ESPN

Five days after Thomas Frank was given his marching orders, sources have told ESPN that Igor Tudor is set to be the man tasked with ensuring Tottenham Hotspur avoid a once-unthinkable relegation from the Premier League.

While there were few indications of who the club might be able to turn to in their hour of need, Tudor's name was not one on the lips of most Spurs fans. Sources have told ESPN that Tottenham looked at a small group of candidates and identified Tudor as a leading option due to his extensive head coach experience.

Performing a rescue act is nothing new to Tudor -- he was parachuted in in at Lazio in March 2024 and led them to a seventh-place finish and qualification for the Europa League.

Last season, the Croatian manager replaced Thiago Motta as Juventus boss and managed to secure Champions League football with a late-season turnaround.

But what is there to learn from the numbers behind Tudor's coaching career?

- Tottenham finalising Igor Tudor as interim head coach - sources

Tudor coming for a good time, not a long time

Should his appointment to the role until the end of the season be confirmed, Spurs would be Tudor's 10th different club as a head coach and the Premier League would be the sixth different league in his managerial career.

The only time Tudor has stayed at a club for longer than one full season was in his first career managerial job at Hajduk Split who he managed from 2013 to 2015.

Tudor coached Hajduk Split for 70 matches and they remain the only club he has managed for more than 50 games. He lasted 24 games at Juventus (from March to October 2025).

He was winless in his last eight matches in all competitions for Juventus earlier this season, including three straight losses to end his tenure. Juventus were eighth in the table when he was sacked and the club has since risen to fourth in Serie A.

Comparing Tudor's Juventus to Frank's Tottenham

If Tudor is to make a success of his time at Spurs, he will have to find a way to deliver their first wins of 2026. Under Frank, Spurs were toothless in attack and porous in defence, hence their spiral towards the drop zone.

Encouragingly for Tottenham, Tudor's Juventus -- the most comparable team to Spurs he has coached so far in terms of quality and reputation -- were much more solid at the back than Frank's Spurs. Juventus on average conceded less than a goal a game under the Croatian while Spurs were conceding 1.4 per game under Frank.

While Tudor's win percentage at Juventus (47%) could hardly have been worse than Frank's at Tottenham (27%), if Tudor can replicate his win rate in the Premier League it would rank exactly the same as what José Mourinho managed at the club and 6% better than during Ange Postecoglou's reign.

Another factor in Frank's unpopularity with the Spurs fans was the perception of his team's negative style of play. While statistics cannot always offer a clear indicator of aesthetics, Spurs fans have some reason for hope as Tudor's Juventus side averaged a higher share of possession (55.2% vs. 50.6%) and a slightly higher pass completion percentage (85.8% vs. 82%).

A lack of coaching pedigree?

News of Tudor's apparent arrival has certainly raised eyebrows among the Spurs fanbase who perhaps expected a manager with Premier League experience ready to have an instant impact on their battle against the drop.

While his lack of Premier League pedigree may not turn out to be a disadvantage, Tudor's relatively unheralded CV means he'll have to quickly win hearts and minds in north London.

Croatian side Hajduk Split is the only club for which Tudor has won a title as a head coach (2013 Croatian Cup).

- Frank sacking 'fair' but uncertainty surrounds Spurs - Postecoglou

- Olley: Tottenham job was too big for Frank, but Spurs' problems go much deeper

While he may end up keeping the seat warm for another manager in the summer, Tudor would need to hit the ground running at Spurs in much the same way he has done in his previous two managerial stints.

His first task? A north London derby against Mikel Arteta's table-topping Arsenal.

Information from ESPN's Global Research and James Olley contributed to this story

Tottenham are confident of making an interim head coach appointment by Monday as they step up their search for Thomas Frank's replacement, sources have told ESPN.

Sources say the club have begun interviewing potential candidates and are now clear they want a temporary boss until the summer before deciding on their next steps.

USMNT coach and former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is prominent in the club's thinking as a permanent appointment and would be a popular choice with supporters, but the Argentine is committed to leading the United States at this summer's World Cup.

