Tottenham now discussing sacking Frank and appointing “intelligent” manager

Tottenham Hotspur are now discussing sacking Thomas Frank, with an “intelligent” manager emerging as a major target following the disappointing defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Frank under pressure after City Ground defeat

Tottenham fell to their third loss in their last five Premier League games on Sunday, with Forest emerging as 3-0 winners at the City Ground, but Frank called for patience in the wake of the defeat, which leaves them 11th in the table.

The Dane said: “I was also very honest, today was a very bad performance. No two ways about that, but also know that to change this, this will take some time.

“No one will want to hear about that. It’s just reality. I think the ones who have followed the club and the team, I think it’s fair to say there’s been a few not too consistent performances, and that’s the thing. We are working very hard.”

Losing so heavily against a relegation-threatened side will be very concerning, and things won’t get any easier in the coming weeks, with tricky fixtures against Liverpool and Crystal Palace coming up before the start of 2026.

As such, Frank is now under serious pressure, according to a report from Spain, which states Tottenham are now openly discussing sacking their manager if results don’t improve ‘immediately’, with ENIC particularly worried about the lack of a clear playing style.

Xavi Hernandez has now emerged as one of the main targets to replace the 52-year-old, with the board eager to start a new era by bringing in a manager with a distinct style of play.

There is concern that no real progress has been made since Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou in the dugout, and the Spaniard is currently available, having been out of work since leaving Barcelona back in 2024.

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Rafa Benitez is a big fan of the ex-Barca manager, describing him as “intelligent”, and he did a good job at the Camp Nou, winning the La Liga title in the 2022-23 season, while also lifting the Spanish Super Cup.

The 4-3-3 attacking manager also won six trophies during his time as Al-Sadd SC manager, so he would arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a proven track record of winning silverware.

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ByDominic Lund 2 days ago

Frank, on the other hand, has never won a trophy in his managerial career, and the result at the City Ground is very alarming, with his side looking very poor from an attacking point of view, recording an xG of just 0.33.

With Spurs languishing in mid-table, and the manner of the recent loss particularly concerning, it is difficult to see how Frank survives much longer, and Xavi could be an exciting replacement.