Tottenham shouldn’t settle on frontrunner Simone Inzaghi

Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi is the frontrunner to take the helm at Tottenham, but Daniel Levy should think twice before settling on the 45-year-old Italian. 

According to SkyBet, the Italian is the 9/4 favourite of becoming Spurs’ next manager. Inzaghi has ascended up the managerial ranks of Lazio Football Club. He took over the youth team in 2010, his first managerial position. After six years in charge of the youth ranks, Inzaghi became interim manager of the senior side in 2016.

He led Lazio to the Coppa Italia victory in 2019 as well as two Supercoppa Italiana triumphs and a fourth-place league finish last season. Inzaghi is one of the coaches attributed to reviving the 3-5-2 formation in Italy. The other was former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

There is merit in employing a 3-5-2 formation, but Tottenham’s experience this season utilizing it yielded disappointing outcomes. Jose dabbled with the system on a few occasions, but failed to successfully execute a formation that relies heavily on proficient, industrial and inventive wing-back play.

A manager well versed in the system might be able to yield different results, but he would also require altogether new defensive personnel to pull it off. The current crop of Tottenham defenders are ill-equipped to auspiciously implement a system that overloads midfield and relies on three sturdy, stable, agile and skillful centre backs.

Aside from his preferred formation, Inzaghi bounced around more than a football in a Sunday league match during his playing career. He suited up for eight different sides — all in Italy — over his 16-year career. Piacenza and Lazio sent him out on loan six times during his time as a professional. He was plagued by injuries during his playing career, making his decision to enter management an easy one.

And while you don’t have to enjoy a stellar playing career to reach eminent heights as a manager, all of the factors combined make Inzaghi unsuitable for the post. He has no experience outside of Italy, but has already won two trophies in a fairly short period. Still though, the question remains whether his experience in Italy is enough to convince Daniel Levy.

There is a good chance Inzaghi could become Spurs next manager, but Levy should weigh his options very carefully, as this appointment is arguably the most important in club history.