Sources say the club are planning to find an interim and then select from a wider pool of candidates in the summer.

The interim boss will be a candidate if their spell in charge is successful. Sources added that the club are looking to appoint an experienced head coach who can make an immediate impact, a view which reflects the urgency of Tottenham's present situation.

Frank was sacked on Wednesday after Tottenham lost their 11th Premier League game of the season and slipped to 16th in the table.

They are just five points above the relegation zone.

- Laurens: Who are the candidates to replace Thomas Frank as Spurs boss?

- Olley: Spurs job was too much for Frank, but Tottenham's problems run much deeper

- The brutal stats behind Thomas Frank's dismissal

The players are currently on a five-day break, as Spurs do not play again until hosting Arsenal in the Premier League on Feb. 22.

Former Spurs striker and Ferencvaros coach Robbie Keane has been linked with the post but his representatives declined to comment when contacted by ESPN.

Ex-Spurs managers Tim Sherwood and Harry Redknapp have publicly declared their interest in the role, while Roberto De Zerbi is out of work after leaving Marseille.

Ange Postecoglou has labelled Thomas Frank's sacking by Tottenham Hotspur a "fair departure" but sympathised with the Dane for having to work in an "environment of uncertainty" at Spurs.

Frank left Spurs on Wednesday after a dismal run of form in the Premier League that has put the club in danger of being dragged into a relegation scrap, as they sit just five points above the drop zone, with two wins in their last 17.

Postecoglou knows better than most how Frank will be feeling after being let go by Spurs last summer before leaving Nottingham Forest after a torrid 39-day winless spell earlier this season.

"Having been in that position now twice in the last sort of six months [being sacked], it's tough," Postecoglou told The Overlap podcast.

"And then, you know that he [Frank] can't be the only issue at the club, right? And that's probably for every manager, but ultimately that's what we get judged on.

"It's a curious club, Tottenham, you know. It's made a major pivot at the end of last year, not just with me, but with Daniel [Levy] leaving as well. And you've created this whole sort of environment of uncertainty."

"Because there's no guarantee as to which manager you're bringing in and which real class manager you're bringing in and having that success."

While admitting it was a fair dismissal based on results, Postecoglou did point out the surrounding factors Frank came into could not have helped him and also questioned Spurs' thinking behind another change.

"What was the reason for such a major pivot? So Thomas is walking in and what's his, you know, what's his objective? What's the club's objective?" he said.

"At the start of the year they sort of said, compete on all fronts. Well, the club hasn't competed on all fronts for a very long time. And you also, you know, the most influential person at the club [Daniel Levy] for the last 20 years is also going.

"Now, did Thomas know he was walking into that? I don't know. And it's a fair departure from me."

When explaining why he thinks Spurs are a "curious" club, the former Celtic and Forest boss said there isn't a clear identity with what the side have been trying to do in the last few years while the impact of star striker Harry Kane's exit cannot be understated.

After Mauricio Pochettino left the club, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte were the next two permanent managers appointed (before Postecoglou and then Frank), with their styles of play vastly different to what was so successful for Pochettino in north London.

- Tottenham job was too big for Frank, but Spurs' problems go much deeper

- Postecoglou says Spurs 'not a big club,' names four PL stars he tried to sign

- Nottingham Forest target Vitor Pereira to replace Sean Dyche - sources

"If you look at that list of names [managers], there isn't really a common thread through the list of what they're trying to do," Postecoglou added.

"At the same time, I think people have been too dismissive of Harry's [Kane] influence through that period. He's an unbelievable player. If I had Harry the last two years, that first year we finished fifth. I'm convinced we would have finished in Champions League spots.

"So even him leaving, you can't plug that hole. It's just impossible. So when you look at those managers, like I said, they've gone from, you know, Mauricio [Pochettino] played a certain way and sort of fit the DNA.

"So that's what I mean. It's a real curious in terms of understanding what are they trying to build? What are they?"

"All clubs are unique, they're all different, but when you walk into Tottenham what you see everywhere is 'To dare is to do.' It's everywhere. And yet their actions are almost the antithesis of that.

