Two managers in mind as Levy seeks big-name Mourinho replacement

Julian Nagelsmann RB Leipzig

Tottenham will not find it easy to prise away either of their top two targets amid claims Daniel Levy has a shortlist of two names to succeed the sacked Jose Mourinho.

Spurs’ form in the last four months has been shocking and Mourinho was relieved of his duties on Monday morning. With less than a week to go before the Carabao Cup final first-team coaches Ryan Mason and Chris Powell will take charge for the remainder of the campaign. Levy explained the decision to sack Mourinho in a statement.

Mourinho was appointed at Spurs in November 2019, but instead of injecting a new impetus to Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Spurs have fallen off the pace.

Mourinho guided Tottenham to a sixth-placed finish in his first season. However, they face a fight to even match that this time around. Indeed, the 2-2 draw at Everton on Friday night leaves them seventh in the table. That’s five points adrift of the Champions League places. And that has seemingly been enough for Levy to fire the former Manchester United boss.

Thoughts will immediately turn to who Tottenham appoint as his successor. As such, reports earlier this year stated that Levy has placed RB Leipzig chief Julian Nagelsmann at the top of his wanted list.

Those claims have also been enhanced by the German media. After all, Nagelsmann is regarded as the country’s brightest managerial hope. At just 33 years old, he’s already managed over 200 games in his career.

However, Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche quickly dismissed the rumours earlier this year.

Speaking to BILD, he does admit he can see why their coach is a man in demand.

Daniel Levy faces big decision in summer with Jose Mourinho

Daniel Levy faces big decision in summer with Jose Mourinho

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy faces a 'big decision' this summer over the future of head coach Jose Mourinho, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

“When you do a good job, you arouse desire,” Krosche said.

“But Julian feels comfortable because he has everything he needs here. The team is developing great.

“That’s why I see no reason for him to switch – especially since he has a valid contract with us.”


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Brendan Rodgers also admired by Tottenham

Nagelsmann though is likely to become the focus of Tottenham’s attention as they seek to replace Mourinho. That’s because another man Levy admires, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, looks even more unlikely to be prised away.

According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, the Northern Irishman is Spurs’ ‘dream solution’ to their problem.

Speaking on Saturday, Falk said: “It’s clear his [Mourinho’s] hours are counting down.

“It is no secret that Brendan Rodgers was actually the dream solution. But he has a contract with Leicester until 2025, so he is not available.

“Therefore, they [Tottenham] sound out the market and Julian Nagelsmann is a name that comes up again and again.

“I heard in Leipzig that if Bayern call, they won’t give him away because they don’t want to let him leave for their direct rivals in Germany, but if they call from England, I heard they might be willing to talk.

“If they pay a transfer fee and Tottenham have the money, it’s possible.”

READ MORE: Five Reasons Why Spurs have to axe Mourinho