Postecoglou faces pressure to resign as Tottenham eyes new managers

Angie Postecoglou is increasingly likely to step down as head coach of Tottenham Hotspur. The next candidates have been narrowed down to Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth manager, and Marco Silva, the Fulham manager.

The British 'Telegraph' reported on the 18th (Korean time) that "If Tottenham fires Postecoglou, Iraola and Silva are strong candidates. As pressure has mounted for Postecoglou's dismissal, alternatives have emerged if Tottenham chooses to make a change."

The media noted that "Postecoglou has come under increased pressure after losing to Silva's Fulham last Sunday. Tottenham is currently 14th in the league, with only 9 matches remaining."

Currently, Tottenham has gone winless in their last 3 league matches, recording 1 draw and 2 losses. They rank 14th with 34 points (10 wins, 4 draws, 15 losses). It would not be surprising if they fell further, as they are equal on points with West Ham and Everton, but barely ahead on goal difference.

Tottenham has recorded 15 losses in 29 league matches, the most since the 2008-2009 season. However, the season is not over yet. 'Tottenham News' expressed that "For Tottenham fans, the fact that there are still 9 matches left is truly frightening, as they are experiencing their worst season yet." They added, "Tottenham will face Chelsea, Liverpool, Nottingham, and Aston Villa, as well as teams ranked higher like Brighton and Crystal Palace. Fans are likely to be apprehensive about this."

Tottenham's last hope is the UEFA Europa League (UEL). Their league campaign is already a lost cause, and they have been eliminated from both the League Cup (Carabao Cup) and the FA Cup. Winning the UEL is virtually their only chance to secure a spot in European competition next season.

However, Tottenham's prospects of winning are dim as they continue to struggle. Furthermore, their quarterfinal opponent is Eintracht Frankfurt, currently ranked 4th in the Bundesliga. Former Tottenham player Jamie O'Hara remarked that "Tottenham's performance was once again really poor. They have been inconsistent throughout the season," adding that "Frankfurt is an excellent team. If Tottenham is eliminated from the UEL, it will mark the end for Postecoglou."

The Telegraph also highlighted that Postecoglou's lifeline may be tied to the UEL. The media stated that "The UEL will be crucial for Postecoglou's managerial prospects. It could save Tottenham's season by providing opportunities for trophies and entry into the UEFA Champions League (UCL). However, there was no evidence indicating that Tottenham would fire Postecoglou even if they do not win or if they are eliminated in the quarterfinals."

Additionally, the Telegraph noted that "Tottenham has continued to support Postecoglou and has understood the injury crisis. However, he has failed to win against Bournemouth and Fulham, even after several players returned, and struggled to overcome AZ Alkmaar in the UEL Round of 16."

In fact, fans have long been chanting 'Postecoglou OUT.' Tottenham News stated that "Daniel Levy is definitely going to dismiss Postecoglou now. He has not won in 3 league matches, making it difficult for him to continue managing a giant North London club."

Postecoglou reportedly clashed with fans after the match against Fulham. An angry fan shouted, "XX(fu**) what is this?" and Postecoglou stopped walking and glared at the fan. Despite players' attempts to hold him back, he continued to shout something. The 'Spurs Army' described it as "Postecoglou sounded like he was saying, 'You’re a young man. Have some manners.'"

This is not the first time Postecoglou has clashed with Tottenham fans. The team has consistently struggled throughout the season. After losing to Bournemouth 1-0 last December, he also had a confrontation with fans. A fan criticized Postecoglou by saying, "It’s your fault," to which he replied, "Me?" as he approached the away section before being stopped by security.

Nonetheless, Postecoglou remains defiant. He stated, "Some people seem to enjoy criticizing others. But I don't care." He added, "If I've survived for 26 to 27 years, it means I've rarely faced obstacles. If you can start from the bottom of any profession and reach the top 1%, you can say you're competent," defending himself while labeling critics as "result-oriented."

However, it seems that Postecoglou's time is running out. The Telegraph reported that "Postecoglou has maintained popularity with the squad and fans during a very difficult season, but cracks are beginning to show. He was once again caught on camera facing angry supporters after losing to Fulham."

The media also pointed out that "Postecoglou's starting lineup also raised eyebrows. Wilson Odobert and James Maddison, who scored against AZ, were substituted in, as was Tottenham's top player Lucas Berivel. The decisions regarding Odobert, Maddison, Berivel, and Son Heung-min were somewhat surprising, especially since Tottenham has no matches until they travel to Chelsea on April 3."

Tottenham appears to be looking for Postecoglou's successor within the Premier League. Iraola has led Bournemouth to 10th place this season. According to the Telegraph, Bournemouth also wishes to re-sign Iraola, but he is reportedly interested in the Tottenham position.

Silva is currently leading Fulham to 8th place. The Telegraph explained that "Sources say there are doubts about Silva's future at Fulham after this season. Both sides believe there is a possibility of parting ways, with his contract lasting until the end of next season and a buyout clause of £6 million (approximately 11.2 billion won)."

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