"I think what they didn't realise is, to actually win, you've got to take some risks. That's the DNA of the club."

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Tottenham Hotspur have started their process to appoint a new manager after the sacking of Thomas Frank on Wednesday morning, following a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle the night before.

Like Manchester United and several big clubs before them this season, sources have told ESPN that Spurs ideally want an interim coach until the end of the 2025-26 campaign before choosing a more established manager for next term. Also, there is still a season to salvage: Spurs' tumble down the league has meant they sit in 16th place, just five points clear of the relegation zone.

There is also the matter of the Champions League knockout stages to contend with, with Spurs finishing fourth during the league phase -- with five wins from eight matches -- to put them directly in the Round of 16.

- Olley: Spurs job was too big for Frank, but club's issues go deeper

But who will Spurs turn to, both immediately and in the summer? We review their options.

Mauricio Pochettino

Current job: USMNT manager

Previously managed: Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea

The stars could finally align for Pochettino to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, five years after he first left the club. Pochettino will lead the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup they're co-hosting this summer, but he does not have a contract beyond this summer and sources have told ESPN that he is keen on a return to club management.

For their part, Tottenham are interested in having Pochettino back. The Argentine coach delivered some of the best years in the club's history, guiding them on a thrilling run to the 2019 Champions League final where they were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool. He also helped the club to the League Cup final in 2015. This teams, which included the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, Mousa Dembélé, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, are still revered among the club's fanbase.

Sources have told ESPN that Pochettino would be open to coming back to Tottenham if the right conditions are met.

Roberto Di Zerbi

Current job: Unemployed

Previously managed: Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk, Brighton & Hove Albion, Marseille (among others)

The list of elite coaches available in-season is rarely long, but timing may be on Spurs' side. Roberto De Zerbi, who has previously enjoyed some success with Brighton, left his role as Marseille manager on Tuesday.

Spurs have previously struggled to attract coaches -- the club tried to hire Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola last summer before he snubbed them -- but sources have told ESPN that De Zerbi is interested in the role. The Italian coach is still highly rated at Tottenham and was previously wanted by the club's recently departed sporting director, Fabio Paratici.

Marco Silva

Current job: Fulham manager

Previously managed: Estoril, Sporting CP, Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford, Everton

Marco Silva has made Fulham a mid-table stalwart in recent seasons -- this season, in which they are 12th, has been much of the same. However, his contract is due to expire this summer, and he is yet to sign an extension. He is expected to be in the frame for the Tottenham job.

"We have Marco Silva, who's done a fantastic job coaching this team, and I love working with Marco. This squad is doing incredibly well," Fulham vice chairman Tony Kahn told British radio station TalkSport last week.

"I have a great relationship with Marco. I love working with Marco, and I absolutely want Marco to be here for a long time. I think he will be, and I believe that.

"We've had a lot to do, and we've just had a great recent signing that we spent a lot of time on... we're all very aligned as a club, working together. I absolutely believe the way we're all working together and the way we all enjoy it.

Oliver Glasner

Current job: Crystal Palace manager

Previously managed: SV Josko Ried, LASK Linz, VfL Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt

Oliver Glasner has overachieved at Crystal Palace -- he won the FA Cup last season, qualifying for European football for the first time in the club's history -- but unlike Silva, his future is decided: He will definitely be leaving when his contract expires this summer.

Glasner has publicly (and repeatedly) expressed his frustrations with Palace's transfer activity this season, showing his ire at the departures of Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze. The manager himself will follow them out of Selhurst Park in search of a new challenge, although his next move is not yet known.

Like Silva, Glasner will also be among the contenders for the job in north London.

Andoni Iraola

Current job: AFC Bournemouth manager

Previously managed: AEK Larnaca, Mirandés, Rayo Vallecano

The list of managers previously linked with Tottenham is long. Near the top of that list last summer was Bournemouth's Iraola, who has been a crucial part of the south coast club's latest promising campaign. The Spanish coach turned them down last summer, prompting Tottenham to go for Frank instead. The club would be wary of making that same mistake again.

