Tottenham's Next Manager Hunt: Six Top Candidates Ranked to Replace Thomas Frank
Most Tottenham Hotspur supporters believed they were securing an ideal balance between José Mourinho and Ange Postecoglou when Thomas Frank was named manager in June.
Frank's achievements at Brentford earned significant acclaim, and it seemed inevitable that the Danish coach would advance to the next level of his managerial journey. He had been connected with positions at Manchester United and Chelsea, but chose a confident Spurs still celebrating their Europa League triumph.
Nevertheless, the Dane's spell proved to be an absolute catastrophe. The hope surrounding his hiring quickly transformed into disappointment, with many supporters wishing they had witnessed Postecoglou's "third season" instead.
The celebration from Bilbao has been replaced by sadness, discord and bitter hostility, with Frank's outdated and defensive style of play contradicting the traditional "Tottenham Way."
Sitting 16th and drifting toward a relegation battle, fans finally received what they wanted following another home loss. A streak of just two Premier League victories in 17 matches made his position impossible to maintain.
Currently, Spurs are getting ready to name their first manager following Daniel Levy's departure. The permanent replacement might not be determined until summer, and here are six possible contenders for the position.
6. Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner will be remembered as one of Crystal Palace's most important figures in their history.
The Austrian coach will be celebrated as the individual who led the Eagles to FA Cup victory in 2025—their inaugural major trophy. They also achieved their finest Premier League campaign under Glasner's guidance.
He's an exceptional tactician, but as the Thomas Frank situation has demonstrated, that doesn't necessarily make him suitable for Tottenham. While there are distinctions between him and the Dane, similar questions about adaptability would arise if Glasner were chosen as Frank's replacement.
His 3-4-2-1 formation is meticulously organized, and Palace have displayed excellent transitional football over recent seasons. Nevertheless, recent experience suggests that such coaches don't endure long at N17.
Glasner's system has limitations on what it can accomplish, and Spurs, justifiably or not, consider themselves beyond that level. The Austrian has also found it difficult to remain at any club for more than two years throughout his coaching career.
5. Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso represents the ideal choice for Tottenham following Florentino Pérez's harsh decision to end the former player's tenure at Real Madrid.
Alonso left the Spanish capital after only a brief period, but his standing remains excellent due to his achievements with Bayer Leverkusen. Ultimately, dressing room politics and the apparent reluctance of privileged stars to accept coaching proved crucial in Alonso's downfall at Madrid.
There's speculation that the Spaniard is waiting until summer to pursue a new opportunity, which makes sense considering the pressures of managing Los Blancos. Alonso inherited a struggling situation at Leverkusen before transforming his squad into champions quickly, so the current circumstances at Spurs wouldn't be unfamiliar to the 44-year-old.
However, unless Alonso is attracted by a substantial financial offer from north London, he'll most likely become Liverpool's next manager once they decide to replace Arne Slot.
4. Roberto De Zerbi
While many anticipate Tottenham will choose an interim solution, there are coaches available who could be hired immediately following Frank's departure.
Fortunately, Roberto De Zerbi is currently available. The volatile Italian has recently parted ways with Marseille by mutual agreement after his team was eliminated from the Champions League and suffered a 5–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Classique.
De Zerbi performed excellently with Brighton & Hove Albion, and would certainly have this Tottenham squad playing attractive football again. He's an innovative tactician whose style can captivate, and it wouldn't take him long to win over supporters in N17. However, can he lead a successful long-term vision?
De Zerbi can be a difficult personality who has previously clashed with players and often conflicts with management. Some fans would argue he's precisely what Tottenham requires, but regarding longevity, De Zerbi doesn't necessarily meet the criteria.
3. Andoni Iraola
There are clear similarities between Andoni Iraola and the beloved Mauricio Pochettino, who became Tottenham manager in 2014 following a productive period with Southampton.
Iraola is deep into his third campaign in charge, having led Bournemouth to their finest Premier League season in 2024–25. Like Pochettino, the Spaniard follows Marcelo Bielsa's philosophy, and the exciting football that Lilywhite fans desire would certainly be delivered by the Cherries manager.
An injury epidemic was handled expertly last season, and Bournemouth are positioned for a mid-table finish this campaign despite losing most of their defense in summer and their star attacker in winter. Iraola has avoided complaints and simply continued working.
His player management has been praised as well, with his intelligent adaptability supporting a system based on intense pressing without the ball.
Every coach has attempted and ultimately failed to transform the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into a "fortress", but Iraola's pressing style could awaken a dormant giant.
2. Xavi Hernández
Xavi Hernández is definitely the 'big name' that would energize supporters following months of dull suffering.
The former exceptional Barcelona midfielder demonstrated himself to be a visionary yet flexible coach during his period managing the Blaugrana, securing the La Liga championship in 2022–23 before circumstances deteriorated.
Xavi acknowledged that he found it challenging to handle the inevitable 'entorno' surrounding Barça, and while the Spaniard would enter a currently hostile environment in N17, he's definitely capable of satisfying a fanbase that demands entertainment.
Strongly influenced by Pep Guardiola and former Spanish national team coach Luis Aragonés, Xavi's football is visually appealing and capable of bringing Spurs into the modern era, having regressed to outdated methods under Frank's leadership.
His development of young talent and the confidence he placed in 'La Masia' would also benefit an extremely promising group of Tottenham prospects, who haven't yet received adequate opportunities with the senior squad.
1. Mauricio Pochettino
You can share as many throwback posts from 2016 as you want, but circumstances will never return to what they were. Sentimental Tottenham fans must acknowledge this reality, but the attraction of Mauricio Pochettino is possibly stronger than before.
Very few coaches truly 'understand' Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, but Pochettino managed to create a relationship and connection unlike any other. He led Spurs through their most thrilling period in generations, even though his multiple excellent teams ultimately couldn't secure trophies.
While the Premier League, specifically, has changed dramatically since Pochettino's dynamic 4-2-3-1 excited White Hart Lane, the Argentine performed reasonably well during his single year at Chelsea in 2022–23. The USMNT are also approaching a home World Cup with optimism, having displayed clear improvement under Pochettino's leadership.
The game hasn't left him behind yet, and while comebacks rarely succeed, the return of a cherished figure, despite his Chelsea stint, should restore hope to the club.
The coach himself is eager to return as well. Having barely resisted on previous occasions, the appeal of #PochBack might be irresistible this time.