Tottenham remain on the search for a new manager, whether that be an immediate replacement for Igor Tudor or one for the summer.
Tottenham identify new permanent managers amid Tudor pressure
The search for Tottenham’s next permanent manager is gathering pace behind the scenes.
Tudor clung on after the Liverpool draw on Sunday — Richarlison’s stoppage-time equaliser at Anfield earning Spurs their first point of his tenure in five attempts — but the feeling around the club is that the Croatian’s days are numbered regardless.
David Ornstein reported last week that Spurs are actively working on replacement options if they do decide to sack him, with talkSPORT understanding that Tudor has already been made aware the club is sounding out alternatives. Up to eight names are said to be on the shortlist.
Roberto De Zerbi is a top candidate according to Fabrizio Romano, though making that happen mid-season is considered unlikely.
Mauricio Pochettino retains strong support within the fanbase but is committed to the USA for the World Cup this summer. Robbie Keane — linked all last week — has emerged as a realistic short-term option.
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The picture is messy, the clock is ticking, and the next permanent appointment may well be the most consequential decision this ownership group has ever made.
Amid all the noise, one man at the heart of the squad has been reflecting publicly on the managers who have shaped him — and his words carry some relevance to the debate swirling around Tottenham’s future.
Joao Palhinha praises Ruben Amorim amid Tottenham manager search
Speaking on the Jogo Pelo Jogo podcast in Portugal, midfielder Joao Palhinha was asked about the coaches who have influenced him most throughout his career.
The 30-year-old was effusive about his former Fulham boss Marco Silva, crediting the Portuguese with unlocking his best football at Craven Cottage — where he led the Premier League for tackles in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
However, it was his comments about another manager that are likely to generate the most conversation among Spurs supporters this week.
Palhinha singled out ex-Man United boss Ruben Amorim as one of the most significant influences on his development, speaking glowingly about his ability to communicate and manage players (via Sport Witness).
“His communication was top,” Palhinha said.
“He is a coach with a lot of quality.”
He left little room for ambiguity about where he sees Amorim’s trajectory heading.
“I am sure he will succeed anywhere,” he added.
The comments are notable given the context swirling around Tottenham’s dugout.
Amorim endured a turbulent spell at Old Trafford after arriving from Sporting in November 2024, but now he’s been sacked and readily-available, his name will inevitably drift into the Spurs conversation.
Palhinha did not mention Thomas Frank in his reflections at all — a conspicuous omission for a player who spent the bulk of this season under the Dane before his sacking in February.
Whether that silence speaks to the midfielder’s frustration or simply reflects the managers who genuinely shaped him, it adds another layer to a fascinating portrait of a player clearly yet to find his best form in north London.
If Spurs do eventually find a manager who communicates clearly and builds genuine trust with his squad, Palhinha’s own words hint that he would be very happy with Amorim, if the Lilywhites opt to sign the Portuguese permanently from Bayern Munich.
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