Murat Yakin could be the man to lead Spurs to Europa League glory

Former Switzerland international and current Basel manager Murat Yakin is the latest name in the frame for the vacant manager’s job at Tottenham Hotspur.

According to quotes published by Swiss media outlet 20 Minutes, the 39-year-old was quoted as revealing the Premier League club had made contact with him regarding the possibility of him taking over.

Basel have moved to reject talk of Yakin’s departure but with the former defender’s current deal in its final year, the rumours are likely to persist until an appointment is made.

And given his fine record as boss of the reigning Swiss champions and Spurs’ continued participation in continental competition, he could be the perfect appointment to lead the north London club to European glory this term.

Tottenham can currently be backed at 8/1 to win the Europa League having recorded a perfect six wins out of six during the group stage, with a tally of 15 goals scored and just two conceded giving them the best record in this year’s competition.

And while Champions League losers Juventus are priced as the runaway favourites for the competition at 4/1, the appointment of Yakin could swing things back in Spurs’ favour.

After all, the manager has already overseen wins home and away over Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea and, were it not for an early red card in their final group fixture against Schalke 04, the Swiss side could well have been competing in the Champions League come February.

With the Lilywhites’ talented squad at his disposal Yakin, who won the Swiss League and made the final of the Swiss Cup in his debut season, could be just the man to bring fresh ideas to the stale Spurs set up.

As Blues fans who watched Basel will tell you, the European minnows were good value for both of their wins this term, playing with the kind of attacking verve many had hoped AVB would instill in his Tottenham charges.

Yakin may be an outside shot, but should he arrive at the Lane, then don’t be surprised if Spurs go all the way in the Europa League.

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