Antonio Conte successor shortlist has new leader as proven winner now in pole for Tottenham job
A report claims that former Spain manager Luis Enrique is now the frontrunner to succeed Antonio Conte as Tottenham boss.
Conte’s position at the club has come under increasing scrutiny as the north Londoners’ season continues to stutter. They are still in the top four but face a tough challenge for Champions League qualification from Liverpool. The Reds are now just three points behind and with a game in hand after winning four and drawing one of their last five matches.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have not conceded during that run while Spurs have failed to show the required consistency.
Having won five and lost two of the first seven games, Conte’s side have not won more than two consecutive league matches since September.
They have already lost nine top-flight games and looked devoid of confidence and ideas in recent times.
A fifth-round FA Cup exit to Sheffield United was followed by a 1-0 reverse at Wolves.
The knives are out for the Italian and it may be that his days at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are numbered.
Many names have been mentioned in connection with the high-profile post. Former Spurs chief Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return.
The Argentine would be a popular choice, having guided the club to the Champions League final in 2018-2019.
The ex-Southampton chief is out of work having left Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
But others are said to be in the frame. Fulham coach Marco Silva has done his chances of landing a top job no harm with his exploits at Craven Cottage.
Sky Sports News have reported that the Portuguese tactician is under consideration, along with Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Enrique keen on Premier League move
Tottenham have endured an up-and-down campaign, with a 1-0 triumph over champions Manchester City the highlight.
But they have been accused of playing boring football and the fans have let their feelings be known on occasions.
It seems likely that Conte will be on his way. Indeed, there have been reports that the former Chelsea boss will not last the current season.
One man that could step in is 52-year-old Enrique, according to The Athletic. Having managed Roma, Celta and Barcelona, he took over the reins of his national side in 2018.
But a last-16 World Cup exit to Morocco prompted his decision to step down from the post.
According to The Athletic, Spurs have a shortlist of candidates, with Enrique front and centre to their plans.
The report claims that Fabio Paratici is eager for the former Spain midfielder to replace Conte.
And Fabrizio Romano reported last week that Enrique wants a swift return to management and is happy to work in England.
However, others will also have a say in proceedings, with Daniel Levy likely to get his way.
Enrique is known as an attack-minded coach, who employs a 4-3-3 system likely to enthuse the Spurs faithful. And that is just what the club needs to lift them out of the doldrums.
There was a poor atmosphere during Wednesday’s goalless draw with AC Milan.
That result eliminated Spurs from Europe’s elite club competition and heaped further pressure on the manager.
Whether they act sooner or wait until the off-season only time will tell. But Conte is surely living on borrowed time, with a man who claimed six major trophies with Barca waiting in the wings.
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