Fabrizio Romano Provides Key Manager Update Amid Tottenham and Manchester City Links
In a significant development for English football, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has clarified the managerial landscape involving Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, dismissing recent speculation while highlighting a clear frontrunner for one of the top jobs.
Tottenham's Interim Appointment and Managerial Search
Tottenham Hotspur confirmed on Saturday the appointment of Igor Tudor as their new head coach on an interim basis until the end of the season. This decision follows the sacking of Thomas Frank earlier this week after a disappointing tenure in North London. Frank's final match in charge was a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United, where home supporters expressed their frustration with chants of 'sacked in the morning' and loud boos at the full-time whistle.
Tudor brings extensive management experience from clubs such as Galatasaray, Udinese, Hajduk Split, Hellas Verona, Marseille, and Juventus. His interim role allows Tottenham additional time to conduct a thorough search for a permanent manager ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Enzo Maresca Emerges as a Linked Name
One name that has surfaced in connection with the Tottenham vacancy is former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. The ex-Chelsea boss, who also served as an assistant at Manchester City, was dismissed by Chelsea in early January due to a breakdown in relations with the club's hierarchy. Despite links to Tottenham, Fabrizio Romano has provided a crucial update, insisting that no discussions have taken place between the parties.
Romano stated on social media platform X: "No talks between Tottenham and Enzo Maresca so far despite recent links. Understand Maresca remains the clear leading candidate to be next Manchester City head coach... ...when/if Pep Guardiola decides to leave." This statement positions Maresca as the prime contender for the Manchester City role should Pep Guardiola depart, rather than as an immediate target for Tottenham.
Gary Lineker's Perspective on Maresca
Former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Maresca is a candidate Spurs should consider. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: "Interestingly, for me, someone like Enzo Maresca. I mean, if I were Tottenham, I'd very much look at him, even though he is former Chelsea and they don't like that kind of stuff, the Tottenham fans, possibly. If it were me, I would try and get Maresca. I knew him at Leicester; he was a really good coach. He did really well, I thought, at Chelsea, for a long time. The first little tricky spell he had, he was fired."
This endorsement highlights Maresca's coaching credentials but underscores the complex dynamics given his past affiliations with rival clubs.
Implications for Tottenham and Manchester City
The update from Fabrizio Romano reshapes the narrative around both clubs' managerial plans. For Tottenham, the focus remains on evaluating options for a permanent appointment, with Tudor providing stability in the interim. Meanwhile, Manchester City may view Maresca as a strategic successor to Guardiola, should the legendary manager decide to move on.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, the managerial carousel in the Premier League continues to generate intrigue, with key figures like Romano providing essential insights into the unfolding developments.
