Tottenham Make Former Barcelona Star First Choice to Replace Struggling AVB – Report

Celta Vigo boss Luis Enrique is a surprise candidate to take over from Andre Villas-Boas at Tottenham should the club decide to part company with their under-fire manager.

Villas-Boas has come under extreme pressure in the last few days after his Spurs side were humiliated 6-0 by Manchester City and slipped down to ninth place in the Premier League table.

The north London club have scored just nine league goals in 12 games and after spending more than £100m on seven new signings in the summer, there has been a suggestion that the Tottenham board could part company with Villas-Boas.

The former Chelsea boss may well be feeling the strain but he is confident that he has the full support of chairman Daniel Levy and the players.

"I am immune right now. I used to read a lot into situations like this but not any more," said Villas-Boas ahead of the Europa League tie in Tromso.

"I am very indifferent. There is only one quarter that I come under pressure from, which is the press. I have the confidence of the board [and] of my players."

However, the Daily Mail reports that the Spurs board are already looking at potential alternatives and believe Enrique could well be the right man to replace Villas-Boas.

The former Barcelona midfielder worked with Tottenham's director of football Franco Baldini during his time in charge of Roma and the Italian may well feel he can get Spurs playing attractive football and gaining the right results.

Villas-Boas has been criticised for being too defensive minded while Enrique was praised for the stylish football he produced at Roma, despite the club only finishing sixth in the league.

Enrique was linked with the Barcelona job when it became clear Tito Vilanova was going to have to step down as boss because of health issues but they eventually decided to opt for Tata Martino.

The 43-year-old did return to management in Spain but has struggled with Celta Vigo who are currently in 16<sup>th place after winning just three of their opening 14 league games.

It may well be Baldini who has the ultimate say at Tottenham and should Villas-Boas receive the axe, then Enrique may well be approached.