The decision makers at Tottenham Hotspur have a big one to make as the club conduct their search for a new manager.
Thomas Frank has had the axe after a woeful winless run, lasting just eight months in North London. The ex-Brentford boss was unable to deliver consistent results and Spurs have sacked Frank as the club battle to avoid relegation from the top flight.
The bookmakers have already slashed the odds on several would-be successors, with some surprise names in the frame.
John Heitinga is the early favourite, having linked up with Spurs as an assistant last month. The Dutchman, who was part of Arne Slot’s title-winning backroom staff at Liverpool last season, lasted just five months as Ajax’s head coach earlier this season.
Roberto De Zerbi, fresh from leaving Marseille just hours before Frank’s exit, is also high on the list of potential candidates. The former Brighton boss was once dubbed “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years” by none other than Pep Guardiola.
Former favourite Mauricio Pochettino is in the running, though has prior commitments. The Argentine will lead the United States at this summer’s home World Cup and will not walk away before the conclusion of that tournament. Will Spurs gamble on a caretaker to turn around the sinking ship, before a move for Poch in the summer?
Also named in the frame is Robbie Keane. The former Spurs striker has quietly built himself an impressive reputation as a coach, winning league titles at Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hugnary’s Ferencváros.
Next permanent Tottenham manager odds:
- John Heitinga – 4/5
- Roberto De Zerbi – 13/10
- Mauricio Pochettino – 6/1
- Robbie Keane – 10/1
- Xavi Hernandez – 10/1
- Marco Silva – 12/1
- Ryan Mason – 12/1
- Oliver Glasner – 16/1
- Ruben Amorim – 20/1
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