Finding the right fit for Tottenham after Thomas Frank’s sacking
Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to sack Thomas Frank has sparked fierce debate about who should take over at a club now facing relegation and still in the Champions League. They’re currently in 16th place, just five points off the drop, making them an unfavourable bet on football games. Spurs need someone who can balance long-term identity with immediate results to avoid a relegation battle.
Here are the top contenders and an assessment of who might be the best fit.
Mauricio Pochettino
For many Spurs fans, Mauricio Pochettino remains the dream. He’s got history with the club, having led them to the Champions League final and a top-two Premier League finish, the most exciting era in years.
Pochettino builds his style around intensity, attacking fluidity and youth development, principles Spurs fans value. He could rekindle that Tottenham way and give supporters something they’ve missed at a time when fans are nervously tracking the Premier League relegation odds and hoping for leadership capable of pulling the club clear of danger.
However, there is a catch. Pochettino is currently committed through the World Cup period as the USA men’s team manager, so a return would only be possible in the summer. That means an interim manager is needed now.
In that scenario, assistant coach John Heitinga would likely take temporary charge. But he has only been at the club a few weeks and doesn’t yet have established experience within Tottenham’s setup.
Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi became available after leaving Marseille following a damaging 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, a result that capped a turbulent spell which also saw Marseille knocked out of the Champions League. His availability makes him a strong candidate for Spurs.
Before Marseille, De Zerbi built his reputation in the Premier League with Brighton. He took the side further, guiding them to European qualification for the first time in their history. His teams are comfortable building from deep, drawing opponents forward before breaking lines quickly. That approach could suit Tottenham’s technical players and bring a stronger attacking identity than under Frank.
However, De Zerbi has been known to clash with players and senior figures when standards slip or authority is questioned. While that edge might deliver the discipline Spurs need, it could also create friction in a dressing room already lacking confidence.
Xavi
Xavi brings trophies, pedigree and a clearly defined philosophy. As Barcelona manager, he delivered La Liga and Spanish Super Cup success, restoring structure and belief at a club that had drifted. His approach centres on possession, control and positional discipline, with an emphasis on technical quality and collective movement.
His managerial thinking is heavily influenced by Pep Guardiola and Luis Aragones, combining structured passing with strong leadership.
This gives Xavi a clear vision of how football should be played, and Spurs could benefit from that sense of purpose. The Premier League presents a different challenge, though. The pace, physicality and week-to-week pressure demand flexibility, and Xavi’s got limited experience outside Spain.
Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane’s name emerged largely because of who he is to Tottenham, rather than what he has done as a manager. A modern-day Spurs icon, Keane remains one of the club’s most popular former players, and his deep understanding of Tottenham’s culture gives him emotional appeal.
As a coach, his experience at the top level is limited. While he has worked within strong setups and is well regarded for his man-management and connection with players, he hasn’t yet proven himself capable of leading a Premier League side through a crisis. Appointing Keane would be a bold, high-risk move driven by sentiment rather than evidence.