Tottenham Hotspur have plunged into yet another new era after confirming the dismissal of Thomas Frank this week.
Spurs finally pulled the trigger after Tuesday night’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle, a result that left them 16th in the Premier League table and just five points above the relegation zone. Frank’s reign lasted only eight months and returned just two wins in 17 league games, with an increasingly toxic atmosphere inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium forcing the board’s hand.
In their official statement, the club stressed they had tried to give Frank time and support “to build for the future together” but concluded that a change was “necessary” given results and performances. That decision comes despite the Dane steering Spurs into the Champions League last‑16.
Into the void, at least on the grass, steps former Liverpool assistant manager Johnny Heitinga who joined as an assistant first‑team coach only last month and will oversee first‑team training sessions while the hierarchy conducts its search.
Tottenham have already begun sounding out a number of high‑profile candidates, with Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel all linked to the now‑vacant post. Among those have been ex-Reds striker Robbie Keane, who has been vouched for by former Spurs defender Michael Dawson.
Keane is thriving in charge of Hungarian outfit Ferencváros, having guided them to the top of the league table after 21 games. He also won the Nemzeti Bajnokság I (Hungarian First Division) last season.
However, speaking after his side’s 4-0 win after Aqvital FC Csákvár last night, Keane was asked on whether he expects a Tottenham approach and gave a blunt reply:
“I can’t help speculation,” he said before quickly leaving the interview.
What is clear, though, is that the clock is ticking. Spurs need a new manager who can revive a sagging squad, appease an increasingly restless support and convince potential targets that the club is still on an upward trajectory – and as Robbie Keane so neatly summed up, all anyone can do from the outside right now is watch the speculation swirl.
“I can’t help speculation…” 👀
Robbie Keane gave a very brief answer on the Tottenham job before swiftly walking out of the interview. pic.twitter.com/XAgtIzDTp4
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 12, 2026
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