- But plans to hire popular ex-player as interim manager until summer
After sacking Manager Thomas Frank due to poor results in the last 11 months, Tottenham Hotspur may have stepped up interest to reappoint Mauricio Pochettino as Head Coach
The club languish just outside the relegation zone, in 16th, just five points clear of West Ham United in 18th. They may have to wait until after the 2026 World Cup, however, to extricate Pochettino from his current job as the United States’ men’s national team manager.
Pressure on Frank had been mounting, and Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat by Newcastle United left his team with 29 points from 26 matches and looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.
Club’s insiders hinted that Spurs are seriously considering reappointing Pochettino, but the prospect of having to wait until after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup seems to be the clog in their wheel.
The Argentine’s name was sung by Spurs fans during their defeat to Newcastle, having spent five years in charge between 2014 and 2019. He guided the club to the Champions League final and also oversaw more than one title challenge. In the final season at White Hart Lane, he guided one of the best Spurs teams of the modern era to an unbeaten campaign at home.
It was gathered that the Board in north London are aware of the strength of feeling towards the ex-Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PGS) boss, but it is unclear if he would be willing to make the move were Spurs to endure the nightmare scenario of relegation to the Championship.
Interestingly, Sources claimed that Pochettino “would walk back to the club” if he were asked.
Seek Interim Plan Until Summer
With the current state of things, the sources also hinted that Spurs may be looking to appoint an interim boss first, as Manchester United did when they hired Michael Carrick after sacking Ruben Amorim.
In that case, a move for Robbie Keane, the club’s former striker, has been considered, although he is currently under contract with Hungarian club Ferencvaros. He is seen as the “Carrick candidate”.
However, the only internal option would be John Heitinga, who was appointed to Frank’s staff last month. With expectations high they intend to pursue an external candidate, that has left Heitinga’s future up in the air, but may be a boost to Keane’s chances.
There is also reported to be interested in Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton boss who recently left Marseille. He only departed the French club this week, however, and it is unclear if he would be willing to step back into a dugout this quickly, or if he has been asked.
There has also been interest in Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, and Marco Silva previously.
Survival Battle Beckons
Issuing a statement around Frank’s departure, Spurs insisted that he would “leave today”, instead of there being any claim of an exit by mutual consent, or a sacking.
They said: “The club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men’s Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today.
The statement read: “Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together. However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.
“Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”
Without any doubts, Spurs’ current form made it clear that Frank’s role had become untenable; they have not won a league game in 2026, with their most recent victory on December 28, a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
They have 12 games of the season remaining and their next fixture comes against Arsenal, in what could be the first game for a new interim manager.
Next On Line
A vital clash with the Gunners follows and victory would do Spurs the world of good, while also potentially throwing a wrench in the Gunners’ title push.
Arsenal, of course, are top of the table, and reports indicated that Frank was somewhat obsessed with the club’s north London rivals ahead of being relieved of his managerial position.
