Manager 'similar to Jurgen Klopp' is now edging closer to replacing Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham (opinion)
Yesterday at 01:30 PM
For the first time in his Tottenham career, it feels as if Ange Postecoglou is seriously at risk of being handed his P45.
Exceptions have been made for the Australian due to the sheer volume of injury problems at Spurs right now – the north Londoners are currently without Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario and others.
However, Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester, who were on a seven-game losing run under Ruud van Nistelrooy in the Premier League, was an unacceptable result, and leaves the north Londoners 15th.
TBR Football understand Tottenham were backing Postecoglou roughly two weeks ago – although it remains to be seen how Daniel Levy is feeling now after losing to the Foxes.
With Spurs now only eight points above the Premier League relegation zone, a change could be made in the dugout soon – in our view – and Edin Terzic may already be making plans for a return to London.
Edin Terzic – the man Tottenham are likely to consider if Ange Postecoglou is sacked
A story from the Telegraph recently claimed that the German is highly likely to be considered for the role if Levy opts to sack Ange Postecoglou.
Terzic – who once worked at West Ham as assistant to Slaven Bilic – has been unemployed since leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season, after guiding the German giants to the UEFA Champions League final.
The man born in Menden typically uses a 4-3-3 formation, the same shape Postecoglou deployed against Leicester, and seems to adopt a similarly intense style of play.
Giovanni Reyna, who worked under Terzic at Borussia Dortmund, has previously said: “Edin Terzic did a great job. He took over the team in December when it was half dead and he brought it to life. We play at high intensity, with new energy and new life.”
“Half dead” is how Tottenham were before Postecoglou arrived, so it feels as if the 42-year-old would have a similarly uplifting impact on Spurs if Levy offers him the job, although the challenge will be finding consistency with this energetic style, as the Australian has found difficult in his second season.
Terzic is – however – open to adopting a more defensive style if he sees fit to do so, something Postecoglou has continuously opted against in preference of maintaining his attacking ethos no matter what.
• High-press triggers
— Coaches' Voice (@CoachesVoice) October 17, 2024
• Defending in a mid and low block
• Dealing with a switch to 4-1-4-1
In part one of Edin Terzić's Masterclass, the former Borussia Dortmund manager discusses his out-of-possession approach vs PSG in last season's Champions League semi final… 🇩🇪👏
Edin Terzic is “similar” to Jurgen Klopp
One thing that could go in Terzic’s favour during an interview with Spurs is the fact he has been compared to Jurgen Klopp.
It was David James who made the comment when speaking to GGRecon in February 2024 about who should replace the German at Liverpool.
The 54-year-old said: “I've already said that Edin Terzic, who I know personally, should be in the mix because of his Borussia Dortmund links. (He) is similar to Jurgen Klopp.”
Terzic amassed 75 wins, 24 draws and 29 defeats from his 128 games in charge of Borussia Dortmund, which is a fine record.
With a squad set up to play his preferred 4-3-3 formation, a comparison to Klopp and previous experience of living in London, there are many reasons why Levy would hire the German.
However, with just one trophy and 16 different managers in 24 years of ENIC’s ownership, it seems Tottenham will struggle to succeed no matter which coach roams the dugout.
