Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly chosen his “early favourite” to succeed Antonio Conte, who left by mutual consent over the weekend. While the club has appointed Cristian Stellini as its acting head coach for now, Tottenham is said to be willing to wait until the summer to bring in a permanent replacement for Conte.
This will open up more opportunities with elite managers unlikely to leave their current positions during the current campaign. There are several options available, including Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino, who are currently out of work.
The decision not to immediately appoint a permanent replacement for Conte indicates that the club has its eyes on a manager who is already in a job. Ange Postecoglou, Oliver Glasner, and Roberto De Zerbi are among several managers being linked with taking over at Spurs. However, the current number one choice for Levy is reportedly Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
According to the Daily Record, Levy is leaning towards bringing in a “project” manager, and Frank is seen as the ideal choice. The Danish coach is said to be Levy’s early favourite, although Postecoglou and De Zerbi are also touted as potential alternatives. It was only in December that Frank signed a new long-term contract with Brentford until 2027.
Frank has admitted that it would take a “unique opportunity” for him to be tempted to leave Brentford. He said, “It is clear that when we come over here, I think: ‘Okay, it could be nice to try coaching the Premier League’. It has happened, and now I am here. And then I thought at one point: ‘Hmm, if you could get another Premier League job maybe’. But on the other hand, I’m like: ‘Will it make me happier?’ I’m not sure, because this is a super cool place with lots of challenges yet. So, I’m a little doubtful about that. I want to say that if I have to leave here, it has to be a unique opportunity.”
Brentford is in the mix for a surprise European spot heading into the final few games of the season. They currently sit eighth in the table, level on points with both Liverpool and Brighton and just seven behind Tottenham with a game in hand. Tottenham’s decision to wait until the end of the season to appoint a permanent replacement for Conte could provide Frank with the unique opportunity he is looking for.