Tottenham Manager: Marco Rose Emerges as Favourite, De Zerbi Deal in Doubt

Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search has taken an unexpected turn, with Marco Rose emerging as the leading candidate to replace the recently sacked Thomas Frank. The development comes as a potential setback for the club’s pursuit of Roberto De Zerbi, with reports suggesting the Italian is hesitant to immediately return to management.

Frank was dismissed on Wednesday following a dismal run of form that has left Spurs languishing 16th in the Premier League table, just five points above the relegation zone. Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United proved to be the final straw for the Danish manager, bringing an end to his 38-match tenure.

The club now faces a dual challenge: stabilizing their position in the league and identifying a long-term solution to restore them to the Premier League’s elite. While a permanent appointment is the ultimate goal, the immediate priority may be to appoint an interim manager capable of steering the team clear of relegation trouble.

Mauricio Pochettino’s name has been floated as a potential long-term option, with reports indicating he would be open to a return to the club. However, his commitments with the United States national team, particularly their participation in the 2026 World Cup finals, would prevent him from taking the job immediately.

De Zerbi, who recently departed from Marseille, had initially been considered the frontrunner. However, new information suggests he is not actively seeking a new position at this time, throwing a wrench into Tottenham’s plans. According to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge, sources close to De Zerbi indicate he is taking a break and does not intend to jump back into management immediately.

This shift in the landscape has paved the way for Rose to become the odds-on favourite. The 49-year-old German has been without a club since leaving RB Leipzig in March 2025, but has long been linked with a move to the Premier League. His odds have been slashed to 5/4, surpassing De Zerbi, who has drifted back to 3/1.

Lee Phelps, a spokesman for William Hill, stated, “The market for who will replace Thomas Frank at Spurs has taken an interesting twist this morning, with Marco Rose – a new addition to the market – our new outright favourite. The German has been immediately installed as the 5/4 frontrunner for the role, with previous market leader Roberto De Zerbi drifting from 6/5 to 3/1.”

Other candidates remain in contention, including John Heitinga (6/1), Robbie Keane (6/1) and Pochettino (8/1). Keane’s interest appears genuine, evidenced by his awkward exit from a recent television interview when questioned about the vacancy, and a subsequent shortening of his odds. Sources also suggest that Michael Carrick, currently an interim manager at Manchester United, is being discussed within the Tottenham hierarchy.

Rose’s potential arrival could initially be on an interim basis, allowing him to assess the squad and demonstrate his capabilities before being considered for the permanent position. His record at RB Leipzig, where he achieved a 56.25% win percentage, suggests he possesses the tactical acumen to steady the ship.

The situation remains fluid, and Tottenham’s hierarchy is working diligently to identify the best candidate to navigate the club through its current crisis. While Pochettino remains a popular choice among fans, his availability is contingent on his international commitments. De Zerbi’s reluctance to immediately return to management has opened the door for Rose, who now appears to be the leading contender to take the reins at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The club’s next match is not until February 22nd, a North London derby against Arsenal, providing a crucial window to appoint a new manager and prepare the team for a challenging fixture. The urgency of the situation is underscored by Tottenham’s precarious position in the league table, making the managerial appointment a pivotal moment for the club’s future.