Spurs made the contentious decision to sack Europa League-winning boss Ange Postecoglou in June and turned to Frank in an attempt to compete across multiple competitions after a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League during an injury-hit 2024-25 campaign.
However, Frank has left Tottenham with the club out of both domestic cups and perilously close to the relegation zone after a run of two wins in 17 league fixtures.
Here is a look at the permanent candidates to take the hotseat in N17.
Mauricio Pochettino
Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has repeatedly expressed his desire to manage again in the Premier League and this week discussed his “special” connection to the north London club. While he is expected to lead the United States into this summer’s home World Cup, his contract expires after the tournament. Given Pochettino turned Tottenham into title-challengers, developed a talented young group of players and masterminded a remarkable run to the Champions League final in 2019, he may be top of most supporters’ wish list and his name was chanted during Tuesday’s loss to Newcastle.
Robbie Keane
Keane made himself a fans’ favorite at Spurs with 122 goals but could return as manager with the Dubliner amongst the candidates to replace Thomas Frank.
The 45-year-old took his first top job at Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, winning a double before taking the Ferencvaros job just over 12 months ago. A Hungarian league title followed last summer and his Europa League results have impressed this term, as four wins and three draws booked a knockout place.
Andoni Iraola
Bournemouth chief Iraola was linked with the job last season, but subsequently stayed at the south-coast club. Iraola has developed a reputation as one of the hottest properties in the coaching market, transforming the Cherries’ style of football, leading the club to record points, wins and a highest-ever finish in the Premier League. With the 43-year-old’s deal up in June, he could have plenty of suitors, including Spurs.
Oliver Glasner
Another manager out of contract at the end of the season is Oliver Glasner and he boasts an outstanding body of work at Crystal Palace. The man to lead the club to a maiden FA Cup triumph, the Austrian also masterminded Europa League success at Eintracht Frankfurt and has helped develop several major talents. However, would his 3-4-3 system work in north London?
Oliver Glasner refused to get involved with transfer talk (Lee Keuneke/PA)
Roberto De Zerbi
Tottenham reportedly tracked Roberto De Zerbi when he was in charge of Brighton in 2023 and even though the passionate Italian departed the Seagulls after only 18 months, he left a lasting impression with a memorable Europa League run. The 46-year-old enjoyed relative success at Marseille before he left his role following a failure to make the Champions League knockout phase. Known for his prickly demeanour and attacking football, De Zerbi would tick certain boxes.
Xavi
Barcelona great Xavi has frequently been linked to Spurs across the last 12 months and been out of work since he left his old club at the end of the 2023-24 season. Even though a weary-looking Xavi departed Camp Nou under a cloud after multiple U-turns over his final decision, the 45-year-old blooded young talents and won a first LaLiga title in four years for the Catalan outfit to enhance his reputation.