Why Can’t Tottenham Get It Right? A Managerial Merry-Go-Round

With state-of-the-art facilities and a squad full of internationals, why is it that Tottenham Hotspur can’t get it right with their managerial appointments?

Ange Postecoglou was the most recent to feel the might of Daniel Levy’s fist, lasting two seasons before getting the sack. Question marks surrounded the Australian, even after winning Tottenham their first trophy in seventeen years.

Those questions were soon put to bed—when he was sacked on the 6th of June, just sixteen days after lifting the Europa League trophy with a 1-0 victory over Premier League rivals Manchester United in Bilbao.

A Pattern of Elite Names and Short Tenures

Bigger managers with well-renowned pedigrees have also tried and failed at Tottenham.

The most recent being Antonio Conte. The Italian won the Premier League with London rivals Chelsea in the 2016–17 season but couldn’t quite galvanise the Tottenham team. His highest finish came in the 2021–22 season, securing 4th place and Champions League qualification.

He lasted until March 2023, when he and the club agreed to part ways by mutual consent. The final straw? A 3-3 draw away to Southampton—Tottenham led 3-1 until the 77th minute. In his post-match press conference, Conte didn’t hold back, taking aim at the players and the club’s mentality.

Shortest Reign in Club History: Nuno Espírito Santo

Before Conte came Nuno Espírito Santo—Tottenham’s shortest-serving manager in club history.

Having achieved success with Wolves, he caught the eye of many clubs. Tottenham was his desired destination. However, results against the top six and a repressive playing style hindered an electric front three of Kane, Son, and Moura—scoring only nine goals in their opening ten games.

A 3-0 home loss to Manchester United sealed his fate after just 124 days in charge.

Even the Special One Couldn’t Fix It

Still seeking silverware, Daniel Levy turned to trophy-winning specialist José Mourinho.

The self-proclaimed “Special One” had delivered Chelsea’s first league title in 50 years back in 2004–05 with a still-unbroken defensive record.

But at Tottenham, Mourinho couldn’t implement the same vigour. Appointed in November 2019, he guided Spurs to a 6th-place finish and Europa League qualification. He was sacked in April 2021, with Spurs in 7th and five points off the top four.

Many speculated that Mourinho should’ve led Tottenham into their Carabao Cup final—six days later. Instead, interim coach Ryan Mason took charge and lost 1-0.

Still, there is hope for Tottenham Hotspur.

They’re back in the Champions League next season—a major financial boost. This should give Daniel Levy the ability to show faith in his new man: Thomas Frank.

Frank becomes the latest addition to Tottenham’s ever-growing cavalcade of managers. After a successful spell at Brentford—establishing the Bees as a stable Premier League outfit—he now takes on a job burdened with pressure.

Known for his high-tempo, possession-based style rooted in Gegenpressing principles, Frank regularly deployed fluid systems like 4-3-3 and 3-4-1-2 to stretch defences and control games.

Now, all eyes turn to him.

Can he bring consistency and success to a club that’s had neither for far too long?