By Martin Graham
Tottenham Hotspur are back on the hunt for a new manager following the sacking of Thomas Frank, with the club aiming to appoint a successor before the players return to training on Monday.
Frank’s spell in North London was brief, lasting just a few months after his arrival in June. Spurs’ struggles in the Premier League, which have left them 16th in the table and just five points clear of the bottom three, eventually led to his sacking.
With the urgency driving the process, attention has focused on a shortlist of experienced and in-demand coaches, along with the possibility of a temporary appointment until the summer.
Names established in consideration
Mauricio Pochettino remains a much-loved figure by large sections of the Tottenham support. He was in charge from 2014 to 2019, overseeing consistent league finishes near the top of the table and guiding the club to the 2019 Champions League final, where Spurs were beaten by Liverpool.
Since leaving north London, the Argentine has had spells at Paris St-Germain and Chelsea, winning national honors in France, and is currently the coach of the United States national team. While he has previously spoken of a desire to return to Tottenham one day, his commitment to the USA’s upcoming World Cup campaign would greatly complicate any short-term move, with significant compensation required.
Roberto de Zerbi is available after leaving Marseille by mutual agreement. Despite finishing second in Ligue 1 last season, a recent Champions League exit and a heavy defeat in La Liga preceded his exit. The Italian is well known in England for his time at Brighton, where he achieved the highest result in the Premier League and secured European football.
Another admired candidate is Andoni Iraola, who has impressed during his time at Bournemouth. Since taking over in 2023, he has achieved steady improvement, including a ninth-place finish in the league and a record points total last season. His contract expires at the end of the campaign, and his energetic and urgent approach had already sparked interest from Tottenham.
Coaches with trophies and experience in the Premier League
Oliver Glasner is also nearing the end of his deal, having already confirmed he will leave Crystal Palace in the summer. His tenure has been historic, highlighted by leading the club to their first major silverware with last season’s FA Cup triumph, which also earned Palace a place in European competition.
The Austrian added further credit with a Community Shield win against Liverpool and has a solid pedigree from previous roles, including a Europa League success with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022. His experience in Austria and Germany has enhanced his reputation as a manager capable of delivering results.
Marco Silva is another name in the frame, with his Fulham contract also coming to an end. Since arriving in west London in 2021, he has taken Fulham back to the Premier League and established them as a stable top-flight side. His career includes national trophies in Portugal and Greece, as well as promotion to the Championship.
Xavi, meanwhile, is currently without a club after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season. During his time at Camp Nou, he won the League title in 2022-23, adding first-class managerial experience to his already decorated playing career.
Short-term solutions and familiar faces
Tottenham could decide to delay a permanent appointment and instead go down a temporary route until the summer. Assistant manager John Heitinga, who joined the club in January, has recent experience from Liverpool’s title-winning relegation staff and could be considered in-house.
Ryan Mason is another option, having stepped in twice as caretaker manager following previous sackings. He is currently unattached after leaving West Brom earlier this year and knows the club well from his previous spells.
Former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has also expressed an interest in a short-term return. The 78-year-old, who managed Tottenham between 2008 and 2012, has spoken of the importance of confidence, authority and getting the most out of the existing quality in the squad if given the chance.
