De Zerbi, Enrique or Nagelsmann: Who could replace Antonio Conte on the Tottenham Hotspur bench?

As expected, the Italian coach’s days on the Tottenham Hotspur bench are numbered. The club will be led by assistants Ryan Mason and Cristian Stellini until the end of the season. But who could become Antonio Conte’s replacement for next season?

Mauricio Pochettino

The Argentine coach is still without a contract after finishing at PSG. In his case, the question is whether Daniel Levy will want to step into the same river twice or look for other alternatives.

It was Pochettino who laid the foundations of the current Tottenham when he built a very ambitious, predatory and young squad after his arrival. Moreover, to the satisfaction of the club’s management, he managed to do so with minimal investment.

Under Pochettino’s leadership, Spurs reached the final of the English League Cup and the Champions League. However, both times they left as losers.

In any case, they became a regular in the millionaire Champions League and were very active in the title race. Especially in the 2016/17 season, when they finished second in the table.

Julian Nagelsmann

As recently as last week, Thomas Tuchel’s name would probably have been on the list. He was even supposed to have a meeting with the Tottenham management right here in London this week.

However, Bayern Munich stepped in, recalling current coach Julian Nagelsmann overnight and announcing the hiring of the former Chelsea London coach.

The German coach was already in the club’s sights in 2021 after the departure of Jose Mourinho. The Spurs chairman was very impressed by the young coach’s tactical skills he showed during his time at Leipzig. The London club can therefore be expected to renew their interest.

Luis Enrique

The Spanish coach is probably the least likely option, but it is no secret that he is a favourite of the club’s sporting director Fabio Parataci.

Enrique’s tenure on the club scene includes a stint on the Barcelona bench where he won nine trophies, including the Champions League winners’ trophy.

Most recently, he led the Spanish national team, whose game was based on a huge percentage of ball possession. The fact that Enrique likes to give opportunities to young footballers, a path Tottenham have taken especially under Pochettino, could play into his hands.

Roberto De Zerbi

De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter on the Brighton bench, who left for Chelsea in September. Within a short while, this coach has won many admirers as Brighton are showing attractive football under his leadership.

His charges are seventh in the Premier League table, currently five points behind fifth-placed Newcastle and seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.

Brighton have even managed to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they will face Manchester United, having knocked out Arsenal and Liverpool on their way to Wembley.

Olivier Glasner

According to several reports, Tottenham have also made contact with current Frankfurt coach Olivier Glasner.

The German club produced a solid and perhaps unexpected Europa League run last season, which they brought to a successful conclusion and enjoyed a trophy win. Frankfurt knocked out Betis, Barcelona and Leipzig on their way to the final.

Last season the club finished in eleventh position, which is understandable as all efforts were put into winning the Europa League. In the current edition, Frankfurt is in sixth place.

The club’s former coach, Friedhelm Funkel, said in an interview with Germany’s Sky Sport that if a real offer came up, Glasner would definitely think about it.

Sources