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Director Andoriola. REUTERS Yonhap News |
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Marko Silva (left) and Enze Postecoglou. REUTERS Yonhap News |
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Tottenham manager Enze Postecoglou was pushed to the edge of the cliff.
Even the mainstream British media began to deal with Postecoglou's future. `Telegraph' reported on the 18th (Korea time) that if Postecoglou is replaced, Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola and Fulham coach Marco Silva are considered likely candidates for the alternative head coach.'
Postecoglou took his first step as Tottenham's head coach on July 1, 2023. In his first season, he ranked Tottenham fifth in the English Premier League (EPL) and was recognized for his leadership. But this season is the opposite.
Coach Postecoglou has always lifted the trophy in his second year in each team he is in charge of. Tottenham aimed for the first time in 17 years since the 2007-2008 season. But the dream is falling apart. Last month, hopes of reaching the top of the two competitions flew into thin air one after another.
Tottenham was defeated by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup (League Cup) and failed to advance to the final. Three days later, he lost to Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup, failing to advance to the round of 16.
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In the EPL, humiliation continues. He only won one game (two draws and eight losses) in 11 games and fell into the abyss. He seemed to be showing signs of rebounding with three consecutive wins, but he also fell into a swamp of no wins (1 draw and 2 losses) for the third consecutive game.
Tottenham lost 0-2 to Fulham on the 16th and suffered its 15th defeat (10 wins and 4 draws) in the EPL. It stayed at 34 points and dropped one more spot to 14th place. They are only ahead of Everton and West Ham, who are 15th and 16th, on goal difference. It's the worst grade.
The only remaining hope is the Europa League. Tottenham defeated AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands 3-1 on the 14th to advance to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, he will face Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga.
Postecoglou is expected to see his replacement if he is blocked by a wall in Frankfurt. The Sun also predicted that the future of Postecoglou will not entirely depend on winning the European tournament, but his future will not brighten up if he loses to Frankfurt in the quarterfinals and is disappointed.
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The alternative is Iraola from Spain and Silva from Portugal. Coach Iraola put Bournemouth in the upper-middle ranks, which was feared to be relegated this season. Bournemouth's current position is 10th, although it is low with one draw and three losses in the last four EPL games. Silva's Fulham ranked eighth. Fulham and Bournemouth also advanced to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
Bournemouth are looking to renew their contracts to keep coach Iraola, whose stock price has soared. But he is hoping for a bigger club. Recently, there have been reports that Real Madrid is interested. Iraola is said to be interested in the position of Tottenham manager.
Silva is also uncertain about his future at Fulham. His contract is until 2026, but it is reported that there is a 6 million pound (about 11.3 billion won) contract termination clause.
Postecoglou is also in trouble for his clashes with fans. After the match against Fulham, he was heading to the locker room after the game and argued with a fan, which caused controversy.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.