The atmosphere surrounding the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has shifted from frustration to a full-blown crisis as the club’s hierarchy moves to pick up the pieces of a shattered season.
The decision to dismiss Thomas Frank was not just about a run of poor results; it was an admission that his pragmatic, often negative tactics had failed to resonate with a fanbase that demands flair. Now, the North London side finds itself in a position that was once unthinkable.
Sitting just five points above the relegation zone, Spurs are staring at a grim reality where survival in the Premier League is the immediate priority. The margin for error has vanished, especially with 18th-place West Ham United showing signs of a resurgence by picking up seven points from their last nine available.
As the ENIC Group evaluates its next move, a familiar name has emerged at the top of the conversation: Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian tactician is a free agent after his recent departure from Marseille, and his reputation for “brave” football makes him an obvious candidate for a club desperate to rediscover its identity.
De Zerbi’s time at Brighton proved he could take a mid-table side and turn them into a high-functioning, attacking machine. However, there are significant red flags attached to his potential appointment.
His exit from Marseille followed a string of disappointing results and reports of an abrasive personality that led to friction within the dressing room. For a Tottenham squad that is already fragile and low on confidence, a volatile manager might be the spark that causes an explosion rather than a revival.
This is why sporting director Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham appear to be shifting their gaze toward a different target currently excelling in the Premier League. According to recent reports, Andoni Iraola has become a primary person of interest for the Tottenham board.
The 43-year-old Spaniard has done an incredible job at Bournemouth over the last two and a half years, transforming the Cherries from a side happy to survive into a team that truly thrives. His front-footed, aggressive style of play has earned him high praise from peers like Mikel Arteta, who described his work as “extraordinary.”
| Managerial Option | Current Status | Key Attribute |
| Roberto De Zerbi | Free Agent | Possession-heavy, high risk |
| Andoni Iraola | Bournemouth Manager | High press, creative focus |
| John Heitinga | Spurs Coach | Interim continuity |
While De Zerbi offers instant availability, Iraola represents a more calculated “long game” for the Spurs hierarchy. He is currently entering the final months of his contract at the Vitality Stadium, meaning he could be available for a move this summer without a massive compensation package.
While it is highly unlikely that Bournemouth would let him leave mid-season, especially while they sit in the top half of the table, Tottenham may decide that an interim solution perhaps led by John Heitinga is worth the risk if it secures them Iraola in June.
The statistical evidence supporting Iraola’s credentials is hard to ignore. His Bournemouth side has consistently punched above its weight, particularly in terms of offensive output. Last season, the Cherries recorded the fifth-highest Expected Goals (xG) total in the division.
This year, they have maintained that creative edge, sitting comfortably among the most dangerous attacking units in the country. To illustrate this point, consider the xG performance of the league’s top creative teams so far in the 2025/26 campaign:
| Team | Actual Goals | Expected Goals (xG) |
| Chelsea | 47 | 50.3 |
| Manchester City | 54 | 47.8 |
| Manchester United | 47 | 45.5 |
| Arsenal | 49 | 44.1 |
| Liverpool | 41 | 42.4 |
| Bournemouth | 43 | 41.3 |
For a Tottenham side that often looked blunt and predictable under Thomas Frank, these numbers are tantalizing. Iraola has proven he can build a prolific attack even when his resources are stripped away. Last summer, he lost his entire starting backline, and during the recent winter window, his star attacker Antoine Semenyo was sold.
Despite these setbacks, Bournemouth remains in ninth place and is currently on a five-match unbeaten run. This resourcefulness is exactly what Tottenham needs; a manager who doesn’t just ask for expensive signings but knows how to improve the players already in the building.
Some critics might argue that Iraola, much like Frank, has yet to prove he can handle the immense pressure of a “Big Six” job. However, the identity he has forged at Bournemouth aligns much more closely with the “To Dare Is To Do” motto that Spurs fans hold dear.
He has been described by some analysts as the “best young coach in the world,” a label that reflects his tactical sophistication and his ability to outthink more established managers. With heavyweights like Manchester United also reportedly keeping tabs on his contract situation, Tottenham knows they must act decisively if they want to win the race for his signature.
Ultimately, the board faces a choice between the immediate “sugar hit” of a De Zerbi appointment or the strategic patience required to land Iraola. While the threat of relegation makes any delay feel dangerous, the prospect of building a long-term project under a coach of Iraola’s caliber is a powerful motivator.
As the North London derby looms next week, the pressure to provide the fans with a sense of direction has never been higher. Whether it is the volatile genius of De Zerbi or the methodical brilliance of Iraola, the next manager at N17 will be tasked with nothing less than saving the soul of the club.
