By Martin Graham
Tottenham Hotspur are again on the lookout for a new manager following the dismissal of Thomas Frank, with the club aiming to appoint a successor before players report back for training on Monday.
Frank’s spell in North London proved brief, lasting only a few months after his arrival in June. Spurs’ struggles in the Premier League, which have left them 16th in the table and only five points clear of the bottom three, ultimately led to his removal.
With urgency now driving the process, attention has turned to a shortlist of experienced and in-demand coaches, alongside the possibility of a temporary appointment until the summer.
Established names under consideration
Mauricio Pochettino remains a figure held in high regard by large sections of the Tottenham support. He was in charge from 2014 to 2019, overseeing consistent league finishes near the top end 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 worked at Paris St-Germain and Chelsea, winning domestic honours in France, and is currently head coach of the United States national team. While he has previously spoken about a desire to return to Tottenham one day, his commitment to the USA’s upcoming World Cup campaign would make any short-term move highly complicated, with a significant compensation fee required.
Roberto de Zerbi has become available after departing Marseille by mutual agreement. Despite finishing second in Ligue 1 last season, a recent Champions League elimination and a heavy league defeat preceded his exit. The Italian is well known in England for his time at Brighton, where he achieved the club’s highest-ever Premier League finish and secured European football.
Another admired candidate is Andoni Iraola, who has impressed during his time at Bournemouth. Since taking charge in 2023, he has delivered steady improvement, including a ninth-place league finish and a record points total last season. His contract expires at the end of the campaign, and his energetic, pressing approach has previously attracted Tottenham’s interest.
Coaches with trophies and Premier League experience
Oliver Glasner is also approaching the end of his deal, having already confirmed he will depart 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 strong pedigree from earlier roles, including a Europa League success with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022. His experience across Austria and Germany has enhanced his reputation as a coach capable of delivering results.
Marco Silva is another name in the frame, with his Fulham contract also nearing its conclusion. 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 domestic trophies in Portugal and Greece, as well as promotion from the Championship.
Xavi, meanwhile, is currently without a club after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season. During his time at the Nou Camp, he secured the La Liga title in 2022-23, adding top-level managerial experience to his already decorated playing career.
Short-term solutions and familiar faces
Tottenham could decide to delay a permanent appointment and instead follow a temporary route until the summer. Assistant coach John Heitinga, who joined the club in January, has recent experience from Liverpool’s title-winning backroom staff and could be considered internally.
Ryan Mason is another option, having twice stepped in as caretaker manager following previous dismissals. He is currently unattached after leaving West Brom earlier this year and knows the club well from his earlier spells.
Former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has also expressed interest in a short-term return. The 78-year-old, who managed Tottenham between 2008 and 2012, has spoken about the importance of confidence, authority, and getting the best out of the squad’s existing quality should he be given the opportunity.