
Amidst constant speculation and a turbulent season, Thomas Frank has now been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur. Now in an unexpected relegation battle, Spurs face an important decision in appointing their next manager. The Tottenham next manager odds have already started shaping the narrative, with big names and some potential reunions in the mix.
The odds of Roberto De Zerbi joining Tottenham were suddenly slashed after the Italian was sacked by Marseille on the same day that Frank’s departure was announced. The former Brighton manager received plaudits in his previous Premier League spell for his side’s attractive style of play. He joined Marseille in 2024 and took the French side to a second-place finish in Ligue 1. De Zerbi is a respected tactician, capable of building a team with intricate build-up play and attacking rotations.
Throughout his career, controversial disputes with players have demonstrated a no-nonsense approach to man-management. Such a direct management style may divide opinion within a squad fighting for Premier League survival.
An appearance on the High Performance Podcast fuelled speculation around his return earlier this week. A reunion would lift morale within the dressing room and given his trust in youth, he may be the most suitable manager to develop Tottenham’s array of prospects. It would be a popular appointment, with Tottenham fans chanting their former manager’s name in recent matches. However, his arrival would likely be delayed until the summer with the Argentine contracted to the USA National Team until the end of the World Cup.
The former Barcelona man has been out of work for almost two years now. After a spell in Qatar, he joined a struggling Barca side in 2021 and delivered a La Liga title in his second season. Xavi has demonstrated a willingness to play youngsters and would bring an aesthetically pleasing brand of football to north London. His achievements mean he would command instant respect in the dressing room. Yet given his glamorous CV, the question is whether he would want to join a team near the bottom of the league.
Robbie Keane is the wildcard at 8/1. The former Spurs striker is still relatively new to management – serving as an assistant for the Republic of Ireland, Middlesbrough and Leeds United before taking the lead role at Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros. Keane has already won domestic league titles with both teams, and appears to be a promising manager. His standing in north London would provide an uplifting presence. Spurs may be hesitant to risk potential relegation by handing responsibility to a manager with just three years of experience, however.
The man Tottenham defeated in last year’s Europa League final, presents a surprise option. His time at Manchester United divided opinion, with a commitment to his system often perceived as stubbornness. Yet the system yielded two Primeira Liga titles with Sporting Lisbon, suggesting patience could bring success. Tottenham’s board were willing to show such discretion with Frank, but have little room now given their league position. The squad does appear to be a good fit for Amorim’s formation, meaning the hierarchy may want to finally hire the Portuguese after failing to in 2023.
With Frank gone, Tottenham face a pivotal crossroads that could decide their Premier League future. Every manager listed brings risk which Spurs can scarcely afford. Yet Roberto De Zerbi’s and Xavi’s intriguing tactics, Mauricio Pochettino’s and Robbie Keane’s sentimental returns and Ruben Amorim’s fit; all create a genuine temptation for those in charge.
Whoever is appointed will need to adapt quickly. Following Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, Spurs are a mere five points above the relegation zone. There is little room for error, and the incoming boss must swiftly restore belief in a squad low on confidence and suffering an injury crisis. The Tottenham next manager odds suggest De Zerbi is the favourite to join in the hopes of an instant impact.
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