various reports, Tottenham have contacted former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, who has been out of work since leaving Spain after Euro 2020. Arne Slot of Feyenoord, Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen, Ange Postecoglou of Celtic, and Ruben Amorim of Sporting have all been mentioned as possible candidates. However, none of these names inspire much confidence or excitement among the Spurs faithful.

The Levy Factor

The biggest problem for Tottenham is that they need more direction at the executive level. Daniel Levy has been the chairman of Spurs since 2001 and has overseen some significant achievements for the club. He has transformed their finances, built a new stadium and training ground, appointed Pochettino, and made them regulars in the Champions League. However, Levy has also faced widespread criticism for some of his decisions in recent times. He has sacked managers too quickly or too late, failed to back them in the transfer market, or hired them without consulting them on signings. He has also alienated some fans with his high ticket prices, lack of communication, and involvement in the failed European Super League project.

Levy is also looking to appoint a new sporting director after Fabio Paratici left his role as managing director of football at Spurs. Levy hired Paratici in June 2022 after leaving Juventus, but he only lasted nine months at Tottenham. Paratici was responsible for bringing Conte to the Spurs and signing some players who did not fit his system or style. He also clashed with Levy over some transfer targets and had a strained relationship with some of the players.

Levy is reportedly considering Roma’s Tiago Pinto, Brentford’s Lee Dykes, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Markus Krosche for the sporting director role. However, it is doubtful whether any of these candidates will be able to work well with Levy or have enough authority or autonomy to shape the club’s sporting strategy.

The Kane Dilemma

Another issue that Tottenham will have to deal with this summer is the future of their star striker Harry Kane. Kane has been at Spurs since he was 11 years old and has become one of the best players in the world. He has scored 221 goals for Tottenham in 337 appearances and won three Premier League Golden Boots and one World Cup Golden Boot. However, he has also grown frustrated with the lack of trophies and progress at Spurs and has expressed his wish to leave the club in search of silverware.

Kane has been linked with several European clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. However, Tottenham are reluctant to sell their talisman and captain. Levy has reportedly set an asking price of £150 million for Kane, which could deter potential suitors.

The next manager of Spurs will have to deal with Kane’s situation and decide whether to keep him or let him go. If Kane stays, the club will have to motivate and convince him that he can win trophies at Spurs. If Kane leaves, Spurs must find a suitable replacement and rebuild the team around other players.

In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur are at a crossroads in their history. Spurs can potentially be one of the best clubs in Europe, but they also face the risk of becoming irrelevant and mediocre. They need to find a new manager who can restore their identity and direction but also deliver results and trophies on the pitch. They must find a new sporting director who can work well with Levy and shape their transfer policy and strategy. They must resolve Kane’s future and either keep or replace him adequately.

Spurs have a loyal and passionate fanbase who deserve better than they have witnessed recently. They have a state-of-the-art stadium, one of the finest in the world. They have a rich history and tradition worth preserving and honoring. They have a bright future if they make the right decisions and actions.

Spurs need their fans more than ever in this turbulent time. They need their support, encouragement, patience, and faith. They need their fans to stand by them, cheer them on, fill their stadium, and make it a fortress. They need their fans to be part of their journey, to share their highs and lows, to celebrate their successes, and overcome their failures.

Get your Spur tickets now and join them on their quest to have a successful year next season after the turbulence and upheaval they faced this year.