The situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has reached a fever pitch following a demoralizing 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United. For many fans and analysts, the breaking point has finally arrived. Thomas Frank, who was brought in last June with the hope of building on the stability he created at Brentford, now finds his tenure hanging by a thread.
Instead of looking up at the European places, Spurs have plummeted to 16th in the Premier League standings. With only 29 points and 11 losses already on the record, the club sits a mere five points above the relegation zone. With a high-stakes North London derby against Arsenal looming, the hierarchy is under immense pressure to decide whether Frank is the man to lead them through this storm or if a fresh face is needed immediately.
If the board decides to move on, they are in a surprisingly strong position to find a world-class replacement. Unlike many mid-season crises where the pickings are slim, there are currently five high-profile managers available who could step into the role today.
One of the most ambitious names on the list is Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard is currently a free agent after a brief and difficult stint at Real Madrid, which ended by mutual consent in January. While his time in Spain was short-lived, no one has forgotten the miracle he performed at Bayer Leverkusen.
In Germany, he led his team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title, a domestic cup, and a European final. He is a manager who demands excellence and plays a brand of football that would instantly galvanize a frustrated fanbase. If Spurs want a “statement” appointment to prove they still belong among the elite, Alonso is the primary target.
Another intriguing option is Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian only recently became available after leaving Marseille earlier this week following a string of poor results, including a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. However, his reputation in England remains golden.
During his time at Brighton, he took the foundation left by Graham Potter and turned the Seagulls into one of the most exciting attacking sides in Europe, securing a historic sixth-place finish.
De Zerbi is famous for his ability to improve young players and implement a fearless passing game. Given the youthful talent currently in the Tottenham squad, his arrival could provide the tactical “reset” the club so desperately needs.
If the club wants to lean into a more legendary identity, they could turn to Xavi Hernandez. The Barcelona icon has been out of work since May 2024. During his time managing at the Camp Nou, he proved he could handle the pressure of a massive club, winning a La Liga title and building a defense that was statistically one of the best in European history. Xavi’s philosophy is rooted in possession and style, but he also has a proven track record of giving teenagers a chance on the big stage. His presence would likely be a huge boost for players like Xavi Simons, who was named after the midfielder and would surely thrive under his guidance.
| Manager | Previous Club | Major Achievement |
| Xabi Alonso | Real Madrid / Leverkusen | Unbeaten Bundesliga Title |
| Roberto De Zerbi | Marseille / Brighton | 6th Place PL Finish |
| Xavi Hernandez | Barcelona | La Liga Title |
| Edin Terzic | Borussia Dortmund | Champions League Finalist |
| Enzo Maresca | Chelsea / Leicester | UEFA Conference League Title |
For a more pragmatic but highly successful approach, Edin Terzic offers a compelling case. The former Borussia Dortmund boss might not have the global superstar status of Alonso or Xavi, but his results speak for themselves.
He led Dortmund to a domestic cup and was incredibly close to winning the Bundesliga in 2023. Most impressively, he took them to the Champions League final in 2024. Terzic is known for his humility and his deep tactical understanding. He is a coach who prioritizes the collective over the individual, a trait that could be vital for a Tottenham dressing room that currently looks devoid of confidence.
Finally, there is Enzo Maresca. While hiring a former Chelsea manager is always a risky move in North London, Maresca’s recent credentials are hard to ignore. Before his January departure from Stamford Bridge, he led Chelsea to a UEFA Conference League title and a Club World Cup trophy.
He is a student of the Pep Guardiola school of coaching, having worked as an assistant at Manchester City, and he understands the nuances of the Premier League. If Spurs are looking for a coach who is already settled in London and ready to work with a high-value squad, Maresca is a logical, if controversial, choice.
The crisis at Tottenham is no longer a “dip in form”—it is a fight for survival. Thomas Frank’s calm demeanor worked at Brentford, but the unique pressure of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium seems to be suffocating his project.
With these five elite managers currently sitting by their phones, the Spurs board has no excuse for inaction if results don’t improve instantly. The decision they make this week could be the difference between a late-season surge and a catastrophic slide toward the Championship.
