Nagelsmann, Pochettnio & Enrique: Who are the leading contenders to replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham?

Although it might have seemed inevitable over the past week, it was finally announced on Sunday that Tottenham and Antonio Conte have parted ways after a messy divorce.

With Conte mounting a stunning public rant at both Spurs’ first-team stars and their hierarchy following a late collapse in their 3-3 draw away at relegation scrappers Southampton on March 18th, there was certainly a huge amount of pressure on Daniel Levy.

Crashing out of the Champions League earlier in the month after suffering a 1-0 aggregate defeat at the hands of AC Milan, the ex-Chelsea boss had quickly lost the support of fans around north London.

With it looking like Tottenham are in an uphill battle if they’re to claim an essential top-four finish come May, Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini will step up as head coach for the rest of the season, with former midfielder Ryan Mason his deputy.

However, with Conte given the sack just 16 months after taking charge in the capital, Levy’s search for a permanent replacement is well underway.

With just 10 Premier League games remaining for Tottenham this season, we have taken a look at the three leading contenders to replace Conte in north London.

Julian Nagelsmann

Shockingly sacked by German giants Bayern Munich last week, Julian Nagelsmann has already been installed as a standout candidate to replace the ex-Chelsea boss.

While the 35-year-old might have only arrived in Bavaria under two years ago, Nagelsmann guided Bayern to a 10th consecutive Bundesliga crown last season.

Likewise, although the reigning German champions might currently sit one point behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, they did punch their Champions League quarter-final ticket thanks to a 3-0 aggregate romp against PSG.

However, with reports suggesting that Nagelsmann had suffered a falling out with many of Bayern’s first-team stars over recent months, the former RB Leipzig boss now finds himself seeking a new adventure.

Left frustrated by Bayern’s decision last week, it has been suggested that Nagelsmann is already eyeing up his next move and could be tempted by a Premier League switch in 2023.

Although the now ex-Bayern boss could be looking for a short break to recover from what has been a rollercoaster few days, Sky Sports reported on Monday morning that the German tactician is keen on the idea of a move to north London.

Julian Nagelsmann to replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham: Best Odds – 1/1 with Unibet

Mauricio Pochettino

Although it might be Nagelsmann who stands as a leading contender to be the next permanent Tottenham boss, there are many fans in north London who are dreaming of a Mauricio Pochettino return.

With the likes of Conte, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espírito Santo all failing to implement a similar attacking philosophy that Pochettino brought to north London during his tenure, the 51-year-old has been heavily linked with an emotional return to the capital.

Spending five years in charge of the Lilywhites between 2014 and 2019, the one-time Argentina defender also guided Spurs to a maiden Champions League final during the 2018/19 campaign.

However, parting ways with PSG 10 months ago after failing to hand the French heavyweights a first European crown, Pochettino is eager to make a managerial return and has plenty of admirers from across the continent.

Appearing to have resolved any previous issues that he had with Levy and the rest of Tottenham’s hierarchy, The Sun reported over the weekend that Pochettino remains in London and is already putting together a plan for the summer.

Mauricio Pochettino to replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham: Best Odds – 5/1 with 888sport

Luis Enrique

With speculation over recent days that Spanish icons Real Madrid are keeping tabs on both Nagelsmann and Pochettino as potential options to come in and replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, Luis Enrique has emerged as a genuine contender for Spurs.

Although Enrique might have failed to drag Spain any further than the World Cup last 16 out in Qatar over the winter, the 52-year-old is still regarded to be among Europe’s most talented coaches.

While Enrique might not offer Spurs a similar attacking approach that Pochettino or Nagelsmann could produce, the former La Roja boss reportedly has plenty of admirers in north London and is seen as a viable option who could hit the ground running.

Although Enrique might not have managed a club side since his time at Barcelona back in 2017, The Daily Mail reported on Sunday that he has been included on Levy’s extensive list.

Spearheading a real era of dominance in Catalonia during his three-year spell, Enrique guided Barca to nine pieces of silverware, including Champions League success in his first season in charge.

Luis Enrique to replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham: Best Odds – 12/1 with Betfair