Tottenham have sacked Thomas Frank following the 2-1 home loss to Newcastle United on Wednesday, and with Spurs winless in the Premier League in 2026.
GIVEMESPORT understands it was a reluctant decision, taken following a recommendation from CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange to the board.
However, Nick Beucher, Tavistock co-chief executive and Joe Lewis's grandson-in-law, also played a key role. Although Beucher doesn't sit on the Spurs board, he has become an important and active voice in the running of the football club following the departure of Daniel Levy over the summer, and his view carries weight with Spurs' board.
Thomas Frank Lost The Tottenham Dressing Room
Thomas Frank and Cristian Romero
Tottenham's leadership team wanted to give Frank time, but the situation was deemed untenable after a series of poor results, and Spurs fans seemingly losing faith.
Frank didn't only fail to get results, and leaves Spurs just five points clear of the relegation zone, he also lost support from senior players, including captain Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro.
Frank gave Romero the captaincy, but that didn't stop the Argentine centre-back having doubts over Frank's tactics. Sources add several Spurs players found training stale at times and too 'academic'.
Spurs backed Frank in the market with Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus joining for a combined £114million, while Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani were other high-profile summer additions. Even in January, with Frank's job under severe threat, Spurs signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid with the now departed Spurs coach heavily involved in the pitch to bring the England midfielder to north London.
And Frank was pictured next to John Heitinga when the assistant coach was unveiled, seemingly in a show of solidarity. Hetinga remains at Spurs as it stands, and could even be a candidate for an interim role.
References To Arsenal Annoyed The Tottenham Players
Thomas Frank
Frank was liked by Spurs' executive team, and praised for his professionalism, which is potentially why he was afforded so much time. Yet cracks between the head coach and playing squad were apparent relatively early.
Sources have told GMS that Frank's persistent references to Arsenal, in public and in private, did not go down well in the dressing room, while accidentally holding a coffee cup with the Gunners' logo on it in the 3-2 loss at Bournemouth led some players to suggest their manager was tone-deaf to the culture of the club. Those close to Frank deny this, and stress he had no idea he was drinking from an Arsenal cup.
Frank's cause was also not helped by the now departed co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, who is believed to have been in favour of hiring Roberto De Zerbi ahead of Frank, and urged a change as early as December. De Zerbi, who left Marseille on Tuesday night, was formally approached prior to Frank being hired but declined the chance to join Spurs.
De Zerbi could again be a candidate to replace Frank, and GMS understands internal talks on whether to approach him have already taken place. The 'genius' former Brighton boss believes he will be in demand this summer, and is thought to be a candidate for the Manchester United vacancy and on the shortlist of Manchester City in case Pep Guardiola leaves this summer.
De Zerbi is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League, and it is possible Spurs make another approach. The 'world-class' manager is not against returning to work mid-season, but only for a project that gives him freedom and input, including in recruitment.
Mauricio Pochettino is another leading candidate to replace Frank, and in doing so make what would be a popular return to Spurs. The Argentine is only available after the 2026 World Cup and focused on plans to lead America on home soil for now.
Mauricio Pochettino A Favourite To Replace Frank
USMNT Pochettino
GMS understands there is notable support to rehire Pochettino within Spurs, including from some members of the Lewis family. Yet Spurs still plan to carry out a thorough process, which is why an interim could also be put in place.
It is clear several candidates will not be available until summer. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is another name Spurs have looked at in the past, albeit a move driven by Levy, but sources say he has no desire to leave the Cherries mid-season. And Bournemouth are still trying to agree a new contract with Iraola.
Marco Silva is yet to sign a new Fulham deal, but a three-year contract remains on the table for him to renew at Craven Cottage. Silva is known to make late decisions, and is not believed to be open to leaving Fulham before this season is out.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and ex-Real head coach Xabi Alonso are both free agents, but each are prepared to wait for their next role, and will prioritise projects with Champions League football, according to sources familiar with their thinking. And Porto boss Francesco Fariola is another name some at Spurs appreciate, but he is content in his current role and will not consider any job offers right now.
The advantage Spurs have in trying to replace Frank is they are through to the knockout stage of the Champions League, but that is not expected to force the club into a rushed appointment. If the right candidate presents, Spurs will move now, and it will be interesting to see if any urgent talks ahead of the North London Derby advance with De Zerbi in particular. but senior figures at the club are comfortable with an interim and, as it stands, sources indicate this is quite a realistic scenario.
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