Ryan Mason may have taken charge of Tottenham for the first time last night, but the search for Jose Mourinho's permanent successor is on.
Spurs find themselves searching for a new boss after parting ways with Jose Mourinho after just 17 months, confirming the decision on Monday, just six days before Sunday's Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester City.
Former Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason will oversee first-team duties until the end of the season, and he got off to a winning start as Tottenham came from behind to beat Southampton last night, but that does not mean the search is not already underway for a new permanent boss.
The Athletic claimed earlier this week that Tottenham could consider going to a director of football system while drawing up a shortlist for new head coaches, with Athletic Club boss Marcelino named as a potential candidate for the vacancy.
The 55-year-old, who began coaching in 1997 after an 11-year professional playing career, has been successful in Spain with several clubs, including Sporting Gijon, Recreativo de Huelva, Racing Santander, Sevilla, Villarreal and Valencia.
But the current Athletic Club boss has moved to distance himself from links with Tottenham, insisting that he is enjoying his current role.
Speaking this week, he has said: "I have nothing to say about Tottenham.
"I am happy here at Athletic Club."
Mason has been asked to take charge of Tottenham on an interim basis until the end of the season, allowing Spurs some time to appoint a permanent successor to Mourinho.
It is understood by football.london that Spurs' profile for the club's next manager is someone who is progressive, attack-minded and favours possession-based football, while fitting into the club's culture.
Julian Nagelsmann has been strongly linked and it is understood that he is among the names being considered by Spurs, while Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers is also highly regarded among people at Tottenham.
It is understood that Brighton boss Graham Potter and Ajax's Erik ten Hag are also of interest to Tottenham, while former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is also an attractive proposition, being that he is currently available.
For Daniel Levy and Tottenham, there is at least some time to make the next step with a new manager, but the decision is a big one for the club.
