Thomas Frank was forced to insist this week that he retained the support of Tottenham's hierarchy, but after less than six months in the role, that is hardly a glowing endorsement of his work so far.
Spurs are reeling from three consecutive defeats and have won just one of their past seven matches ahead of their tough trip to Newcastle on Tuesday evening. Another setback there would surely nudge Frank closer to the point of no return.
Brought in to replace the popular Ange Postecoglou during the summer, the Dane was tasked with making the club more competitive on all fronts, while stamping home his approach on a dressing room used to a heavy-metal, pressing style. So far, the outcome has been poor, with blunt performances leading to dire results.
There is, of course, still time for Frank to turn this listing ship around, but at present, it does appear his days could already be numbered. Unsurprisingly, attention has turned to his potential replacements.
Tottenham Linked With Xavi
According to Fichajes, Spurs' hierarchy are actively weighing up making a change in the dugout should results not improve before the end of December, and former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is a target.
They may face competition from Manchester United, though, with Ruben Amorim once again in the spotlight at Old Trafford.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Xavi managed 142 games at Barcelona, winning 89 of them and losing just 29.
Both clubs are said to view Xavi as the ideal candidate to spearhead a new era, while his tactical approach, trust in youngsters and experience coaching at the highest level also make him well-suited to the Premier League.
The 45-year-old has been out of work since being sacked at the Nou Camp, and he is said to want a "stable project" for his next job. The same publication claims that this will not be an issue for either Spurs or United.
While there has been no direct contact with the Spaniard, Xavi certainly represents an attractive option.
Tottenham Should Move For Xavi
In reality, the Frank project was doomed from the start. While his Brentford teams were renowned for good, expansive football, it is something else entirely to play on the front foot, a blueprint Spurs supporters became accustomed to under Postecoglou.
Xavi would bring about better control of games and a slick passing style, which was easy on the eye in LaLiga.
Crucially, he has also proven he can win trophies, having steered Barcelona to the league title in 2022-23 despite a litany of off-field issues, including financial dire straits. If he took charge at Spurs, he would likely immediately start plotting a shock Premier League triumph, and multiple domestic gongs, as part of an ambitious multi-year plan.
As a player, he won the World Cup, four Champions Leagues and eight LaLiga crowns, and appears just as ambitious in the dugout. That bodes very well indeed for Tottenham, who were, until last season at least, starved of success.
Recent reports have suggested that Frank is losing the support of his dressing room, a toxic headache that more often than not leads to a manager's sacking. Xavi, on the other hand, would command his squad's respect, partly because of his storied playing career. He also trusts youth, having given a certain Lamine Yamal his debut at the age of 15.
Xavi's system is heavily reliant on wingers creating width and incisive attacking moves, raising the prospect that he could help to improve Xavi Simons after the playmaker's questionable start to life in North London.
Indeed, the Dutchman feels like a much better fit into the playing style of a manager like Xavi, rather than Frank.
Xavi Described as 'Best Manager In The World'
Before dismissing him at Barcelona, Blaugrana president Joan Laporta described Xavi as the "best manager in the world".