Tottenham Hotspur set their sights on Andoni Iraola as a potential Ange Postecoglou successor
Tottenham Hotspur are enduring a difficult campaign, currently sitting 14th in the Premier League and already eliminated from all domestic competitions. With results falling well short of expectations, Ange Postecoglou’s position is now under serious threat, as frustration grows among supporters—many of whom are calling for a managerial change. While Spurs were hampered by a string of injuries early in the season, Postecoglou’s tactical approach has also come under scrutiny in recent weeks, raising questions about its long-term viability.
According to The Athletic, Tottenham have identified Andoni Iraola as their top candidate to take over should they part ways with Postecoglou this summer. As a result, the Australian’s future at the club remains increasingly uncertain heading into the final stretch of the season.
Jack Pitt-Brooke reports that Ange Postecoglou’s position at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is now in serious doubt following a series of poor results and performances. Spurs’ hierarchy have set their sights on Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as their preferred replacement. The Spaniard’s £10m release clause at the Vitality Stadium is not expected to hinder a potential appointment.
Iraola has been making waves at Bournemouth
Iraola has garnered widespread praise as a “phenomenal” manager for the remarkable impact he’s made at Bournemouth since succeeding Gary O’Neil. Despite losing his top scorer Dominic Solanke to Spurs last summer, Iraola has kept the Cherries competitive, with the team unexpectedly pushing for a Champions League spot.
With just one year remaining on his contract, the Spanish coach could consider a move elsewhere, especially if Bournemouth fall short of European qualification. Currently sitting 10th in the Premier League, the club has defied expectations all season, and if they maintain their form, a top-six finish remains a real possibility.
Bournemouth are keen to tie Iraola down to a long-term contract, recognising the impressive job he’s done this season. However, the final decision will rest with the manager himself, and his future remains uncertain amid growing interest from bigger clubs. Adding to the intrigue is the possibility of a managerial vacancy at Real Madrid this summer, which could further influence Iraola’s thinking. With his stock rapidly rising, Tottenham may need to act swiftly if they are serious about making him their next head coach.
Postecoglou is on thin ice.
If this managerial move were to materialise, it could have a significant impact on Dominic Solanke. The striker enjoyed a breakout season under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, forming an effective relationship with the Spanish coach. When Iraola arrived at the Cherries in the summer of 2023, Solanke flourished like never before, producing the kind of form that ultimately earned him a big-money transfer to Tottenham.
Prior to the 2023/24 campaign, Solanke had never come close to hitting double digits in a Premier League season. But under Iraola’s guidance, he scored 19 league goals, and 21 in 42 starts across all competitions—averaging a goal every other game. That transformation speaks volumes about Iraola’s ability to elevate players, especially forwards, which could make a reunion at Spurs all the more compelling.
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Iraola’s high-energy, front-footed system could breathe new life into Tottenham’s misfiring attack. His philosophy emphasizes quick transitions, aggressive pressing, and intelligent movement off the ball—a style that naturally complements players like Solanke, who thrive on service and space to exploit. Beyond Solanke, players such as Heung-Min Son, Brennan Johnson, and Mikey Moore could flourish in a more direct and dynamic setup.
Iraola’s tactical flexibility also allows attackers more freedom, often rotating positions and pressing high to win the ball in dangerous areas. Given Tottenham’s current struggles in the final third, a shift to Iraola’s fast-paced approach could unlock the potential of underperforming talents and inject much-needed fluidity into their attacking play.