There is no denying the importance of the decision coming Daniel Levy's way when it comes to finding Antonio Conte's long-term Tottenham successor. Following such a frustrating season to date with the team potentially set to miss out on a top-four finish come the end of May, the Spurs chairman quite simply needs to get it right and appoint the perfect man to help take the club forward once again.
In the 24 days since Conte parted with the club, a number of managers, including Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim, have been linked with the position at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Luis Enrique is another that has been mentioned in connection with the hotseat, with the former Barcelona boss also linked with the Chelsea job following Graham Potter's exit at the start of the month.
However, it now appears that the 52-year-old is no longer under consideration for the vacancy at Stamford Bridge. According to The Telegraph, Chelsea have cut down their managerial shortlist and Enrique is no longer among the leading candidates for the job and no further talks are currently planned with him.
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Without a job since leaving his position as Spain manager after their shock World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco, Tottenham, in theory, could have a straight run at Enrique following the decision by their London rivals. Enjoying great success with Barcelona after previous stints in charge of Roma and Celta Vigo, the former midfielder led the club he represented as a player to nine major honours in his three years in charge.
Helping Barca win La Liga twice and also the Champions League in 2014/15, Enrique also guided them to Copa del Rey success three years on the trot. Playing a possession-based game that is easy on the eye due to his attacking brand of football, Enrique's approach would most certainly go down well with Tottenham fans after they made their feelings perfectly clear on the football on offer under both Conte and Jose Mourinho.
Enrique is also a big favourite of Tottenham's managing director of football Fabio Paratici, with the Italian rating the manager very highly indeed. How much say Paratici will have on Tottenham's next manager will be known in the days ahead.
Spurs are very much in limbo at present as they wait to discover the outcome of the 50-year-old's appeal against his 30-month ban from football for alleged financial malpractice during his time at Juventus which was imposed on him by the Italian FA.
Initially only applying to Italian football, FIFA extended the ban worldwide at the end of March and it resulted in Paratici agreeing with Tottenham that he would take an immediate leave of absence pending the outcome of his appeal. His appeal was due to be heard by the Italian Olympic Committee on Wednesday, April 19 but it could take up to five days before they make their decision.
Even if this appeal is successful, there are further investigations, including one begun by UEFA, in the works. Paratici's situation really does complicate things for Tottenham, especially when he should be having a major role in the club's manager search.
A crucial period for the Lilywhites as they do their due diligence and speak to potential candidates for the job, Tottenham have the ideal opportunity to convene with Enrique due to the fact he is not in a position at present. Quite who the club opt for remains to be seen as they look to appoint the man they believe can take the club forward again and help them challenge for silverware on a consistent basis.
Seen as a leading contender on Paratici's managerial shortlist, Enrique appears to be a good fit for Tottenham but it could all depend on the verdict on the Italian's appeal unless Levy also believes the Spaniard is the man he wants as Conte's successor.
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