Jurgen Klinsmann, former head coach of the Korea national football team, is eyeing the Tottenham manager position as the club faces relegation danger.

Asked about reports of his appointment as Tottenham manager in a recent ESPN interview, Klinsmann said, “Who would turn down that job? It is Tottenham,” adding that he would not refuse if an offer came. He emphasized, “What Tottenham needs now is not a tactical genius. It should be someone who can connect emotionally with the club, fans, and the squad.” He also highlighted as an asset his experience of playing for Tottenham twice during his playing days and helping to avert relegation.

Tottenham are currently 16th in the Premier League, one point from the relegation zone. Last month they dismissed Thomas Frank and appointed Igor Tudor, but a four-match league losing streak since his arrival has made the situation worse. In the UK, former Everton manager Sean Dyche is considered the most likely successor, and among fans there is steady talk of the return of United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Klinsmann is mentioned only as one among the big-name legend candidates.

The emotion-driven leadership that Klinsmann is putting forward directly clashes with his record at his two most recent posts. With the Korea national team, he was dismissed after one year amid a remote work controversy and the failure to mend the rift between Son Heung-min (34·LAFC) and Lee Kang-in (25·Paris Saint-Germain). In February 2024, the Korea Football Association officially explained the background of the dismissal, stating, “He did not show the leadership expected of a national team head coach.”

His behavior at Hertha Berlin was even more disappointing. After being appointed in late November 2019, Klinsmann abruptly announced his resignation 76 days later, in February 2020, through a personal Facebook post. The New York Times reported at the time, “Hertha learned of his resignation only through a Facebook post by Klinsmann.” Lars Windhorst, the largest investor in the club, called it “unacceptable,” and Michael Preetz, then Hertha Berlin sporting director, rated Klinsmann “the most disappointing coach during his tenure,” ruling out the possibility of working together again.

Even as he claims to be a leader who endures hardship together, Klinsmann in fact left first in a crisis without notifying the club, with only a single social media post. His self-recommendation is not being taken seriously locally either.