Tottenham Hotspur are searching for an interim head coach following the dismissal of Thomas Frank, a move that underscores the club’s deepening struggles in the Premier League. The decision, announced on Wednesday, came less than 24 hours after a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United left Spurs languishing in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone.
Frank, who arrived at Tottenham in June after the departure of Ange Postecoglou, paid the price for a dismal run of form that saw the team secure only two wins in their last 17 league matches. While the club cited a desire to give Frank time to build for the future, the mounting pressure from fans and the increasingly precarious league position ultimately proved insurmountable.
According to sources within the club, Tottenham are now prioritizing the appointment of an interim manager to stabilize the team for the remainder of the season, rather than embarking on a search for a permanent replacement immediately. This approach mirrors a similar strategy employed by Manchester United earlier in the season, when they appointed Michael Carrick as caretaker manager following the dismissal of a previous coach.
Tottenham players have been granted a break from training until Monday, with no matches scheduled for the team this week following their elimination from the FA Cup in January. The club hopes to have an interim manager in place before the players return, allowing for a swift transition and a focused preparation for their upcoming fixtures.
Several names have emerged as potential candidates for the interim role, including former RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose and ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic. Both managers bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in European football, making them attractive options for a club desperate to arrest its slide down the Premier League table.
Looking ahead, Tottenham are also considering longer-term options for the managerial position. Mauricio Pochettino, a former Tottenham manager who led the club to the Champions League final in 2019, has been identified as a potential candidate. However, Pochettino’s current commitment to the United States national team, who will be competing in the World Cup this summer, means any return to Tottenham would likely have to wait until the end of the tournament.
The timing of Pochettino’s presence in London, reported earlier today, has fueled speculation about a possible return. He was spotted celebrating a friend’s birthday in the capital, though there is no indication he is currently in talks with Tottenham officials. Pochettino has previously expressed his desire to return to the Premier League, stating he would “relish” the opportunity to manage Spurs again.
Frank’s dismissal comes after a turbulent eight-month spell in charge of Tottenham. Despite achieving automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League, his league form was consistently underwhelming. The club’s statement acknowledged Frank’s commitment but ultimately concluded that a change was necessary given the team’s precarious position.
“Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward,” the statement read. “We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”
The immediate challenge for Tottenham is to navigate a difficult run of fixtures, starting with a North London derby against league leaders Arsenal on . The appointment of an interim manager will be crucial in providing stability and direction to a team that has lost its way in recent months.
The fan response to Frank’s sacking has been largely positive, with supporters hoping that a change in leadership will spark a much-needed turnaround in fortunes. However, the underlying issues that plagued Tottenham under Frank – a lack of consistency, defensive vulnerabilities, and an inability to convert chances – remain, and will need to be addressed by the new manager, whether interim or permanent.
The club’s decision to prioritize an interim appointment suggests a cautious approach, allowing them time to thoroughly assess their options for a long-term solution. While Pochettino remains a popular choice among fans, the club will also likely consider other candidates, including those with experience in stabilizing struggling teams and implementing a clear tactical identity.
The coming weeks will be critical for Tottenham Hotspur as they attempt to salvage their season and avoid the looming threat of relegation. The appointment of the right manager, coupled with a renewed sense of purpose from the players, will be essential if they are to climb out of trouble and restore pride to a club that has fallen on hard times.