Robbie Keane

Current job: Ferencváros manager

Previously managed: Maccabi Tel-Aviv

Manchester United are weighing up whether to hand the reins to one of their former players, and Tottenham could yet do the same. Michael Carrick made 464 appearances for Man United between 2006 and 2018 before returning to Old Trafford, first as a first-team coach and then, last month, as interim boss, winning his first four games in charge.

Tottenham will consider Robbie Keane for a spot in their dugout. The former Republic of Ireland striker enjoyed two spells at the club in which he scored 122 goals in 306 games and would be a link back to yesteryear. However, Keane is not a free agent like Carrick was: he took charge at Hungarian club Ferencváros in January 2025, and he has won 22 of his 37 games so far in all competitions, including a run to the Europa League knockout stages. However, his other managerial experience is limited to a year-long spell at Maccabi Tel-Aviv and various assistant coaching gigs at Leeds United, Middlesbrough, and Ireland.

John Heitinga

Current job: Tottenham assistant coach

Previously managed: Ajax

Heitinga arrived at Tottenham just as Frank's descent was worsening. The Dutch coach joined Frank's staff just three weeks ago, even as fans increasingly demanded the manager's sacking. Heitinga could be well-placed to lead the club in an interim capacity.

He has performed in an interim capacity previously for Ajax in 2023, during which he won 14 of his 22 games. He did well enough to be handed his first full-time managerial role at the club in May 2025, but all did not go to plan. He lasted just five months and left the club at the bottom of the Champions League league phase.

Ryan Mason

Current job: Unemployed

Previously managed: Tottenham Hotspur (interim, twice) West Bromwich Albion

Could this be a case of third time's a charm? Mason has already stepped in as Spurs interim manager on two occasions in 2021 and 2023 -- the first time saw him become the youngest coach (29) in Premier League history and take over from Jose Mourinho just in time for a Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

Wouldn't you know it: Mason is a free agent again, just as Spurs' search for their latest temporary appointment. At 34 years old, Mason is still a young coach. He knows the club as a player, too, having graduated from the academy and spending eight years in the first-team before his career was cut short due to suffering a fractured skull in a January 2017 match against Chelsea.

His previous stints as interim boss were short-lived -- he took charge of seven games the first time round, and six games the next. Since then, he has spent six months in charge at Championship side West Bromwich Albion before being let go after just 27 games.

Thomas Frank's reign as Tottenham Hotspur manager has come to an unceremonious end after only eight months in charge. Despite qualifying for the UEFA Champions League knockout stage with a fourth-placed finish in the league phase, two wins from their last 17 Premier League games has seen Spurs drop to only five points above the relegation zone.

The writing was on the wall, and Frank's spell might go down in the history books as one of the worst for the north London club.

Tim Sherwood's 13 wins from 22 games in charge remains the best in Tottenham's Premier League history (59.1%), closely followed by Antonio Conte (57.1%), but perhaps most Spurs fans would look back fondly on the reign of Mauricio Pochettino (55.9%).

Andre Villas-Boas (53.7%), Ryan Mason (six wins from 12), Nuno Espirito Santo (five wins from 10) were the other managers to have won at least half of their league games in charge. None of these managers won any trophies for Spurs.

However, here's a list of the worst-ever Tottenham managers this century (arranged by decreasing order of win percentage in the league).

Harry Redknapp (October 2008 to June 2012) - 49.3%

It almost seems harsh to place Harry Redknapp on this list, as many a Spurs fan would opine that he was responsible for the club's resurgence in the mid-2000s. Appointed after leading Portsmouth to the FA Cup title in 2008, Redknapp replaced Juande Ramos and while his start saw Spurs drop into the relegation zone, he recovered to an eighth-place finish and a League Cup final that they lost on penalties to Manchester United.

Redknapp qualified twice for the UEFA Champions League in three years, which included a stunning run to the quarterfinal, but he was eventually let go after failing to agree a new contract. In total, Redknapp finished with a record of 71 wins from 144 PL games.

