Thomas Frank will remain in charge for Tottenham Hotspur's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, despite reports that the club have drawn up a five-man shortlist of potential successors. The 52-year-old came under renewed pressure after a 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United on Saturday, with supporters voicing their discontent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
According to reports, Johnny Heitinga, currently part of Frank's coaching staff and a former Ajax boss, could take the reins on an interim basis should the club decide to act. Longer-term contenders are said to include Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, though the Spaniard is understood to be highly valued at the Vitality Stadium and difficult to prise away mid-season.
Mauricio Pochettino, who has previously managed Tottenham, is also reported to feature on the list, but any return would likely have to wait until after the World Cup given his current commitments as head coach of the United States national team. Xabi Alonso, recently dismissed by Real Madrid, is available immediately but reportedly believes more attractive opportunities may arise if he waits until the summer.
Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner has also been linked, having appeared poised to leave Selhurst Park after criticising the club over the departures of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi. However, it is reported that the Austrian has since reconciled with Palace and is now expected to remain until his contract expires at the end of the season.
Despite the uncertainty, Frank remained defiant when questioned about his future after the West Ham loss. He said: "If you're not winning enough, we know that you're not getting enough support from the fans. But when we're winning, it will change when we start winning again, which we will do."
The former Brentford boss added: "I think the team is working very hard and I still think, and I know it sounds a little bit crazy, that we're closer to something very good than further away."
