Tottenham eye Spanish tactician as potential replacement for Thomas Frank.
Thomas Frank appeared to have tackled the storm when Tottenham Hotspur beat Brentford and Slavia Praha comprehensively last week, but he got a reality check on Sunday.
Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest fair and square at the City Ground, with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring a brace and Ibrahim Sangare netting a long-range rocket. Guglielmo Vicario and Archie Gray combined to gift Nottingham Forest their first goal, netted by Hudson-Odoi. Vicario was at fault for the hosts’ second goal as well, positioning himself badly which saw the Italian miss the flight of the winger’s cross-cum-shot-strike from the left flank.
It was a forgetful afternoon in the Midlands for the travelling Tottenham fans. The result left Spurs with just one win in their last seven Premier League fixtures, leading to immense scrutiny of Thomas Frank. Amid a backdrop of growing frustrations from the supporters and a major dip in performance levels, it looks like the Tottenham board have identified their man to replace the Dane.
Xavi Hernandez has been identified as a potential replacement for Thomas Frank
Xavi Hernandez has been identified as a potential replacement for Thomas Frank
Tottenham board want Xavi Hernandez to replace Thomas Frank
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham are considering Xavi Hernandez as a possible replacement for Frank. The Spanish coach is currently available, and his profile is alluring to the north London club’s board, who are keen to see a clear and recognizable playing identity.
The Lilywhites have grown frustrated with a lack of a clear playing style and a run of poor results under Frank. The 52-year-old’s project is not bringing the desired results, and there is already talk within the club of making a change midway if the situation does not improve significantly.
The report adds that the defeat at Nottingham Forest was tough to watch for the Tottenham hierarchy. They believe that there is no clear progress being made on the pitch. Keeping that in mind, the north Londoners feel that Xavi Hernandez could lay the foundations of a more sustainable project and give the team much-needed direction. His recent managerial tenure at a top club like Barcelona works in his favour.
Thomas Frank could lose his job at Tottenham if situation does not improve significantly
Thomas Frank could lose his job at Tottenham if situation does not improve significantly
Xavi did a fine job at Barcelona, winning the La Liga title, whilst delivering six trophies during his time at Al-Sadd. The 45-year-old has experience in managing prodigious talents and high-profile players, and he could be the right man that Spurs need to steer them in the right direction.
With patience wearing thin and the gap to the European places increasing, Frank’s time at N17 could sadly come to an end before we enter the New Year. If results do not improve quickly, he looks likely to be shown the door. Should that happen, Xavi appears to be the man on top of the club’s managerial wishlist. But the Lilywhites will need to convince the Spaniard that this is the right project for him.