When Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy sacked Jose Mourinho back in April, it felt like he had to get the decision right this time.
The Portuguese never felt like the right fit when he was hired in November 2019, with Spurs fans ultimately preferring Mauricio Pochettino’s nurturing touch to the disciplined, win-at-all-costs mantra peddled by Mourinho.
He lasted only 17 months and the fact he was denied the chance to lead the club into the Carabao Cup final was the final insult.
The managerial search that started with Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte has now veered off the path as Levy, working with new sporting director Fabio Paratici, desperately tries to find a suitable candidate.
The process over the last 48 hours has quickly descended into farcical territory after Paulo Fonseca, on the verge of becoming Tottenham ’s new manager, was told the deal was off due to financial issues.
Then it was Gennaro Gattuso who was leading the race, despite the fact he had just left Fiorentina after just 22 days in charge.
But following fierce opposition from the fans, Spurs abruptly ended talks with the former AC Milan player.
So, is there anyone left who actually wants to manage Tottenham?
Here are the coaches who rejected the club, those who were snubbed by Spurs and the remaining candidates that could still take charge…
Managers Spurs wanted
Julian Nagelsmann
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The German emerged as an exciting candidate for Spurs as it was reported he was keen on a move to the Premier League.
However, after Hansi Flick confirmed his exit from Bayern Munich to later take the Germany national team job, the RB Leizpig man jumped at the chance to take the reins at the Allianz Arena.
Brendan Rodgers
(Image: Leicester City FC via Getty Imag)
Rodgers has publicly committed his future to Leicester and that is entirely understandable given his job security and general happiness at the King Power.
After Mourinho’s sacking he was the bookmakers’ favourite for the vacant post, but the lack of movement on Spurs’ part suggests the door was shut firmly in their face.
It remains to be seen whether Rodgers would leave now with Europa League football to look forward to next season and the air of uncertainty Spurs’ managerial mess has produced.
Antonio Conte
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
It always felt like it would be an ambitious appointment to convince Conte, title winner at Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan, that he could transform Spurs.
The Italian tactician had engaged in discussions to listen to the club’s vision but ultimately decided he was “not convinced” and called off talks.
It was hardly surprising that with a tough negotiator like Levy and a manager such as Conte, who demands full backing in the transfer market, did not come to an agreement.
Mauricio Pochettino
The project he had started five years ago remained unfinished, so there was no blaming Pochettino for wanting to go back and complete his work.
The Argentine was approached about a sensational return to replace Mourinho, just 18 months after he was sacked, and the 49-year-old was keen on a return.
But there was the small detail of convincing PSG to allow him to go — and the French giants would not budge, despite losing out on the Ligue 1 title.
It would have been a popular appointment across the board, but by dangling the carrot in front of the supporters and seeing it snatched away, Levy may have made things even worse.
Julen Lopetegui
(Image: PA)
The former Spain and Real Madrid coach would represent a coup if Levy were able to pull it off.
But like Rodgers and Pochettino, Lopetegui is tied to a contract and Sevilla would demand a sizeable compensation fee.
The Spaniard admitted that Spurs were “an option” but insists he will remain at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Another one crossed off the list.
Managers Spurs snubbed
Paulo Fonseca
(Image: Getty Images)
The Portuguese’s camp has been left bemused by Spurs’ decision to pull out of the deal after it was reported everything was in place for the ex-Roma coach to take the job.
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Fonseca, who made his name with Shakhtar before a mixed spell with the Serie A outfit, had appeared to be an ideal candidate to guide Spurs under new sporting director Paratici.
Alas, it is claimed by that a detail over taxes, which allowed Fonseca to earn more in Italy, has scuppered the deal.
Gennaro Gattuso
(Image: REUTERS)
It could have been a disaster. Just 22 days after he was hired by Fiorentina, Gattuso left his position amid disagreements over his links with Mendes.
It is anyone’s guess why Tottenham felt he would be an ideal candidate for their next boss, but the club were forced into an embarrassing U-turn after it emerged they had entered talks with the former Napoli coach.
Gattuso, 43, has expressed controversial views in the past about the role of women in football and same-sex marriage, which directly conflicts with the club’s proactive efforts to end discrimination in football.
Spurs fans felt furious about the prospect of Gattuso in the dugout and vocalised their opposition, forcing the club to break off talks, as Levy’s search for a new boss plumbs to new depths.
Possible candidates
Erik ten Hag
The Dutchman appeared to be the leading man for the job after Tottenham made contact with the Ajax boss, before he signed a new one-year extension with the Eredivisie champions.
He is a promising coach who Levy was keen on snapping up and the fact he only put to pen to paper for another year suggests Ajax were expecting Spurs to come calling again.
That could still happen, with Ten Hag a popular figure known for bringing through young players and ensuring his team play an entertaining brand of football.
But the new deal might force Spurs to dig deep into their pockets to get their man.
Nuno Espirito Santo
(Image: PA)
A lot can change in the space of two months. When Nuno originally was mentioned as a potential candidate for the vacancy, the Portuguese ruled himself out of the running because he was at Wolves.
However, they have since parted ways and Nuno is a free agent. He has been involved in talks with Crystal Palace and then Everton, but neither have managed to agree a deal.
In terms of Premier League experience and managing a side in European competition, he could be a low-risk appointment.
There will be concerns over his cautious style of play and affiliation with Jorge Mendes, but Levy may have to accept that he can no longer find a candidate without some form of baggage now.
Roberto Martinez
(Image: PA)
While it must be nice managing Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne every three months or so, Martinez may be tempted by a move back into the familiar environment of club management.
The Spaniard has been in charge of Belgium for five years since leaving his post at Everton and has guided them to two wins from two at Euro 2020.
The 47-year-old prefers to play a quick, free-flowing brand of football and may relish managing a squad that requires some improvements, even if it means coping without Harry Kane.
His current deal expires in 2022, which suggests Spurs might not have to break the bank to release him from his Belgium deal. The only problem is that they would have to wait until after the tournament before he can start work.
Scott Parker
Hiring a manager like Parker may be seen as the perfect antidote to a candidate such as Gattuso.
The Englishman has performed admirably in his first managerial role at Fulham, despite their relegation this season, sticking to his principles of possession football and giving youth a chance in the first team.
His lack of experience in European competition may be questionable, but he knows the club inside out and is still fondly remembered as their former cpatain.
With options wearing thin and time running out, the 40-year-old must be considered — even if he is only viewed as a short-term option.
