Who could replace Frank as Tottenham boss?

Tottenham Hotspur begin the hunt for a new head coach after parting company with Thomas Frank, whose brief reign ended with the club 16th in the Premier League and only five points clear of the drop zone. Chairman Daniel Levy wants the next permanent appointment in place before the squad reports back for training on Monday, intensifying speculation over a wide-ranging list of candidates.

Mauricio Pochettino remains the sentimental favourite among supporters. The Argentine, who took Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and recorded two top-three league finishes during his five-and-a-half-year tenure, has publicly admitted he “would like one day to come back.” Yet timing is problematic: Pochettino is currently preparing the United States for a home World Cup, and sources indicate the U.S. Soccer Federation would demand one of the largest compensation fees in football history should he leave before the tournament.

Roberto de Zerbi became available on Wednesday after leaving Marseille by mutual consent. The Italian’s reputation in England was forged at Brighton, where he steered the Seagulls to a record sixth-place Premier League finish and maiden European qualification in 2022-23. A swift return to English football could appeal, though Spurs would need to move quickly to secure his services ahead of rival suitors.

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is another name back on the radar. The 42-year-old Spaniard guided the Cherries to ninth last term with a club-record 56 top-flight points and has them in the same position this season despite significant summer sales. Iraola was linked with the vacancy last June and will be out of contract at the Vitality Stadium in June, removing any immediate transfer fee obstacle.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has already announced he will leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season after delivering the club’s first major trophy—the 2024-25 FA Cup—and European qualification via the Conference League. The Austrian’s high-energy style and recent success in knockout football make him an attractive long-term option, though Spurs would have to wait until the summer or negotiate with Palace for an early release.

Fulham’s Marco Silva is approaching the final months of his deal at Craven Cottage. The Portuguese has twice kept the west London club in the top flight after promotion and boasts silverware from Sporting (Portuguese Cup) and Olympiakos (Greek title). Fulham have offered an extension, yet nothing has been signed, leaving the 47-year-old in play.

Former Barcelona coach Xavi is out of work after leaving the Nou Camp in 2024, having delivered a La Liga title in 2022-23. His availability adds an experienced, trophy-winning name to the shortlist, though Spurs may prefer a coach with more recent Premier League know-how.

If Levy opts for stability until the summer, interim solutions exist within the building. Assistant coach John Heitinga, who arrived from Arne Slot’s title-winning Liverpool staff in January, knows the squad, while former caretaker Ryan Mason, dismissed by West Brom last month, remains unattached. Harry Redknapp, 78, has thrown his hat into the ring, telling BBC Sport in January he would “love” to take charge until the season’s end, citing the need to restore confidence among a talented but under-performing squad.

With the clock ticking and the relegation zone looming, Tottenham’s next decision will shape not only the remainder of this campaign but the club’s direction for years to come.