Marco Rose has become the new frontrunner to take over as Tottenham Hotspur manager, following the dismissal of Thomas Frank on Wednesday. The 49-year-old German has moved ahead of Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino and John Heitinga in the race for the vacant position.
Rose, who has previously managed RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach, is known for his energetic, attack-minded style and high-pressing approach, often drawing comparisons to former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. However, their relationship has been strained, particularly after Klopp sanctioned Rose's exit from Leipzig just three months into his role as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull.
According to German publication Bild, Klopp had initially been a strong supporter of Rose, having signed him as a player at Mainz 05. But a poor run of form—just two wins in 11 league matches—left Leipzig outside the Champions League places and Klopp 'unsatisfied' with the team's development under Rose. Klopp later described the dismissal as 'a bitter pill to swallow'.
Rose's tenure at Dortmund also ended after just one season, despite a second-place finish in the Bundesliga. Critics pointed to tactical inflexibility, an over-reliance on Erling Haaland, and defensive vulnerabilities that saw Dortmund concede 52 league goals—the highest among the top six sides. Cup exits to Rangers and second-division FC St. Pauli further undermined his position.
Rose enjoyed greater success at Monchengladbach, where he led the club to a fourth-place finish and a Champions League group stage featuring Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk. However, his departure to Dortmund midway through his second season left a sour note.
