After an encouraging start to the season that raised optimism across North London, Tottenham Hotspur now find themselves in a far more uncertain position. Early victories over Burnley and Manchester City created the impression that Thomas Frank was the ideal figure to guide Spurs into a new era.
His team looked balanced, confident, and sharp, scoring five goals across those opening matches while keeping two clean sheets. There was structure without sacrificing attacking intent, and many supporters believed the club had finally found the right manager to push forward.
Fast forward a few weeks, and the mood has shifted noticeably. Four defeats in Tottenham’s last seven Premier League games have dragged the club down to 11th place in the table.
The heavy 3–0 loss to Nottingham Forest was particularly damaging, not just because of the scoreline but due to the lack of fight and clarity on display.
That result intensified scrutiny on Frank, with frustration beginning to surface among fans who expected more consistency and progress.
While the Tottenham board are not known for rash decisions, football moves quickly, and contingency plans are always in place.
With the January transfer window approaching, conversations have reportedly begun about what comes next if results do not improve. Frank arrived in the summer with a reputation built on steady growth at Brentford, but managing Tottenham brings a different level of pressure, expectation, and scrutiny.
Several names have already been linked with a potential switch to North London. Mauricio Pochettino’s name has naturally resurfaced, given his emotional connection to the club and his previous success there.
The Argentine has spoken openly in the past about wanting to return one day. However, his current role with the United States men’s national team, and the upcoming World Cup, makes any short-term reunion highly complicated.
Another name generating serious discussion is Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner. The Austrian has quietly built an impressive reputation in England, and his work at Selhurst Park has not gone unnoticed.
Reports suggest Tottenham’s hierarchy are admirers of his calm authority, tactical flexibility, and ability to deliver results without vast resources. With his current contract set to expire in June, he represents an option that would not only be attractive but also achievable.
Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara has even gone as far as to claim Glasner is a better manager than Mikel Arteta, a bold statement that has sparked debate but also highlights how highly some rate the Palace boss.
While such comparisons are subjective, the numbers and achievements behind Glasner’s work are difficult to ignore.
Thomas Frank deserves credit for what he has achieved in English football. Taking Brentford from the Championship into a stable Premier League side was no small feat. His teams have often been well-drilled, disciplined, and capable of upsetting bigger clubs.
Tottenham’s decision to appoint him made sense on paper, and the club committed heavily by paying a reported £10 million compensation fee to secure his services.
However, football is a results-driven business. While Spurs are only six points off the top four, performances have been inconsistent, and the margin for error is shrinking.
Supporters want to see identity, intensity, and progress, not excuses. If the downward trend continues, patience will wear thin regardless of how promising the long-term vision may be.
In contrast, Glasner’s impact at Crystal Palace has been immediate and historic. In under two years, he delivered the FA Cup, the first major trophy in the club’s long history.
That alone sets him apart. Beyond silverware, his Palace side has shown balance, resilience, and efficiency in the Premier League, often grinding out results in matches where others might falter.
Statistically, Glasner also compares favourably to Frank in several key areas. His teams tend to concede fewer goals, win a higher percentage of matches, and collect more points per game.
These details matter, especially for a club like Tottenham that has struggled to control games and protect leads.
Below is a simple comparison of their Premier League records to date, which helps explain why Glasner is seen by many as a potential upgrade.
| Metric (Premier League) | Oliver Glasner | Thomas Frank |
|---|---|---|
| Games managed | 67 | 168 |
| Wins | 27 | 60 |
| Draws | 22 | 42 |
| Losses | 18 | 66 |
| Points per game | 1.51 | 1.32 |
| Win percentage | 41% | 35% |
| Goals scored per game | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Goals conceded per game | 1.1 | 1.5 |
These numbers show a manager who knows how to organise his team and maximise output at both ends of the pitch. Glasner’s sides score slightly more, concede less, and lose fewer matches overall.
For a Tottenham team that has often looked fragile defensively this season, those traits are particularly appealing.
It is still unclear how long Spurs will stand by Frank if results fail to improve. The board may well believe stability is key and give him time to correct course. But Tottenham are a club that expects to compete for trophies and Champions League places, not drift in mid-table.
If a change is made, Oliver Glasner appears to fit the profile of a modern manager capable of taking Spurs forward. He brings experience, silverware, and a proven ability to build winning teams without chaos. Whether or not Tottenham act on this opportunity could shape their direction for years to come.
