Tottenham Eyes Two Fresh Candidates for Manager Role as Ex-Star Dismisses Transfer Rumors
Tottenham Hotspur are planning to appoint a temporary manager through the remainder of the campaign, according to recent reports, with ex-Borussia Dortmund bosses Marco Rose and Edin Terzić included among five potential candidates being evaluated.
Thomas Frank was dismissed from his coaching position this week, leaving Spurs merely five points above the drop zone before facing league-topping Arsenal in the north London clash.
Frank's departure has sparked rumors that former Tottenham forward Robbie Keane might consider leaving his current position at Ferencváros, though the Irish manager was evasive following his team's commanding 4–0 victory in the Hungarian Cup, remarking "I can't control rumors" before walking away from reporters.
The Telegraph previously indicated that Keane, who netted 122 times in 306 appearances for Tottenham during two separate periods at the club, had emerged as a possible candidate, though he would only consider returning to north London under specific circumstances.
Keane Not Interested in Interim Role
Keane Not Interested in Interim Role
Although it's emphasized that Keane, currently 45, would welcome discussions with Tottenham regarding the opening, he would only engage if offered a full-time appointment.
The former Maccabi Tel Aviv manager would reportedly show no interest in accepting a caretaker role, which numerous sources now suggest is Tottenham's preferred approach. He would only consider departing Ferencváros's championship pursuit if assured of a permanent, extended agreement with his previous club.
Reports from The Telegraph's Matt Law confirming that Spurs plan to mirror Manchester United's current strategy with Michael Carrick should eliminate Keane from contention entirely.
Who Will Be Tottenham's Next Manager?
Who Will Be Tottenham's Next Manager?
Spurs aim to have a new coach appointed by Monday and are believed to have begun discussions with several prospects.
The shortlist will likely feature the fan-favorite Mauricio Pochettino, whose agreement with the U.S. men's national team concludes following this summer's World Cup. Securing his release from his present role would require substantial compensation.
Among available candidates, attention may focus on Roberto De Zerbi, who rejected Tottenham's overtures before they eventually selected Frank last summer. The Italian coach recently left Marseille but might prefer waiting until summer hoping for increased interest from other clubs.
Rose and Terzić are both included on Spurs' shortlist, The Telegraph reports separately, though it remains unclear whether they're viewed as temporary solutions or serious summer targets.
Previous manager Tim Sherwood recently expressed his desire for a comeback, while Ryan Mason likely received consideration after serving as interim boss twice in 2021 and 2023. The former midfielder left West Bromwich Albion in January and could start immediately.
The eventual appointee faces a daunting task ahead. Spurs remain above the relegation zone but are clearly moving in the wrong direction and dangerously close to catastrophe. This situation may require more than simply stabilizing the team.