Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has come under heavy scrutiny, with Spurs enduring a difficult season that sees them languishing in 14th place, having lost 15 of their 29 league games.
While the club remains focused on finishing the campaign strongly, questions persist about the Australian tactician’s long-term future at the North London club.
Postecoglou will still have a year remaining on his contract with Tottenham this summer, with an option for another. However, there is growing uncertainty over whether he will continue beyond this season.
Consequently, Tottenham have started earmarking replacements to take over and identified AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola as their top target should they decide to part ways with Ange Postecoglou this summer.
The Spaniard has impressed in his debut Premier League season, catching the attention of Tottenham. According to The Athletic, he has a £10 million release clause in his contract, which Spurs would need to trigger if they wish to appoint him.
Iraola led Bournemouth to outperform Spurs this term. They sit 10 points above them in the table. His Cherries side defeated Tottenham 1-0 in December and recently earned a 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The former Rayo Vallecano coach has just a year left on his contract. While the £10m release fee is unlikely to be a stumbling block for Tottenham, his decision may depend on other managerial vacancies, including a potential opening at Real Madrid.
Spurs should be more ambitious than Iraola – View
Iraola enjoyed a terrific Premier League campaign, but Tottenham should target a manager who can lead the club to titles.
Tottenham do not need another manager who can implement an exciting style that does not result in ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
Tottenham need a proven winner who can lead the club into title races while fighting for cup trophies. Managers like Iraola are decent but do not come with that resume.
Inter Milan manager Simeone Inzaghi and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone are the types to change their fortunes, not placeholders brought in for exciting football.