Who could replace Thomas Frank? Top 3 candidates for the Tottenham job with Roberto de Zerbi emerging as surprise favourite

Last Updated on 11 February 2026

The Thomas Frank era at Tottenham Hotspur has come to an end. Following a disastrous 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle, the Spurs board has officially sacked the Danish manager on February 11, 2026.

With the club sitting in 16th place, a mere five points above the relegation zone, the search for a savior is on.

The timing is critical; with the North London Derby against Arsenal just 11 days away, Spurs need a leader who can navigate the current ‘toxic’ atmosphere around the club and spark an immediate turnaround.

Here are the top three candidates currently linked with the vacant seat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

1. Roberto De Zerbi (The Free Agent Favourite)

Current Status: Free Agent (Left Marseille on Feb 11, 2026)

In a twist of fate that seems almost scripted, Roberto De Zerbi left Marseille by mutual consent just a few hours before Frank was dismissed.

Following a humiliating 5-0 loss to PSG and a disappointing Champions League exit, the Italian tactician is back on the market and reportedly “keen on a Premier League return.”

• Why he fits: De Zerbi’s high-octane, attacking philosophy is the antithesis of the pragmatic approach that failed under Frank. Spurs fans crave entertainment, and “De Zerbi-ball” provides exactly that.
• The Obstacle: While he is currently the bookmakers’ favorite, there are lingering questions about his ability to immediately stabilise a defence, a major concern for a team flirting with the bottom three.

2. Mauricio Pochettino (The Emotional Homecoming)

Current Status: Head Coach, USA National Team

The “PochBack” rumors have reached a fever pitch.

Despite winning the Europa League with Spurs in 2025 (under his predecessor Postecoglou), the club’s league form has continued to be horrific.

Fans were heard chanting Pochettino’s name during the Newcastle defeat, and the Argentine hasn’t exactly hidden his affection for N17.

• Why he fits: He “gets” the club. In a recent interview, Pochettino admitted that the Premier League and Champions League hold a greater allure for him than the World Cup. He represents the “golden era” many Tottenham fans are desperate to relive.
• The Obstacle: He is currently preparing to lead the USMNT into a home World Cup this summer. It is unlikely that he will leave the US project just months before the tournament. If Tottenham are serious about bringing him back, any move would likely have to wait until after the World Cup, meaning Spurs would need to appoint an interim manager in the meantime, similar to Manchester United’s temporary transition under Michael Carrick.

3. Xabi Alonso (The Tactical Visionary)

Current Status: Free Agent (Left Real Madrid in January 2026)

Xabi Alonso is the wildcard of the “Big Three.” After a legendary stint at Bayer Leverkusen, his tenure at Real Madrid ended abruptly in January 2026 after just seven months. He is currently being monitored by Liverpool and Manchester City, but Spurs are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation.

• Why he fits: Alonso is arguably the most coveted young manager in world football. His tactical flexibility and “winner” mentality (perfected at Leverkusen) could be exactly what a demoralised Spurs squad needs to rebuild its identity.
• The Obstacle: With a potential vacancy at Anfield looming in the summer, Alonso may prefer to wait for an opportunity to return to Liverpool rather than jumping into a relegation scrap with Tottenham now which could do more damage to his managerial career than good.

Football Paparazzi’s view

Before Roberto De Zerbi’s availability entered the equation, we would have confidently predicted that Tottenham would opt for a short-term solution, with someone like John Heitinga or Ryan Mason stepping in as interim manager, before making a decisive move for Mauricio Pochettino in the summer.

That felt like the logical path: steady the ship now, then reunite with the man who understands the club, the culture and the expectations better than anyone.

But De Zerbi’s availability changes the equation completely.

Suddenly, Tottenham have the opportunity to appoint a high-profile, progressive coach immediately: someone capable of injecting belief, tactical clarity and intensity into a squad currently battling near the bottom end of the table.

The Italian has already proven he can elevate players, implement a clear identity and energise a fanbase.

If Spurs believe De Zerbi can reignite Tottenham’s season now rather than waiting months for Pochettino, the board may decide this is not the moment for patience, but for bold action.

And that makes the next move far less predictable than it seemed just days ago.