Next four games pivotal as Tottenham identify Mourinho replacement

Tottenham have identified RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann as their preferred replacement for Jose Mourinho if their poor form continues, it is claimed.

Mourinho is under pressure after Tottenham’s form took a turn for the worse. They have lost five of their last six league games and have also been knocked out of the FA Cup.

Their form has seen them slide down the league table to ninth. It has been a remarkable drop-off considering they were top of the league as recently as December.

Mourinho’s position is now at risk. According to The Telegraph, the next four games will be crucial to his fate.

Spurs will play the second leg of their Europa League tie with Wolfsberger on Thursday. Then, there will be Premier League games against Burnley, Fulham and Crystal Palace over the following week or so.

With all three of those opponents in the bottom half of the table, it could be a critical opportunity for Tottenham to gain points.

However, should they fail to get results, questions may be asked of Mourinho again.

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The Telegraph add that Tottenham already have a potential replacement for Mourinho in mind. Nagelsmann is at the top of their shortlist.

The 33-year-old is one of the most promising coaches in Europe. Last season, he guided Leipzig to the Champions League semi-finals.

Many top clubs are aware of his potential; he was an option for Chelsea after they sacked Frank Lampard in January. Ultimately, he turned them down.

The reason was because he was unwilling to leave Leipzig midway through the season. That may scupper Tottenham’s own plans if they sack Mourinho, but it does not mean their current manager is under any less pressure.

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Some Tottenham players unhappy with Mourinho

Meanwhile, The Athletic claim that some Spurs players are growing frustrated with Mourinho’s methods.

According to the website, there are three reasons some members of the squad are unhappy. Those players reportedly think Mourinho’s training sessions are “too defensive, too focused on the opposition, and not as intense as they were used to under Mauricio Pochettino”.

Other Tottenham players still have faith in the current manager, but there seems to be some disharmony among the ranks. He now faces a huge week to get their fortunes back on track.

READ MORE: Mourinho told to ditch ‘shambolic’ Tottenham duo to save his job