Tottenham Hotspur's search for a new manager has suffered a setback after Adi Hutter publicly ruled himself out of contention. The Austrian, who left Monaco in October, issued a statement confirming he will not take on a coaching role until the start of the next season at the earliest.
Hutter was reportedly one of the candidates considered by Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange after the club announced Igor Tudor's departure on Sunday. With Bruno Saltor currently overseeing training, the club had hoped to appoint a successor before international players return.
In a statement released to Austrian media, Hutter said: "In recent days and weeks, I have been increasingly linked with various clubs. However, as I already stated immediately after my time at Monaco, I would prefer not to work as a head coach again until the start of the new season at the earliest. My position on this matter has not changed since then."
Another leading candidate, Roberto De Zerbi, has faced opposition from Tottenham supporter groups over his public support for former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood. Greenwood had charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. Fan organisations Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, and Spurs Reach criticised the speculation, with Women of the Lane stating De Zerbi's comments "downplay the seriousness of male violence against women."
Other names linked with the role include former Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche and ex-Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason, who endured a disappointing stint at West Brom. Hungarian side Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane has also been mentioned. Tottenham's next match is away to Sunderland on April 12, leaving time for an appointment.