Jose Mourinho (November 2019 to April 2021) - 46.6%

The Special One's most memorable moment as Spurs' boss was arguably the timing of his sacking -- days before Tottenham were set to take part in the League Cup final. It was the first time Jose Mourinho departed a club without winning a trophy since 2002.

The Portuguese boss replaced Pochettino, and his dour style of play was in stark contrast to his Argentinian predecessor, who had led Spurs to the Champions League final. The results never made up for Mourinho's style of football, as the club managed a sixth-placed finish in his first season.

Spurs topped the league in December in Mourinho's second season, but a disappointing run of results saw the Portuguese boss get the sack, with the club losing out on the League Cup as well as finishing seventh in the league.

Martin Jol (November 2004 to October 2007) - 41.6%

Martin Jol arrived as an assistant to Jacques Santini, but after the Frenchman's early exit (more on that later), the Dutchman was promoted into the hot seat. Instilling an expansive style of football, Jol recovered to a ninth-place finish in his first season. It was his second season that saw Jol challenge the traditional top four, battling with rivals Arsenal for the final Champions League spot.

Spurs had it in their hands on the final day of the season, but the infamous 'Lasagna-gate' incident saw his squad struck down with illness and Tottenham missed out on the Champions League, losing to West Ham United. The fifth-place finish was Spurs' best since 1990 and they repeated it the following season. With Spurs spending big in the transfer market, expectations were raised but Jol couldn't live up to them, with Tottenham sacking him in 2007.

Ange Postecoglou (July 2023 to June 2025) - 40.8%

"I'll correct myself -- I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed."

Postecoglou lived up to his promise, winning the Europa League -- Spurs' first trophy in 17 years, and their first European trophy since the 1983-84 UEFA Cup. The Australian manager's high-risk style of play saw him make one of the best-ever starts in the Premier League, but Tottenham were eventually found out as they finished fifth in Postecoglou's first season.

The second season was nothing short of a disaster, as despite salvaging the season with the Europa League trophy, Spurs finished 17th in the league, one point above the relegation spots, which resulted in his departure.

David Pleat (September 2003 to June 2004) - 36.8%

David Pleat's time with Tottenham goes back to 1986, but he had multiple spells as caretaker boss. In the Premier League, his record for Spurs reads 14 wins from 38 games.

Despite having a penchant for unearthing young stars from the club's academy, Pleat's final spell as Tottenham boss was one of the club's worst, as they finished a lowly 14th in the 2003-04 Premier League season, their lowest since 1998.

Glenn Hoddle (April 2001 to September 2003) - 36%

Glenn Hoddle was unable to replicate his trophy-laden career with Tottenham as a player (two FA Cups, an FA Charity Shield and a UEFA Cup) as a manager, but he still had an eventful two years at the club.

Hoddle came to be known for his early season potential to dwindle as Tottenham finished ninth and 10th, before a poor run saw him sacked early into his third season. That promise also saw Tottenham reach the League Cup final in 2002, but despite being favourites against Blackburn Rovers, they lost out and their trophy drought continued.

George Graham (October 1998 to March 2001) - 33.7%

Graham's status as an Arsenal legend having won multiple titles with Spurs' rivals did not prevent him from taking the job in 1998. The Scot brought his winning habit to Tottenham, guiding the club to their first trophy in eight years after winning the 1998-99 League Cup.

Yet, Graham never managed a finish better than 10th in the Premier League in any of his seasons in charge, and after ENIC's takeover of the club in 2001, he was sacked.

Juande Ramos (October 2007 to October 2008) - 27.8%

Having won the Copa del Rey, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and the Supercopa de Espana with Sevilla, Juande Ramos came to the Premier League with a glittering CV. The Spaniard became infamous for his disciplinarian ways, putting his Tottenham squad on a strict diet. While the club managed an 11th-placed finish in the league, they won their first trophy of the century by winning the League Cup, which also included the high of a 5-1 win over Arsenal.

