Tottenham Hotspur has embarked on the search for a new manager following the dismissal of Thomas Frank on Wednesday morning, triggered by a 2-1 loss at home to Newcastle the previous night.
Like Manchester United and several other top clubs this season, sources have informed ESPN that Spurs prefer to appoint an interim manager until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, before selecting a more established figure for the next season. There’s still a season to salvage, as Spurs currently find themselves in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone.
Additionally, there’s the challenge of the Champions League knockout rounds, with Spurs finishing fourth in the league phase — securing five wins from eight matches — to advance directly to the Round of 16.
– Olley: Frank’s sacking indicates the deeper issues at Spurs, beyond just the managerial role
So, who will Tottenham consider for the short-term and the upcoming summer? Here’s a look at their potential options.
Mauricio Pochettino
Current job: Manager of the USMNT
Previously managed: Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea
After five years since his departure, the stars might just align for Pochettino to return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He will lead the USMNT during the co-hosted 2026 World Cup this summer, but he currently lacks a contract beyond this period and is reportedly eager to return to club football.
Tottenham is also keen on reuniting with Pochettino, who led the club through some of its finest moments, including a remarkable run to the 2019 Champions League final, where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool. His previous squad, featuring stars like Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, Mousa Dembélé, Jan Vertonghen, and Toby Alderweireld, remains fondly remembered by fans.
Sources indicate that Pochettino is open to a return to Tottenham if favorable circumstances emerge.
Roberto Di Zerbi
Current job: Unemployed
Previously managed: Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk, Brighton & Hove Albion, Marseille.
Roberto Di Zerbi, having achieved notable success with Brighton, has recently become available after parting ways with Marseille on Tuesday. Spurs have faced challenges in attracting top coaching talent in the past, notably trying to pursue Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola last summer to no avail. However, ESPN has learned that Di Zerbi is interested in the position and has retained admiration from Spurs, particularly from their former sporting director, Fabio Paratici.
Marco Silva
Current job: Manager of Fulham
Previously managed: Estoril, Sporting CP, Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford, Everton
Marco Silva has turned Fulham into a reliable mid-table side, currently seated 12th this season. With his contract expiring this summer and no extension signed, he is expected to be considered for the Tottenham job. Fulham’s vice chairman, Tony Kahn, spoke highly of Silva’s impact on the team and expressed a desire for him to remain long-term.
Oliver Glasner
Current job: Manager of Crystal Palace
Previously managed: SV Josko Ried, LASK Linz, VfL Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt
Oliver Glasner has surpassed expectations at Crystal Palace, notably winning the FA Cup last season, which marked the club’s first-ever qualification for European competition. However, unlike Silva, Glasner will definitely be departing when his contract concludes this summer. He has openly aired frustrations regarding Palace’s transfer activities this season, and he seems poised for a new challenge, making him a contender for the position at Tottenham.
Andoni Iraola
Current job: Manager of AFC Bournemouth
Previously managed: AEK Larnaca, Mirandés, Rayo Vallecano
Near the top of Tottenham’s managerial wishlist from last summer was Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, who has played a crucial role in his club’s promising campaign this season. Having rejected Spurs last summer, the club would likely think twice before pursuing him again.
Robbie Keane
Current job: Manager of Ferencváros
Previously managed: Maccabi Tel-Aviv
As Manchester United contemplates appointing one of their former stars, Tottenham may consider the same approach. Robbie Keane, a former player with two successful spells at Spurs, scoring 122 goals in 306 appearances, could be a nostalgic link to the past. However, Keane is not a free agent; he has been managing Ferencváros since January 2025, recording 22 wins in 37 matches thus far, as well as guiding the team into the Europa League knockout stages. His limited managerial experience includes a year at Maccabi Tel-Aviv and various assistant roles at Leeds United, Middlesbrough, and Ireland.
John Heitinga
Current job: Assistant coach at Tottenham
Previously managed: Ajax
Heitinga joined Tottenham just as Frank’s tenure was unraveling. The Dutch coach stepped into Frank’s staff three weeks ago amid growing calls for the manager’s dismissal. With interim experience from his time at Ajax in 2023, where he won 14 out of 22 matches, Heitinga might be well-positioned to lead Spurs temporarily.
After a brief period in charge at Ajax that ended with the team at the bottom of the Champions League group, there’s uncertainty surrounding his next steps.
Ryan Mason
Current job: Unemployed
Previously managed: Tottenham Hotspur (twice as interim), West Bromwich Albion
Mason could be in consideration for a potential third stint as interim manager. He previously took charge of Spurs twice, first becoming the youngest manager (at 29) in Premier League history when stepping in for Jose Mourinho in 2021. Mason, now 34, is again a free agent just as Spurs look for a temporary appointment. He is familiar with the club, having come through the academy and played for eight years before a serious injury cut his career short.
His previous interim roles involved managing seven and six games respectively. Following those spells, he managed West Bromwich Albion for six months before being released after 27 games.