Who the bookmakers think could replace Jose Mourinho at Spurs this year

Opening up the new Premier League campaign with a worrying display in their 1-0 defeat against Everton on Sunday, it appears that there are dark clouds forming over the White half of North London.

Despite just about managing to secure a top-six finish at the final hour earlier in the summer, Jose Mourinho has struggled to make an immediate impact at Tottenham and his style of play hasn’t won over many Spurs fans.

With some fearing that their long-awaited search for a piece of silverware is only set to continue after a concerning start to the New Year, all eyes are firmly on one man.

While Mourinho’s position in the Tottenham dugout certainly isn’t in any immediate danger with discussions over a Gareth Bale return still ongoing, the bookmakers have already lined up a list of potential candidates that could replace ‘The Special One’ this year.

Mauricio Pochettino – 9/1 with 888sport

They couldn’t? Could they?

While Jose Mourinho might not even be 12 months into his brief tenure back in the capital, there is no doubt that Tottenham fans would relish the return of Mauricio Pochettino if you gave them the choice.

Left heartbroken when it was announced last year that the Argentinian boss had parted ways with Spurs only months after guiding them to their first Champions League final, there is no denying the fact that the 48-year-old has a special connection with Tottenham fans.

While it would be highly questionable as to how Daniel Levy and Pochettino would be able to work together after their messy divorce only 11 months ago, the one-time Southampton coach somehow still remains out of a job, despite being eager to jump back in the hot seat.

Despite being left heavily linked with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona and Real Madrid since leaving Spurs last year, Pochettino is still sat by his phone as Tottenham fans cry out for his return.

Eddie Howe – 9/1 with Betfair

Arguably the most shock name to be linked with the hot seat at Spurs and the joint-favourite with the bookmakers is now-former Bournemouth boss, Eddie Howe.

While he might not have been able to help his beloved Cherries extend on their Premier League status this summer, the 42-year-old left his position at the Vitality last month after a decade long stay on the South Coast over two spells.

Although some around North London might feel that Howe would be seen as a step back after potentially partying ways with a serial winner such as Mourinho, he does host a string of Premier League experience and always promises to play an attractive attacking style of play, something many Tottenham fans feel they aren’t getting at the moment.

Clearly heading in a more British direction after bringing in the likes of Matt Doherty and Joe Hart this summer, could Howe be the first British Tottenham manager since Tim Sherwood in 2013?

Julian Nagelsmann – 12/1 with Unibet

Really making a name for himself out in Germany last season, Julian Nagelsmann has gained a string of admirers from across Europe after guiding RB Leipzig to their first Champions League semi-final last month.

While the Bundesliga’s latest franchise might have been unable to come past PSG out in Portugal, the Red Bull’s young and creative philosophy is one that many sides are trying to replicate.

Announcing earlier in the year that Real Madrid had previously approached him about potentially taking charge in the Spanish capital back in 2018, this also isn’t the first time that Nagelsmann has been linked with a potential move to Spurs.

When Pochettino left the top-four hopefuls last year, The Times reported that Europe’s new managerial poster boy was one of the top names on Levy’s wishlist.

Still just 33 years of age and billed by many as the new José Mourinho, there is no doubt that the arrival of Nagelsmann would excite many around North London.