Tottenham have parted ways with Thomas Frank as relegation fears mount but now face a tricky situation over whether to hire a long-term coach now, or wait for their first choice in the summer
Thomas Frank’s tenure at Tottenham has ended after less than eight months, with Tuesday’s 1-2 defeat to Newcastle proving the final straw for a club teetering dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone.
The Dane won just 13 of his 38 matches in charge since arriving from Brentford last June, presiding over a catastrophic 2026 that has seen Spurs collect zero victories in eight league matches.
Tottenham sit 16th in the table with only 29 points, a mere five points clear of the drop zone heading into a crucial north London derby against Arsenal.
The club has suffered 11 league defeats already this season, a damning statistic that ultimately sealed Frank’s fate despite early optimism when he replaced Europa League winner Ange Postecoglou.
Frank built a strong reputation at Brentford, establishing them as a stable Premier League presence over multiple seasons. His initial weeks at Tottenham showed promise, but results deteriorated sharply as the campaign progressed.
The winless run through 2026 left the board with little choice but to make a change, even as they scramble to identify a replacement capable of salvaging the season.
The Club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men’s Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today.
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… pic.twitter.com/mo82TaAXts
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 11, 2026
Roberto De Zerbi
The managerial market shifted dramatically on Tuesday as Roberto De Zerbi parted ways with Marseille following a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
The Italian had joined the French club after nearly two seasons at Brighton, where he guided the Seagulls to a historic sixth-place Premier League finish and European qualification.
De Zerbi’s Brighton tenure earned widespread acclaim for maintaining the attractive style established by predecessor Graham Potter while achieving tangible results.
His sudden availability makes him an obvious candidate for Tottenham, especially given his familiarity with the Premier League and proven ability to implement progressive tactics.
Xavi Hernández
Xavi Hernández represents another intriguing option. The Barcelona legend has been without a club since departing Camp Nou in May 2024 following disagreements with the club president. During his time managing the Catalan giants, Xavi delivered their first LaLiga title in four years and won the Spanish Super Cup.
His tactical approach combined attractive possession football with defensive solidity rarely seen at Barcelona, conceding just 20 goals throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Xavi began his managerial career in Qatar before returning to oversee Barcelona in 2021, building a reputation for developing young talent while maintaining competitive standards.
Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane’s name has emerged as a wildcard possibility. The former Republic of Ireland captain made over 200 appearances for Spurs during his playing days and currently manages Hungarian side Ferencvaros.
At 45, Keane represents a sentimental choice that might resonate with supporters, though his relatively limited managerial experience at elite level raises questions about his readiness for such a high-pressure situation.
Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino remains the name most frequently mentioned by Tottenham supporters whenever managerial vacancies arise.
Currently managing the United States men’s national team, Pochettino is deep in preparations for the 2026 World Cup scheduled for this summer.
While reports strongly suggest he’d consider a Tottenham return, the timing presents obvious complications. The club needs immediate stability, not a manager committed elsewhere for the next several months.
That reality may push the hierarchy toward exploring an interim appointment to navigate the remainder of the season before pursuing Pochettino or another permanent candidate in the summer.
Short-term solutions: Johnny Heitinga or Ryan Mason
Johnny Heitinga, recently hired as assistant manager, has emerged as the frontrunner for that caretaker role, along with former player and interim coach Ryan Mason.
Heitinga’s presence on the coaching staff makes him a logical choice to provide continuity while avoiding the disruption of bringing in an outsider for just a few months.