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Pressure is growing on Thomas Frank following Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 Premier League loss at home to West Ham United on Saturday, and a return to the club for Mauricio Pochettino has been mooted
Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a move back to Tottenham amid growing pressure on manager Thomas Frank. (Image: Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about a potential return for Pochettino and Thomas Frank's Tottenham future...
- Frank pressure: Thomas Frank is under significant pressure at Tottenham Hotspur following a poor run of results that has left the club 14th in the Premier League. Internal doubts are growing regarding his tactical approach after the team suffered their sixth defeat in eight matches.
- Change considered: The club’s hierarchy is considering a managerial change to avoid missing out on European qualification for a second consecutive year. Discussions have place ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture vs Borussia Dortmund as the board feels the current "long-term project" is failing to gain momentum, but it appears Frank will be at the helm still for the Dortmund match on Tuesday night.
- Pochettino links: Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a primary candidate for a 'romantic return' to the club he previously led to a Champions League final. He recently admitted he has "unfinished business" in the Premier League and remains a popular figure among the frustrated Tottenham fanbase.
- Pochettino challenge: Any move for Pochettino is complicated by his current high-profile role as the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team. He is currently focused on leading the US toward the 2026 World Cup and would likely not be available until after that tournament concludes.
- Compensation clause: The BBC report that a compensation clause in Pochettino's USA contract could be a stumbling block. The US Soccer federation is reported to be owed 'one of the biggest compensation fees in football history' should he leave before the start of the World Cup, believed to be close to £20m.
- Financial implications: The cost of sacking Thomas Frank and his coaching staff is another financial hurdle for the Tottenham board to navigate. Replacing a managerial team so early in their contracts would require substantial payouts, adding to the club's recent history of high severance costs.
- Replacements identified: The Times report that Andoni Iraola has been identified as a high-potential replacement due to his impressive work with Bournemouth’s high-pressing system. The Spurs board views his modern tactical identity as a better fit for the current squad than Frank’s more pragmatic style. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso is out of work after leaving Real Madrid and his stock remains incredibly high.
- Potential solution: While the club searches for a permanent solution, internal staff members could be asked to take charge on an interim basis. This would allow the board more time to negotiate with top-tier targets without rushing into another permanent appointment.
- READ MORE: Thomas Frank sack LIVE: Tottenham next manager odds, Alonso latest, Pochettino return
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