The future of Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou reportedly hangs in the balance ahead of Nottingham Forest’s trip to the capital next week.
Whereas the Reds have a full week-and-a-bit of recovery time before their clash with Spurs, their opponents have a big game on the cards. And reports suggest it could be a particularly crucial one for under-pressure Postecoglou.
Forest are in the mix for Champions League qualification with six games to go, but Tottenham are languishing in 15th place. Their poor season has led to talk about the head coach’s future.
Before their meeting with the Reds, Postecoglou’s side face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday evening. The tie is poised at 1-1 going into the second leg.
TEAMtalk claim that if Spurs are dumped out of the competition by their German opponents, the club’s board will convene “to decide the fate of” Postecoglou. The report comes as other managers are being linked with replacing the former Celtic manager.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola are both being touted as potential targets, should the axe be wielded in north London. Whatever happens this week, it is said Tottenham will conduct an end-of-season review and will examine Postecoglou’s position as part of that.
Forest will hope having a free week before their journey south can be beneficial. They go into next Monday night’s game (8pm kick-off) aiming to bounce back from successive defeats.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo said last week he hoped full-back Ola Aina would be available for the match against Spurs after missing the last two games with a calf problem. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi could also make his return from a hamstring issue.
Top scorer Chris Wood looked rusty on his comeback against Everton last week but should be boosted by an extra bit of rest. The same applies to Anthony Elanga, after Nuno said he was having to manage the winger due to the knock he picked up against Aston Villa.