A "top" manager is now Tottenham Hotspur's number one target to replace Thomas Frank, following the 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Spurs players called into question after City Ground defeat
Tottenham fell to 11th in the Premier League table following the heavy defeat at the City Ground, and The Athletic's Elias Burke gave a scathing review of the performance, saying: "Utterly devoid of any inspiration or fight, even after going behind. There have been a few bad ones under Frank, and that’s right up there among the worst."
It was a controversial decision to replace Europa League winner Ange Postecoglou, and Frank has thus far failed to make any major improvements, with the Dane's record since taking over leaving a lot to be desired.
As a result, ENIC have now held talks about sacking the 52-year-old, and former Barcelona manager Xavi has emerged as one of the main contenders to replace him in the dugout.
However, the Spaniard is not the only option under consideration, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino is the top target, having been identified as the 'strongest potential replacement.'
At the moment, ENIC are willing to give Frank more time, but results need to improve soon, and Pochettino's knowledge of the club and style of play means he is an ideal replacement.
Crystal Palace's Oliver Glanser and Fulham boss Marco Silva have also been shortlisted, so there is certainly no shortage of targets, but there are signs the former Spurs manager could be the best option...
Pochettino has experience at the top level
While Silva and Glasner have now built up plenty of Premier League experience, and the latter won the FA Cup last season, the ex-Tottenham boss has more experience at the highest level, having led the north Londoners to the 2019 Champions League final.
Pep Guardiola has also waxed lyrical about the Argentinian in the past, describing him as "one of the top managers in England", and there have been suggestions Daniel Levy made an error getting rid of him in the first place.
However, it would arguably be a backwards step to appoint a manager who has already been sacked in recent memory, and the 53-year-old may have burned some of his bridges with fans by moving to Chelsea back in 2023.
With Pochettino, who prefers a 4-2-3-1 system, also gearing up to lead the USMNT into the World Cup, it is unclear whether he would be willing to jump ship, and Spurs may be better off targeting Glasner, with the 51-year-old winning Palace the first major trophy in their history last season.