Pochettino 2.0: “Outstanding” Coach Emerges as Leading Candidate to Succeed Frank at Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank is facing mounting pressure, with Saturday’s draw against Burnley further intensifying scrutiny on his position.
The Dane has managed just one Premier League victory in his last five outings, leaving Spurs stuck in the bottom half of the table. Appointed to lift the club after a disappointing 17th-place finish under Ange Postecoglou, Frank has struggled to spark a revival. The 2–2 stalemate against relegation-threatened Burnley may even prove to be his final match in charge, as supporters made their frustration clear at the final whistle.
As a result, several managers have been linked with the role in recent weeks, raising the possibility of a change in the near future.
European coach keen on Spurs role
With Frank under increasing pressure, a number of names have emerged as potential replacements, including Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner. The Austrian has long been admired behind the scenes in North London, although no formal move has previously materialised. That could soon change after Glasner confirmed last week that he will leave Palace at the end of the season, opening the door to a possible move across the capital.
He is not the only candidate being considered, however. Former Barcelona boss Xavi is also highly regarded by the Spurs hierarchy. According to Football Insider, the Spaniard would be open to taking charge of the club in the coming months should Frank be dismissed.
The report adds that the 45-year-old is eager to return to management after being out of work since leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2024. Spurs’ decision-makers are said to be impressed by his managerial résumé, which could strengthen his case if a vacancy arises.
Why Xavi could mirror Pochettino’s impact
In recent weeks, speculation has also resurfaced over a possible return for former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine spent five and a half years at the club and guided them to their first-ever Champions League final in the 2018/19 season. He has previously hinted at a future return to North London, though any move would likely have to wait until after he leads the United States at the 2026 World Cup.
With Spurs’ recent dip in form, uncertainty remains over how much time Frank will be given to steady the ship. The club could opt to wait until the summer for a permanent appointment or move more quickly, a scenario that could open the door for Xavi to step into the Premier League.
Such an appointment could see Spurs identify a figure capable of delivering a similar impact to Pochettino. Although Xavi has yet to manage in England, his record elsewhere is impressive. He earned praise from former teammate Andrés Iniesta, who described him as “incredible,” and posted a 70 percent win rate during his spell at Barcelona, winning 71 of 102 matches.
He also averaged 2.3 points per game while conceding only 87 goals, underlining his ability to build a disciplined and organised side — an area Spurs have struggled with in recent months. Xavi lifted the LaLiga title in the 2022/23 campaign, further strengthening his credentials.
While Frank’s future remains uncertain, it is clear that alternative options are being assessed behind the scenes, with the former Barcelona coach emerging as a strong contender should a change be made in North London.
