Next Tottenham Manager: 5 Replacements If Thomas Frank Is Sacked

When Thomas Frank took over the Tottenham Hotspur job in the summer from Ange Postecoglou, few could have predicted that it would be such a struggle for the former Brentford boss.

Known as an astute, tactical coach, Frank has failed to impose himself on his new club and squad, with many Spurs fans calling for his departure after their horrendous late defeat to London rivals West Ham on January 17. That was their sixth home defeat of the season, with Spurs having won just two home matches so far. They currently sit 14th in the Premier League table after 22 matches.

In contrast to their domestic troubles, Spurs have enjoyed a spectacular return to the Champions League this season. They currently sit in the top eight positions of the league phase after seven matches, a position that would guarantee them a place in the round of 16 if they can remain there after all eight games are completed.

That European run has helped the beleaguered coach stave off the sack so far, but with a tough run of games upcoming, it is Spurs’ league form that will ultimately define Frank’s time in charge.

Who Could be the Next Tottenham Manager?

If Spurs’ domestic form does not improve, Frank’s time as head coach at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will undoubtedly come to an end. The question is: if Spurs decide to move on from another manager, who would take over in North London?

With that in mind, below we have listed our top candidates should Spurs make a change in the dugout.

Xabi Alonso

An ambitious choice for Spurs, given his credentials and his affiliation with Liverpool. The former Leverkusen boss has recently parted ways with Real Madrid, but his stock remains extremely high across Europe after his success in Germany.

Alonso would be an exciting and bold appointment, but whether the former Spain midfielder would make the move to North London remains to be seen.

Oliver Glasner

Perhaps a more realistic option than Alonso, Oliver Glasner has reportedly announced his intention to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season. A breakdown in the relationship between the Austrian and the Palace hierarchy may even bring his departure forward, potentially opening the door for Spurs.

Glasner has pedigree, winning the FA Cup with Palace last season and the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022. A move to Spurs would also allow him to remain in London.

Mauricio Pochettino

What a comeback this would be.

The Argentine enjoyed a highly successful spell at Spurs between 2014 and 2019, leading the club to the Champions League final in 2019 and the League Cup final in 2015. He left the club in November 2019 and has since managed PSG and Chelsea.

Pochettino is currently preparing the US national team for this summer’s World Cup in North America, meaning any move would likely have to wait until the summer. A return to Spurs would undoubtedly excite large sections of the fanbase.

Robbie Keane

Another candidate with strong Spurs ties is former star striker Robbie Keane. Keane has impressed as a manager, winning league titles in Israel and Hungary.

He is currently in charge of Ferencváros, where his side sit second domestically, just one point off the top, and are well placed in this season’s Europa League. The lure of managing his former club may be hard to resist, but competition for the job would be fierce.

Marco Silva

The Fulham boss is another name likely to be considered if the Spurs job becomes available. Silva has spent the last four-and-a-half years at Fulham, doing excellent work in guiding them back to the top flight and establishing them as a solid Premier League side.

His Fulham teams are capable of playing brilliant football, taking notable scalps since their return to the Premier League in 2022, and Silva appears ready for the next step in his career. Whether that step comes at Spurs remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Thomas Frank appeared to be a smart appointment when he arrived at Spurs, but things have not gone to plan in North London. Whether their Champions League victory over Dortmund proves to be a turning point will depend on Spurs’ domestic performances over the coming weeks. If their poor league form continues, it would come as little surprise if the club begins searching for yet another new manager before the season ends.