Spurs‘ pursuit in Erik ten Hag seemed to have ended this morning, when Ajax triggered a one-year extension in the manager’s contract at the Amsterdam based club.
However, it seems as if Daniel Levy and co were the party which were seemingly more skeptical about the potential appointment, and as Fabrizio Romano has reported, ten Hag did not reject Spurs.
Ten Hag has extended his contract with Ajax – he has *not* turned down Tottenham.#THFC board decided to take a step back after talking with ten Hag in the last 48 hours and being aware of Ajax intention to trigger the one-year option. Tottenham will meet other managers soon.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 30, 2021
In fact, there is still a tiny chance he could join the North London club this summer, but this is unlikely as it is believed that the meeting between Spurs and ten Hag didn’t go well and that he was not in agreement with Levy and the directors taking more control over team affairs.
The manager even spoke on the reports, saying,” “I don’t want to rule out that that could have happened, but I know what I have here.”
“I know who I am working with, I know what the ideas are, I know what goals we have. I’m happy here.
“That’s where my head and heart are at.”
Ten Hag on Spurs link: "I don't want to rule out that that could have happened, but I know what I have here. I know who I am working with, I know what the ideas are, I know what goals we have. I’m happy here. That's where my head and heart are at." #THFC
— Jonathan Veal (@jonathandveal83) April 30, 2021
The quotes suggest that the reports that ten Hag would have less control as manager and be in the dark about certain decisions should he become manager are in fact true, with him reiterating he knows exactly where he stands at the Dutch giants.
It is now believed that in the meantime, Spurs will be looking at other managers and shortening down their shortlist, while ten Hag is temporarily moved off it.
#TottenhamHotspur could now turn their attentions to Graham Potter, Ralf Rangnick, or Scott Parker as the club continues their search for a manager. [@Dan_KP]
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) April 30, 2021
Other options right now include Brighton’s Graham Potter, former RB Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick, and Fulham manager Scott Parker.
Rangnick, who could possibly even join as a Sporting Director, is currently listed on Wikipedia as Spurs manager, but even with the social media blackout, it’s extremely unlikely that he has already taken over as manager or even agreed a deal, however BILD have reported he has been offered the job.
Ralf Rangnick has been offered the Tottenham job. [BILD] pic.twitter.com/sSf8HiXJNK
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) April 30, 2021
It is expected that Ryan Mason will remain in the Head Coach role until the end of the season, and there won’t be a new manager taking control of the team until pre-season, but the club are desperate to move quickly so that whoever takes over has plenty of time to make whatever changes they feel necessary before the start of the next season.
Whomever takes the hotseat as Tottenham manager has to deal with a major obstacle…. Dan Levy. The Tottenham chairman continues to be a massive problem in Spurs succeeding in footballing terms, constantly meddling in matters he clearly isn’t equipped to do. So unfortunately unless the next manager is given proper control – which seems highly unlikely – we will sadly have to put up with more of the same Levy led nonsense that has gotten us largely nowhere and the trophy cabinet remains frustratingly bare.