Tottenham unlikely to make decision on Jose Mourinho future until end of the season
Tottenham will not rush into parting ways with head coach Jose Mourinho, and will instead wait until end of the season to see if he can turn things around.
Mourinho was backed in the transfer market over the 'summer' window as Spurs bought in six first team reinforcements, and there was initial optimism that the Portuguese may be able to sustain a title challenge after topping the Premier League table after 12 games.
But after a string of poor results, Mourinho's side now find themselves a lowly ninth in the table, and were recently dumped of the FA Cup by Everton. Consequently, many are questioning whether or not Mourinho has the capability to turn around a prolonged dip in form, with fans and pundits alike suggesting his 14-month reign at the club may be coming to an end.
An imminent exit doesn't appear to be on the cards though, with the Daily Mail reporting that although chairman Daniel Levy is worried by the position the club is in, he's unwilling to sanction another sacking part way through the season - partly because Mourinho's contract, which runs until 2023, pockets him £15m-per-year and a compensation pay-off figure would be astronomical in the current financial climate.
Public fallings out with Tanguy Ndombele, Dele Alli and Gareth Bale have not helped matters, as many feel that Mourinho's management style is brash and outdated. There have also been questions raised over his on-field tactics, with many perceiving his style to be negative and ineffective in terms of getting the best out of his players.
Despite their recent troubles, Spurs have made it into this season's Carabao Cup final for the first time since 2008, and are about to begin the knockout phase of the Europa League - an extra pathway to Champions League qualification if needed.
Tottenham have also seen Harry Kane flourish in a deeper forward role, improving his already telepathic connection with team-mate Son Heung-min, and it's those factors that have perhaps bought Mourinho more time.
Nevertheless, should Mourinho be dispensed with at the end of the season, the Mail's report names Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers and RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann as potential successors. It is noted, however, that appointing either would be tricky, given how well they are doing with their respective clubs and the relationship both have with their boards.
There is likely to be competition for their services, too, particularly if Rodgers secures Champions League football for Leicester. Nagelsmann, meanwhile, has already been linked with the most high-profile jobs in football, despite being just 33 years of age.