Tottenham Hotspur is navigating a significant period of transition following the dismissal of Thomas Frank. The club is actively seeking a new permanent manager, with several prominent figures being discussed. Simultaneously, the club's stance on potentially re-hiring former manager Mauricio Pochettino and the interest in former player Robbie Keane are key aspects of this ongoing search.
Background to the Managerial Vacancy
Thomas Frank was dismissed after a string of unfavorable results, culminating in a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United. This decision has propelled the club into an urgent search for his successor. The club's previous managerial appointment, Frank, had a tenure of approximately eight months, and his departure has created a void at the helm of the team.
The core issue is finding a suitable replacement for Thomas Frank, with the club exploring various candidates, including former managers and promising coaches.
Candidates Under Consideration
Several names have surfaced as potential candidates for the permanent managerial role at Tottenham Hotspur. Among the most discussed are:
Read More: Arsenal plays Brentford on Thursday
Mauricio Pochettino: The former Spurs manager is reportedly keen on returning to the club. His previous tenure saw the team achieve consistent success, including reaching a Champions League final.
Robbie Keane: A club legend, Keane is seen as a strong contender by some. He is currently managing Ferencvaros in Hungary, where he has achieved notable success.
Roberto De Zerbi: The former Brighton and Marseille manager has been linked, with reports suggesting he is open to a move to Tottenham.
John Heitinga: A more recent addition to Frank's backroom staff, Heitinga is considered an internal option.
Tottenham is considering both established figures like Pochettino and De Zerbi, alongside former players like Keane and internal candidates like Heitinga.
Robbie Keane's Interest and Conditions
Robbie Keane has been a subject of considerable speculation regarding a return to Tottenham. However, his interest appears to be contingent on securing the permanent managerial position.
Read More: Ange Postecoglou Says Tottenham Owners Stopped Key Player Signings
Reports indicate Keane is unwilling to take an interim role with the club.
He is reportedly seeking a full-time commitment, not merely a short-term position to "keep the seat warm" for another candidate.
His current success with Ferencvaros in Hungary suggests he would only leave for a significant, permanent opportunity at his former club.
Robbie Keane's return is not on the table for an interim position, but he might consider a permanent managerial role.
Mauricio Pochettino's Stance
The possibility of Mauricio Pochettino returning to Tottenham has generated significant discussion. Sources suggest he is open to a reunion with the North London club.
Pochettino has expressed a desire to return to Tottenham in the past.
Reports indicate his "private stance" is one of keenness to accept an offer.
While he previously led the team to notable achievements, including top Premier League finishes and a Champions League final, his current commitments, such as leading the USA in an upcoming tournament, may present complications.
Read More: Hull Owner Explains Why He Fired Manager Liam Rosenior
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly open to returning to Tottenham, with sources suggesting he is "keen" on the prospect.
Evidence and Observations
Information regarding the managerial candidates and club's preferences has been gathered from various reports:
Robbie Keane has explicitly stated he is not interested in an interim role, preferring a permanent position. He has reportedly walked out of interviews when asked about the interim job.
Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be keen on a return, potentially after the summer World Cup, but details regarding contractual obligations and current commitments remain a factor.
Odds for potential managers have shifted, with Roberto De Zerbi initially emerging as a favorite, while Pochettino's odds have also been significant. Robbie Keane is also a name that has seen odds slashed.
John Heitinga is identified as a potential internal candidate if the club opts for an interim appointment from within.
Read More: £30M Star AXED from Champions League TWICE! Is Tottenham Manager Frank Sabotaging His Own Career?
| Candidate | Reported Interest / Stance | Current Role/Situation | Potential Role at Spurs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robbie Keane | Open to permanent, unwilling to be interim. | Manager of Ferencvaros (Hungary) | Permanent Manager |
| Mauricio Pochettino | Keen on returning; stance is reportedly positive. | Current role with USA National Team (upcoming World Cup) | Permanent Manager |
| Roberto De Zerbi | Reportedly open to taking the role now. | Recently left Marseille | Permanent Manager |
| John Heitinga | Internal option; recently joined backroom staff. | Assistant Coach at Tottenham Hotspur | Interim Manager (Potential) |
Expert and Former Player Opinions
Insights from former players and football analysts provide further context:
Glenn Hoddle believes injuries were a key factor in Thomas Frank's dismissal and suggests Mauricio Pochettino would be a fitting permanent successor.
Michael Dawson has voiced support for Robbie Keane, advocating for him as a permanent choice if the club wishes to appoint immediately. He notes Keane's passion and connection to the club as strong attributes.
Read More: Tottenham Fires Manager Thomas Frank as Team Faces Relegation Risk
Former players like Glenn Hoddle and Michael Dawson have offered opinions, with Hoddle favoring Pochettino and Dawson endorsing Keane.
Conclusion and Implications
Tottenham Hotspur is at a critical juncture, with the search for Thomas Frank's successor being a priority. The club appears to be considering a range of candidates, from familiar faces like Mauricio Pochettino to former players like Robbie Keane, and other notable managers like Roberto De Zerbi.
Robbie Keane's firm stance against an interim role suggests that if he is to return, it would be as a permanent manager.
Mauricio Pochettino's reported willingness to return presents a potentially strong option, though his current commitments may need to be navigated.
The club's decision on an interim appointment could influence the long-term strategy and the availability of certain candidates.
The club's next managerial decision carries significant weight, potentially shaping their immediate future and longer-term trajectory. The reported stances of key candidates, particularly Pochettino and Keane, will be instrumental in determining the direction of the search.
Key Sources
Football.london: https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/robbie-keane-tottenham-candidate-pochettino-33414079
Football.london: https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/tottenham-next-manager-live-updates-33402424
Express.co.uk: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2169682/Thomas-Frank-Sacked-Spurs-Pochettino-Keane-Dawson
The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/02/11/tottenham-sack-thomas-frank/
Football Insider: https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-mauricio-pochettinos-stance-on-accepting-tottenham-offer-revealed/
Football.london: https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/mauricio-pochettino-tottenham-return-stance-33404365
Standard.co.uk: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/next-tottenham-manager-odds-pochettino-de-zerbi-keane-xavi-b1267000.html
Football.london: https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/next-tottenham-manager-thomas-frank-33403878
Football.london: https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/tottenham-news-robbie-keane-frank-33403414
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/feb/11/thomas-frank-sacked-tottenham-head-coach
Football.london: https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/tottenham-expect-appoint-new-manager-33408846
