Tottenham Hotspur to Pursue Interim Managerial Solution After Frank Dismissal
Tottenham Hotspur will examine interim managerial possibilities following the sacking of Thomas Frank, with a view towards making a permanent appointment in the summer. Among those under consideration for the long-term role is former manager Mauricio Pochettino, who remains a popular figure among supporters.
Leading Candidates for Interim Role
John Heitinga, who joined Frank's coaching staff only last month shortly before a disappointing home defeat to West Ham United, is believed to be a leading candidate for the short-term position. Heitinga previously left his role in Arne Slot's backroom team at Liverpool to take charge at Ajax, but was dismissed after less than six months in the position.
Should Tottenham opt for Heitinga, they will need to rebuild the coaching structure around him, as several members of Frank's staff—many of whom accompanied him from Brentford—are also expected to depart the club.
Other Names Under Consideration
Robbie Keane, a former Tottenham favourite currently managing Ferencvaros in Hungary, is another name being discussed. Keane has guided his team to the top of their domestic league and into the Europa League knockout phase, with a forthcoming tie against Ludogorets. However, it remains uncertain whether he would entertain an interim position given his current commitments.
A move for Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with Marseille, is considered unlikely. De Zerbi's name had been promoted by former Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici on previous occasions, but his reputation for volatility—exacerbated by a tumultuous exit from Marseille—makes him an improbable candidate.
Timing and Circumstances
Unusually for football, Tottenham have some time on their side. The team will not play again until the North London derby against Arsenal in just over a week, and players are not scheduled to train until Monday. This five-day break was implemented by Frank prior to his dismissal on Wednesday morning, twelve hours after a damaging home defeat to Newcastle United that deepened the club's relegation concerns.
The decision to sack Frank followed a Tuesday morning conversation between chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, who recommended an immediate change to the Tottenham board. Ultimately, the move was driven by poor results and growing fears of relegation, with the club currently sitting sixteenth in the Premier League—just five points above the drop zone with thirteen matches remaining.
Summer Appointment Prospects
If Tottenham delay a permanent appointment until the summer, this opens the field to numerous candidates, including managers currently in international football and those whose club contracts are expiring, such as Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola. The managerial landscape could shift significantly in the coming months, with Arne Slot's future at Liverpool appearing uncertain despite having rejected Tottenham's advances before the appointment of Ange Postecoglou in 2023.
Mauricio Pochettino, who led Tottenham to a runners-up finish in the Premier League in 2017 and the Champions League final in 2019, has expressed a desire to return to the club. However, he is currently committed to his role as head coach of the United States national team through the World Cup in June and would not be available before then. Pochettino will be out of contract after the tournament and is open to a return to club football, preferably in England where he still resides.
For a romantic reunion with Pochettino to materialise, Tottenham would need to convince him that the club is serious about a comprehensive rebuild. Meanwhile, supporters chanted for his return during the Newcastle defeat, highlighting the enduring affection for the Argentine manager.
The club confirmed Frank's departure in a statement released at 10:17 am, thanking him for his efforts and commitment and wishing him well for the future. Despite failing to win over fans and some players, Frank remained well-liked and respected by many within the club.
