Tottenham star made thoughts clear on possible Thomas Frank replacement – 'Best coach I've had'

Thomas Frank has been dismissed as Tottenham Hotspur manager and there are a number of contenders in the mix to replace the Dane

As Tottenham Hotspur look to land a permanent successor to Thomas Frank, one man already has the backing of Spurs star Mohammed Kudus. Frank was sacked on Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after a defeat to Newcastle left the team 16th in the Premier League table.

Former Ajax boss John Heitinga is one of the favourites to take over, having joined Frank's coaching staff in January after losing his job at the Johan Cruijff Arena. At the time, Frank said: "His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch."

Heitinga has experience of English football in the past, working under Arne Slot last season when Liverpool won the title and serving as David Moyes' No. 2 at West Ham. Kudus, who is currently sidelined through injury, worked with Heitinga at Ajax and West Ham and has spoken highly of the Dutchman.

"I felt really good under Heitinga. He's the best coach I've had at Ajax," Kudus told Voetbal Primeur in 2024. "Besides the training aspect, I also hold him in very high regard in terms of standards and values.

"Personally, I would have loved to have worked with him longer. He's a top coach, and I really appreciated his efforts to improve the players back then."

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Heitinga worked with Ajax's second string before taking over as interim manager of the first team midway through the 2022/23 season and made an impact on Kudus. "When he took over for the remainder of the season, he immediately made an impact. Things improved," he said, while also expressing his gratitude for the work Heitinga did with him at West Ham.

The 42-year-old is among the bookies' front-runners to take over from Frank after Spurs parted ways with their manager. Others in the mix include Roberto De Zerbi, who quit as Marseille manager this week, as well as former Tottenham striker and current Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane.

"The Club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men’s Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today," Spurs' statement read. "Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together.

"However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary. Throughout his time at the Club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future."

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