Tottenham Hotspur have identified former manager Mauricio Pochettino as the strongest potential replacement for Thomas Frank, according to reports.
The North London side are starting to keep a close eye on the managerial market amid their disappointing start to the season, with just 10 wins in 25 games under Frank.
While the Dane is not under immediate threat of losing his job, another dire run of results could end his time with Spurs prematurely, and the club appear to be drawing up contingency plans should that scenario arise.
Tottenham have won only two of their last nine Premier League games and fell to a heavy 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Tottenham Eyeing Pochettino’s Return
According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham have already begun internal discussions regarding Frank’s long-term position at the club, as certain senior figures are growing frustrated behind the scenes over the team’s performances this season.
There are fears the campaign could spiral out of control if results do not improve soon, with the recent run of games only intensifying pressure on Frank.
Should they make a change in the dugout, Spurs chiefs reportedly view Pochettino as the top candidate to take over, six years after he departed the club in November 2019.
The Argentine, who is currently head coach of the United States, is seen as someone who understands the club’s culture and philosophy, while his history of developing young players makes him a front-runner for a return.
Pochettino, praised as ‘world-class’, took charge of Tottenham in 2014 and led the club to the 2019 Champions League final.
Spurs also finished second in the Premier League under the Argentine in 2016/17 – their highest top-flight position in over 50 years.
The North London club’s lowest finish under Pochettino was sixth in the 2014/15 season, his first year in charge.
Pochettino’s Record After Tottenham
Pochettino was relieved of his duties at Tottenham in November 2019 after winning just five of his first 17 games of the season.
The 53-year-old returned to management in January 2021, when he took charge of Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Ligue 1 title and the French Cup during his 18-month stint at Parc des Princes.
Pochettino oversaw an even shorter tenure at Chelsea, managing the club for just 51 games during the 2023/24 season, winning 27 times.
The Argentine has lost seven of his 22 games as United States manager but has gone unbeaten in his last five matches, including a 5-1 victory over Uruguay last month.