Daniel Levy has a number of questions to answer when it comes to finding Antonio Conte's long-term Tottenham successor. Appointed in the hotseat in November 2021, the Italian's time in N17 is coming to an end and Spurs will be on the lookout for their fourth permanent head coach since Mauricio Pochettino's exit almost four years ago.
Tottenham have not progressed as a club in that time, only managing to qualify for the Champions League on one occasion since then and unfortunately missing out on silverware. Supporters want the club to have a clear vision going forward as right now they are not happy at all with where they are heading.
So what exactly must the Tottenham chairman settle on before finally deciding on the perfect man to lead the Lilywhites forward into what will hopefully be a very bright future? football.london takes a look below.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino has already shown Daniel Levy why he must replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham
Does Paratici have a say?
One thing Levy must weigh up is how much of a say managing director of football Fabio Paratici has when it comes to choosing Conte's Tottenham successor. Arriving at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer of 2021, Paratici, who convinced the chairman to turn to Nuno Espirito Santo that summer, has run the football side of the club.
However, the issue with Paratici having a big input over the next head coach is that he may not be with Spurs in the not too distant future. Handed a 30-month suspension from Italian football back in January following his part in Juventus' alleged financial irregularities and accounting scandal, there's the possibility that it could become a worldwide suspension.
That should all become a lot clearer over the next month when the outcome is delivered after Juventus, Paratici and other officials involved appealed the decision to the Italian Olympic Committee. Tottenham are in a very awkward position at present regarding Paratici as everything is very much up in the air.
Style of football?
Tottenham fans have made their feelings crystal clear over the style of football that has been on show in north London over the past couple of years. Going from exciting, attacking football under Pochettino, Spurs' approach has changed drastically with the onus very much on the defensive side of the game and then looking to hit sides on the counter under Jose Mourinho, Espirito Santo and Conte.
While not a lot can be said about the style if the team are successful and getting the points on the board, it is always brought up if the team are not doing so. Tottenham fans want to be entertained and have a manager that has values that are in the club's DNA.
Levy did outline what he wanted in a Tottenham manager when speaking in May 2021, yet he has steered away from the club's vision with his last couple of appointments. He said: “We are acutely aware of the need to select someone whose values reflect those of our great club and return to playing football with the style for which we are known – free-flowing, attacking and entertaining – whilst continuing to embrace our desire to see young players flourish from our Academy alongside experienced talent."
That is the brief Levy has to meet when it comes to the next head coach.
Short-term fix until the end of the campaign?
Given we are now approaching April, Tottenham face a big decision over whether they look for a short-term fix or go all out for their long-term solution. If it is to be the former, there's a very good chance Ryan Mason may find himself back in the hotseat as was the case two years ago.
A short-term stopgap would allow Levy time to make a call over who they want as manager for the 2023/24 campaign rather than rushing into a decision right now and getting it all wrong. It is something that the chairman really does need to decide on as the club are still in a very good position to qualify for the Champions League.
Long-term solution right now?
Tottenham could quite easily move for their long-term successor over the coming days and weeks but the timing really does complicate things. One option would be to look at the managers who are currently out of work, with Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel undoubtedly the standout candidates who are without a job at present.
The other option for Levy would be to go all out for his top target even if they are currently in charge of another club. Many clubs would be extremely reluctant to part with their head coach right now as we are at a crucial time in the campaign where league titles, European places and relegation is on the line.
Tottenham would likely have to pay out a huge compensation fee for a manager, with many likely to have hefty release clauses in their respective deals. It could cost Spurs millions for their new boss but it could be money well spent if they go on to achieve big things in north London.
Proven winner?
Levy must also decide if he goes down the route of appointing a proven winner once again. Desperate to bring silverware to N17 after last lifting a trophy in 2008, the chairman turned to Mourinho following Pochettino's dismissal.
A serial winner in the game and collecting trophy after trophy at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United, Mourinho couldn't repeat his heroics in north London, although he may have guided Spurs to League Cup glory had he not been sacked in the week leading up to the final against Man City in April 2021. Conte, another proven winner in the game, will also end his Tottenham tenure with no silverware after meekly limping out of the FA Cup and Champions League earlier in the month.
While you cannot fault Levy for turning to these proven winners in Spurs' quest to end their trophy hoodoo, they just haven't worked out and ultimately ended in tears. Given the desire for trophies as well as progressive, eye-catching football from the Tottenham team, Levy must decide what is best for the club with goals to achieve and fans to please.
Project manager?
Or do Spurs turn to a manager that can lead the club for years to come and hopefully guide them to the silverware they desire? Pochettino transformed the club following his arrival in May 2014 and Spurs really should have won a trophy given they had the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen at the forefront of their exciting team.
Many fans want a young, up-and-coming head coach to come in and get the team playing attractive football again as well as promoting players from the academy. Arsenal are reaping the rewards of sticking by Mikel Arteta and they are in a very good position to end the campaign by claiming the Premier League trophy.
It is vitally important that if someone comes in to oversee a project over a number of years that Spurs stick with the plan and don't change direction at the first sign of trouble.
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