Tottenham Hotspur are reaching a point where patience may no longer be a virtue. If there is any serious ambition to rescue what has been a deeply underwhelming season, the club may need to make a brutal decision and move on from Thomas Frank as soon as possible.
The latest defeat, a painful 3–2 loss away at Bournemouth sealed by a stoppage-time goal from Antoine Semenyo, felt like another step backwards. It was not just the result that hurt, but the growing sense that this team is drifting without direction.
That defeat means Spurs have now won just one of their last six matches in all competitions. Even more worrying, they are winless in their last ten midweek Premier League games, a run that speaks volumes about confidence, preparation, and belief.
Sitting 14th in the table is simply not acceptable for a club that talks regularly about progress, identity, and competing at the top end of the league. Supporters can accept bad days, but they struggle to accept a season that looks like it is slipping away without a fight.
Many fans now believe that a strong second half of the campaign will only be possible with a different voice leading the team. Frank arrived with goodwill and a reputation for organisation and calm thinking, but those qualities are no longer translating onto the pitch.
Performances have become predictable and, at times, painfully dull. The lack of cutting edge, energy, and imagination has drained belief from the stands, and frustration is now spilling over week after week.
Adding to the tension are moments off the pitch that have not helped Frank’s cause. Small details matter at a club like Tottenham, and images of the manager appearing too relaxed or careless before big matches have not gone down well with supporters already questioning his authority.
When results are poor, every action is magnified, and Frank has done himself no favours in that regard.
Against this backdrop, attention has turned to Roberto De Zerbi. Reports suggest Tottenham are already considering him as a possible replacement, with the Marseille coach viewed internally as a high-level option.
De Zerbi has been described as a world-class coach by none other than Mikel Arteta, who has spoken openly about his admiration for the Italian’s ideas and influence. Comparisons to Pep Guardiola, while lofty, underline the respect De Zerbi commands within the game.
A return to the Premier League could appeal to him. His time at Brighton showed just how effective he can be when given players willing to learn and take risks. Under his guidance, Brighton became one of the most entertaining and tactically sharp sides in the country.
They played brave, attacking football, built from the back with confidence, and regularly outthought bigger clubs. That work should not be overshadowed by his fiery personality, which is often what people remember first. Beneath that edge is a coach with a deep understanding of space, movement, and modern football.
For Tottenham, appointing De Zerbi mid-season could completely change the mood around the club. New ideas often bring fresh energy, and a manager known for bold attacking play would immediately reconnect with a fanbase desperate to be excited again. Spurs supporters want to see intent, bravery, and a clear plan. De Zerbi offers all three.
Of course, there are obstacles. He is under contract at Marseille until 2027, and the French club are enjoying a strong season. They sit third in Ligue 1 and are competing in the Champions League, which may tempt De Zerbi to stay and see the campaign through. Walking away midway through such a project would not be an easy decision.
Still, football rarely waits for perfect timing. Tottenham’s season is slipping, and hesitation could cost them far more than a managerial payout. If the club truly believes De Zerbi is the right man for the future, acting quickly could be the difference between another wasted year and a genuine revival. Ruthlessness is uncomfortable, but sometimes it is necessary. For Spurs, that moment may have already arrived.
