AliousIt’s astonishing to reflect that after the opening ten matches of the 2023/24 campaign, Tottenham Hotspur were leading the Premier League table, enjoying an unbeaten start under Ange Postecoglou.
However, their defeat to Chelsea in N17 now stands out as a pivotal turning point. On that dramatic Monday night, Spurs conceded four goals, saw both Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie sent off, and suffered injuries to key players James Maddison and Micky van de Ven.
From there, the season took a downward turn. Spurs eventually finished fifth, recording 12 league defeats. Since the beginning of the 2024/25 season, they have gone on to lose another 37 top-flight matches. In contrast, rivals Arsenal have suffered just seven defeats over the same 18-month period.
| Win % in PL – post 2008 | |
|---|---|
| Manager | Win % |
| Redknapp | 49% |
| Villas-Boas | 54% |
| Sherwood | 59% |
| Pochettino | 56% |
| Mourinho | 47% |
| Nuno | 50% |
| Conte | 57% |
| Ange | 41% |
| Frank | 27% |
Things have now reached a breaking point for Spurs, who find themselves firmly dragged into a relegation battle, with uncertainty growing over who will take charge next in north London—either in the short term or for the long haul.
New manager speculation intensifies
Current interim boss Igor Tudor remains in position for now, but following the disastrous defeat to Nottingham Forest, there is a strong feeling his departure is only a matter of time.
Amid the uncertainty, Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a leading contender. Reports suggest he is open to stepping in immediately, despite other claims indicating he may prefer to wait until the end of the season. The Italian, recently dismissed by Marseille, is currently available, and his previous work with Brighton & Hove Albion strengthens his appeal.
Another option is Sean Dyche, who is also out of work and under consideration.
However, Spurs may also look within the Premier League itself. According to reports, internal discussions have already taken place within ENIC about a potential move for Marco Silva of Fulham. It remains unclear whether this would be an immediate appointment or one planned for the summer, especially with Silva’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Silva, who has previously managed clubs such as Everton, Watford, and Hull City, is believed to be open to taking the next step in his career.
Why Silva could be the smarter choice
While De Zerbi’s exciting, attack-minded style may make him the standout candidate for fans craving entertaining football, there are concerns about his longevity. His spells at Brighton and Marseille were both relatively short, raising doubts about his suitability as a long-term solution.
In contrast, Silva has demonstrated stability and steady progress during his time at Fulham since the 2021/22 season. He guided the club to promotion at the first attempt and has since established them comfortably in the top flight.
Even this season, Silva has pushed Fulham toward European contention without heavy spending or major squad changes. His ability to build a cohesive, efficient team—praised by journalist Dean Jones—has been evident, particularly in the resurgence of Harry Wilson, who is enjoying a standout campaign.
Having spent nearly a decade in English football since his arrival at Hull City in 2016/17, Silva brings a wealth of experience, having endured relegation battles as well as promotion success.
For Spurs, appointing Silva could offer much-needed stability and composure—qualities that may be more valuable than the unpredictability often associated with De Zerbi or the more pragmatic approach of Dyche.
Whether as an immediate replacement for Tudor or a longer-term successor to Thomas Frank, Silva has built a compelling case to be seriously considered for the role.
Alious
