With a gluttony of names linked with the Spurs job in recent weeks, fans are naturally excited about who might arrive. However, one of the most interesting parts of the search has been the major experience of many of the names being mentioned. While at the start of the process names such as Julien Nagelsmann were mentioned, the profile quickly shifted to someone with title winning experience and with major gravitas in the modern game.
This rules out some of the younger names, including Eddie Howe. The former Bournemouth coach was considered in the past, but his relegation with the Cherries has soured many major clubs interest in the young club builder. However, it also would go against the desire to find an experienced coach with long-term experience of winning trophies. Whilst some point to that remit being a major failure in the Jose Mourinho appointment, there is nothing to say that some of the names linked couldn’t do a fine job.
One of the most interesting names, if the most unrealistic, is Antonio Conte. The former Chelsea man dominated the Premier League upon arrival, before a fallout with the board over summer spending seen him leave after two seasons. However, his recent experience in Milan with Internazionale has seen him return the Nerazzurri to the top of the domestic game once again.
His contract runs out in 2022 and talk that club owners Suning cannot guarantee major investment might see Conte look for a swift exit after winning the title. However, it is believed that other clubs – including Real Madrid – might be more likely to win the race for Conte if he does decide to move on from the Giuseppe Meazza.
Who else has been linked?
Probably the most sensible experienced name being linked with the job is Rafael Benitez. The former Liverpool and Chelsea coach was last seen coaching in China with Dalian Pro. However, his work for both Newcastle and the Reds would help to give Spurs fans a lift. An experienced pragmatist with a wonderful tactical playbook, Benitez would offer Spurs the ideal profile of coach.
Indeed, Benitez – while not the most romantic or attractive name for fans – would probably offer Spurs just what they need. An eye for a player, an interest in making major signings, and the gravitas to give even top players a tactical framework that could excel. Given he is out of work and has made clear he would like a return to the English game, his presence at Spurs would be a sensible coup for the club.
While fans might want someone with a penchant for more attacking football, Benitez has shown numerous times in the past that he can set a team up to attack and play aggressive, exciting football. He might not be the man of the hour and some might worry that he would worry to meet expectation, but the Spaniard has been linked with several top jobs in Europe for the summer.
For Spurs, then, it might not be the most attractive name – Benitez, though, might offer the most sensible hire in years.
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