As Tottenham Hotspur's season continues to unravel, mounting pressure surrounds manager Thomas Frank, with speculation intensifying about potential replacements for the struggling Spurs boss. The north London club's alarming slide towards a relegation battle has prompted serious questions about Frank's future at the helm.
Tottenham's Dismal Form and Relegation Concerns
A disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night marked the latest setback for the lilywhites, representing their eleventh Premier League loss this campaign. After twenty-six games, Tottenham languish in sixteenth position in the table, just five points above the relegation zone where West Ham United currently reside following their draw with Manchester United.
While Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley appear cut adrift at the bottom, with Nottingham Forest also embroiled in the survival scrap, Tottenham's position remains precarious. The possibility of relegation, though perhaps unlikely, cannot be entirely dismissed given their current trajectory.
Remarkable Decline from European Success
This situation appears particularly stark when contrasted with Tottenham's recent European achievements. Last season, the club secured Europa League glory under previous manager Ange Postecoglou, despite finishing seventeenth in the domestic league. This campaign, they have progressed comfortably through the Champions League group stage, advancing to the competition's last sixteen.
With Tottenham already eliminated from the FA Cup, attention now turns to their next Premier League fixture against arch-rivals Arsenal on February 22nd. Significant uncertainty surrounds whether Frank will still be in charge for this crucial north London derby.
Frank's Defiant Stance Amid Growing Pressure
Following Tuesday's defeat, Frank faced audible discontent from home supporters as he left the pitch. When questioned by TNT Sports about potential job security concerns, the Danish manager offered a defiant response.
'I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no,' Frank stated regarding whether his position was under threat. 'I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me. That's part of the job unfortunately.'
He continued: 'I will work day and night to turn this around but it is not just one person. There is no doubt we need to improve and I need to be part of that.'
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Frank further elaborated: 'I understand the frustration. It has been building up a little bit – last season it was similar playing in Europe and the Premier League. We need to be resilient, mentally and physically. I am 100 per cent sure that it is a team effort, and it is not only one person. We are all aligned and we know what needs to be done.'
Leading Contenders for Tottenham Hotspur Managerial Role
Bookmakers have identified several prominent candidates should Tottenham decide to make a managerial change, with a familiar face emerging as the clear favourite.
Mauricio Pochettino: The Frontrunner
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino currently leads the betting markets for a potential return to north London. The fifty-three-year-old Argentine enjoyed a successful five-year tenure at Spurs between 2014 and 2019, famously guiding the club to the Champions League final during his final season.
Since departing Tottenham, Pochettino has managed Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and currently oversees the United States national team. His contract with the US side is not expected to conclude until after this summer's World Cup, potentially necessitating an interim appointment should Tottenham seek change before then.
Other Serious Contenders
Former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi represents another strong candidate, having recently departed French club Marseille. Despite a challenging spell with the Ligue 1 side, the forty-six-year-old Italian remains highly regarded within football circles and has also been linked with the Manchester United managerial position.
Tottenham legend Robbie Keane, currently managing Hungarian champions Ferencváros, features prominently in speculation, alongside former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández. Sacked Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim, Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso, and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner complete the list of serious contenders according to bookmakers' odds.
Tottenham's Crucial Upcoming Fixtures
The period between Tuesday's defeat and the Arsenal clash could prove decisive for Frank's future, providing the Tottenham board with ample opportunity to consider their options. The club faces a challenging sequence of Premier League matches in the coming weeks:
- Sunday February 22: Arsenal (home)
- Sunday March 1: Fulham (away)
- Thursday March 5: Crystal Palace (home)
- Sunday March 15: Liverpool (away)
- Sunday March 22: Nottingham Forest (home)
These fixtures will undoubtedly shape Tottenham's season and potentially determine Frank's fate as manager. With the club's Premier League status increasingly under threat, decisive action from the boardroom appears increasingly probable should results fail to improve.
