Tottenham Hotspur are facing one of the most challenging periods in recent memory, struggling to meet expectations under Thomas Frank after his appointment in the summer. Frank, who succeeded Ange Postecoglou following the Australian’s Europa League triumph and disappointing 17th-place league finish, has found it difficult to align results with the high standards set by both fans and the club hierarchy.
Now, halfway through the 2025/26 season, Tottenham sit 14th in the Premier League, already eight points adrift of the Champions League spots after 21 games, and pressure is mounting on the Danish manager.
The uncertainty surrounding Frank’s future has prompted the Spurs board to explore alternative options, should they decide a change is necessary. One of the names most frequently mentioned is Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard has impressed with his tactical approach and is reportedly admired behind the scenes at Tottenham, while his contract at the Vitality Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season, making him a viable candidate for a mid-year move.
Iraola’s ability to adapt and develop young talent has caught the attention of the Lilywhites hierarchy, though no decisions have been finalized, and a summer appointment could still be more likely.
Another option that has emerged is a return for Mauricio Pochettino, a manager well-acquainted with Tottenham and its expectations. The Argentine spent five years at the helm, guiding the club under Daniel Levy and creating one of the most dynamic teams in the Premier League.
Reports suggest Pochettino is eager to return, though any move may have to wait until after his commitments with the USA national team at the upcoming World Cup. A return to Tottenham could allow Pochettino to immediately influence the squad, particularly with new arrivals like Conor Gallagher providing a familiar and compatible midfield presence.
Gallagher, who joined from Atlético Madrid for £34 million, represents a strategic signing for the club. The 25-year-old England international has previous Premier League experience with Chelsea and Crystal Palace, combining energy, tactical intelligence, and versatility.
His arrival is especially important following Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury, which has ruled the Uruguayan out for three months. While Frank has the task of integrating Gallagher effectively, the potential exists for an ideal partnership should Pochettino return, replicating the synergy they enjoyed at Chelsea, where Gallagher flourished under his guidance.
During the 2023/24 season at Chelsea, Gallagher showcased his box-to-box capability, combining excellent ball progression with defensive contribution. He averaged 92% pass accuracy, created 1.6 chances per 90 minutes, made 2.5 tackles, and 1.3 interceptions per 90, while also winning 6.1 duels and completing 6.3 recoveries per game.
Gallagher’s combination of technical skill and work rate made him a standout in Pochettino’s system, producing five goals and seven assists in the league the best tally of his Premier League career to date. His ability to operate effectively both with and without the ball made him a pivotal component of Chelsea’s midfield, and the potential reunion with Pochettino at Spurs could unlock a similarly productive spell.
The Lilywhites are currently weighing Frank’s performance against these potential replacements, with the board aware that managerial decisions at this point could significantly impact both short-term results and long-term squad development.
If Pochettino were to return, his understanding of the club and previous work with key players like Gallagher could provide immediate stability and inject a proven tactical philosophy into the team.
For Gallagher, this could translate into the most productive period of his career, as the Argentine’s trust and system allowed him to excel in England’s top flight previously.
The potential reshuffle also highlights the club’s broader strategy: Tottenham are actively seeking managers who can maximize the potential of their current squad while adding tactical acumen to navigate the remainder of the season.
With Frank under pressure, the board is clearly preparing contingency plans, evaluating candidates who not only bring immediate expertise but also the vision to guide Tottenham back into European contention.
| Player/Manager | Role/Position | Key Stats / Notes | Relevance to Tottenham |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conor Gallagher | Central Midfielder | 92% pass accuracy, 5 goals, 7 assists (PL 23/24), 1.6 chances created per 90 | Strengthens midfield, familiar with Pochettino system |
| Thomas Frank | Manager | Currently 14th in Premier League | Struggling to meet expectations, future uncertain |
| Andoni Iraola | Bournemouth Manager | Tactical flexibility, contract expires 2025/26 | Potential replacement, admired by Spurs hierarchy |
| Mauricio Pochettino | Former Tottenham Manager | Previous 5-year spell at Spurs, led dynamic team | Potential return, could maximize Gallagher’s impact |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | Central Midfielder | Out 3 months with hamstring | Creates immediate midfield gap filled by Gallagher |
Tottenham’s mid-season decisions will likely define both Frank’s legacy and the club’s trajectory. If the board opts for change, a manager like Pochettino could seamlessly step in, leveraging existing squad talent and creating an environment where Gallagher and other key players can thrive.
This strategy demonstrates Spurs’ focus on long-term planning, even as they address immediate performance concerns, ensuring that any managerial appointment aligns with both on-field needs and the club’s overarching vision.
The arrival of Gallagher, the potential managerial reshuffle, and the evaluation of candidates like Iraola and Pochettino underscore Tottenham’s willingness to act decisively, balancing immediate tactical requirements with a forward-looking approach.
For fans, the possibility of seeing a proven partnership reignited between Gallagher and Pochettino is particularly exciting, offering a glimpse of a brighter, more structured future for the Lilywhites.
