Paulo Fonseca: What style of football would he bring to Spurs? Which managers have inspired him?

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Paulo Fonseca could become Tottenham Hotspur‘s next manager, according to reports.

Multiple media outlets including The Guardian say Spurs are in advanced talks with the Portuguese.

Tottenham have apparently held talks with Fonseca over a three-year contract to become Jose Mourinho’s successor.

Fabio Paratici, reportedly set to join Spurs from Juventus, recommended the 48-year-old, added the report.

Paulo Fonseca’s managerial career

Fonseca boasts plenty of managerial experience with the likes of Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and Porto.

He joined the Giallorossi in the summer of 2019 following a superb stint in Ukraine.

He won the Ukrainian league and cup double in all three seasons with Shakhtar, plus a Ukrainian Super Cup.

Fonseca previously enjoyed spells at Sporting Braga, Pacos Ferreira and Porto.

He has nine trophies to his name – seven with Shakhtar, a Portuguese Cup with Braga, and a Portuguese Super Cup with Porto.

Premier League dream

Back in October 2017, when Fonseca’s Shakhtar were shining in the Champions League, the manager – then linked with Everton – gave an interview to The Telegraph.

“All coaches want to go to England and I am one,” said Fonseca.

“I have this dream and I believe this can happen. I believe a lot this can happen. If it’s soon or not, I have this dream.

“I have a big, big passion about the game and the atmosphere in England is amazing. I hope one day to live it. It’s the biggest league in the world.

“For any coach, to work in England can be amazing. You have the best coaches and the best players.”

Paulo Fonseca’s coaching philosophy

When Roma appointed Fonseca in 2019, they published an article featuring a number of quotes about his style of play and inspirations.

“My coaching philosophy? Well, I have very clear ideas – ideas I think you can see in my teams,” he told a UEFA summit.

“That involves having the ball, taking the initiative and being an offensive team. These are the aspects that define my game and my aim in matches.”

Paulo Fonseca’s managerial inspirations

“Right now, I can highlight Maurizio Sarri and Pep Guardiola as the coaches I admire the most,” he said.

“Because they are bold, they have their own ideas, they are brave enough to play their own game and attack.

“Now, we can’t forget that Jose Mourinho has marked a generation of coaches in Portugal and marked Portuguese football.

“He completely changed the mindset of Portuguese coaches and he’s obviously been a great influence [too].”