With Thomas Frank dismissed and Tottenham sitting 16th in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone, this is far more than a cosmetic change. The next appointment will shape the direction of the club for years to come.

Spurs have scored 36 and conceded 37 in 26 league matches. Their goal difference is marginally negative, pressing intensity has dipped compared to last season, and home form has been underwhelming. The incoming manager must quickly restore structure, aggression and belief.

Here are the leading contenders.

Mauricio Pochettino

The emotional favourite remains Mauricio Pochettino — and statistically, he is the strongest proven Premier League option available.

Across five full seasons at Spurs, he averaged 1.89 points per game and delivered four consecutive top-four finishes. In 2016/17, Tottenham finished second with 86 points, scoring 86 goals and conceding just 26 — the best defensive record in the division. His side pressed aggressively, dominated shot metrics and played with structural clarity.

He also led Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final in 2019, turning the club into genuine contenders.

However, his tenure ended amid decline. Recruitment stalled during the stadium transition, intensity dropped and by November 2019 Spurs were 14th with 14 points from 12 games when he was dismissed.

A return would bring cultural alignment and familiarity. The risk lies in expectation — and whether the current squad suits the demands of his peak pressing system. Complicating matters further, he is currently managing the United States national team, meaning Spurs may have to wait until after the World Cup to make a move.

Roberto De Zerbi

Freshly available after leaving Marseille, Roberto De Zerbi represents the clearest stylistic identity.

At Brighton, he built one of the Premier League’s most progressive teams, averaging close to 60% possession and ranking among the leaders for progressive passes and final-third entries. In 2022/23, Brighton finished sixth with 72 league goals, qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history.

His approach — brave build-up, midfield overloads and positional rotations — would immediately add attacking clarity. The concern is defensive exposure in transition, an area where Spurs have already struggled. Appointing him would be bold, not cautious — a statement of attacking intent.

Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso’s work at Bayer Leverkusen showcased balance: strong possession structure combined with disciplined pressing and defensive solidity. That equilibrium is something Spurs have lacked.

Though his recent spell at Real Madrid ended under pressure amid mixed results, his reputation remains strong thanks to his Bundesliga achievements. Securing Alonso would signal ambition, but convincing him to take over a side 16th in the table would require a compelling long-term vision.

Oliver Glasner

Oliver Glasner has enhanced his reputation at Crystal Palace, transforming them into a structured and upwardly mobile side. Operating primarily in a 3-4-2-1 system, he emphasises compact defensive spacing and efficient transitions.

Palace improved shot quality and transition efficiency under him, becoming harder to break down while remaining dangerous on the counter. For Spurs, who have conceded 37 goals and struggled centrally, Glasner would prioritise stability over spectacle.

He may not be the most glamorous option, but with relegation a realistic concern, stability has value.

Xavi

A possession-first coach, Xavi led Barcelona to a La Liga title while conceding just 20 league goals in that campaign. His teams focus on territorial control, midfield superiority and defensive structure high up the pitch.

Tottenham have often lacked match control this season. Xavi would aim to restore it, though adapting to English football and aligning the squad to his philosophy would pose challenges.

Andoni Iraola

Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola have been one of the league’s most aggressive pressing sides, ranking highly for turnovers and shots created after regains. His football is vertical, energetic and intense.

For Spurs, whose pressing metrics have declined, Iraola would inject immediate intensity and domestic credibility. The obstacle may be persuading him to leave a stable Bournemouth project for a relegation fight.

Marco Silva

Marco Silva has delivered consistency at Fulham, blending compact defending with controlled possession. Less glamorous but tactically balanced, Silva represents reliability — something Tottenham desperately need.

Robbie Keane

Club legend Robbie Keane, currently managing Ferencváros, would offer emotional lift and attacking intent. His teams play with tempo and verticality.

The challenge is scale. A relegation-tinged Premier League battle is vastly different from domestic dominance in Hungary. The sentiment would be powerful; the pressure immense.