Despite a strong European season for Tottenham Hotspur, the recent results in the domestic league have been dire to say the least. At the time of writing, Spurs are 14th in the Premier League, closer to relegation than any European spots. To make matters worse, the team has yet to win a domestic match in 2026. The only thing more concerning than the abysmal results is the style of football exhibited.
Gone are the days of high risk, high scoring Ange-ball. Instead, Spurs fans get to sit through a slower, more defensive approach that results in a tough watch at best and a waste of time at worst. With that in mind, it looks like the Danish coach Thomas Frank is hanging on to his job by a thread. If he were to leave, who could replace the Spurs boss?
A strong candidate is AFC Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola. Any Liverpool fan unlucky enough to have watched their team dominated by the Cherries would have to admit to being impressed by Bournemouth’s relentless running and constant high pressure. There is no doubt that Iraola would bring back the fun, attacking style of football that Spurs fans have so desperately missed since Ange Postecoglou lost his job in the summer. However, with over a year left on his contract, it would take a lot of persuasion (and money) for Spurs to lure him away from the south coast.
A more available replacement for Thomas Frank would be Enzo Maresca. Since his unexpected sacking from Chelsea on New Year’s Day, the Argentinian has been out of a job and would surely be tempted by a return to a big Premier League club. Maresca would bring a clear style of football — a Guardiola-inspired possession based system — and a record at Chelsea of winning trophies, a trait that appeals to no club more than the mighty Spurs. However, with Pep’s future at Manchester City increasingly uncertain, Maresca may be tempted to wait for a vacancy further north.
A final name being discussed as the future of Tottenham is that of Oliver Glasner. Having led Crystal Palace to FA cup glory last season, Glasner has made a name for himself in English football. With his recent announcement that he will leave Palace in the summer, a move across London is highly plausible. On the other hand, Spurs could be set for a painful teething period as they adjust to the new formation and style of play the Austrian tactician prefers. Could they really survive a further dip in form?
With an exciting young squad, Spurs will be an attractive post for many ambitious managers, if and when Frank loses his job. After the lows of the past two seasons, things can only get better. The club is in need of change.
“Tottenham Hotspur Stadium South Stand” by Bluejam is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.