However, Ramos' man-management left plenty to be desired and a very poor start to the following season, which left the club in the relegation zone and dealing with an unhappy squad. His departure soon followed.

Jacques Santini (June 2004 to November 2004) - 27.3%

Hailed as one of the best-ever French managers, Santini arrived to London having rebuilt Lyon as well as winning the 2003 Confederations Cup with France. Expectations were high, but the Frenchman left the club after only 13 games in charge in all competitions.

Santini never truly revealed what led to his departure, going only as far as saying that the club had reneged on certain agreements, but he also blamed himself for not doing his due diligence while agreeing to take the job during Euro 2004 while still in charge of France. In the league, his win percentage for managers who had at least managed 10 games in charge of Tottenham was the worst, until a certain Dane came along...

Thomas Frank (June 2025 to February 2026) - 26.9%

A summer that saw Tottenham spend their second-highest total in the last decade meant Thomas Frank was sufficiently backed ahead of taking over from Ange Postecoglou, and his exploits with Brentford last season meant there was an air of cautious optimism. However, Frank never truly had a chance to work with a full squad and paid the price, frequently boasting of an injury or suspension list that was 10 players long.

Two wins from 17 Premier League games, the club's worst points-per-game ratio in the league (1.12), and Spurs' second-longest winless streak in the league (eight) since Juande Ramos was in charge. The numbers were untenable, and eventually led to Frank's departure.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust has welcomed the dismissal of Thomas Frank but urged the club to take the threat of relegation seriously.

Spurs brought Frank's seven-month tenure to an end after Tuesday's 2-1 home loss to Newcastle made it two wins in 17 Premier League fixtures and left the club only five points above the bottom three.

In a lengthy statement, the Supporters' Trust questioned why the club waited until after the winter transfer window to make this decision and called for a "clear long-term plan built around attacking football" from the board moving forward.

"The Trust welcomes the decision to part ways with Thomas Frank," a statement read.

"While his appointment initially appeared to be a positive step, it has not delivered the progress or results the club urgently needs and decisive action was required.

"We now face another rebuild whilst we are fighting relegation. This is a crucial moment for Tottenham Hotspur. Strong leadership is needed at every level of the club to restore belief and direction for both the players and the supporters.

"The club's statement that the board concluded this morning that 'a change at this point in the season is necessary,' raises questions as to why this conclusion has only been reached today, after closure of the January transfer window.

"It is clear that not taking decisive action sooner, and failing to strengthen in the January transfer window, has contributed to our slide down the table and left the club facing a very real risk of relegation.

"No manager can succeed without proper backing. Serious financial investment in the squad is essential, as it is plain to see the team is down to the bare bones.

"The immediate priority must be appointing a manager who can lift the team out of the relegation battle we are currently in. But, changing the manager alone won't solve our problems; ambition, investment and strong leadership must follow.

- Thomas Frank sacked by Tottenham: The brutal stats behind his demise at the club

- How Thomas Frank's Tottenham reign unravelled

"We need a clear long-term plan built around attacking football that plays to our strengths, rebuilds confidence and helps unite the fanbase.

"The next appointment must bring stability, belief and a clear footballing identity -- and it must be backed with the resources needed to succeed.

"The club needs to show fans it has ambition and is serious about getting out of the relegation battle, rebuilding the squad, winning trophies and competing for Champions League places on a regular basis and restoring Tottenham Hotspur to where it belongs."

Thomas Frank has been sacked as Tottenham Hotspur head coach, the club confirmed Wednesday.

He leaves his post after eight months in charge with Spurs lying 16th in the Premier League following Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United.

Frank, 52, faced chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" from Spurs fans who also sang the name of former manager Mauricio Pochettino as they slipped to an 11th league defeat of the season.

"The club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men's Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today," read a club statement.

"Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together.

"However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.

"Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future."

Sources told ESPN the club have yet to decide on a replacement plan, but an interim appointment is considered more likely at this initial stage. Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham is expected to make a longer statement later Wednesday.

Sources said Venkatesham recommended the decision to ownership Tuesday night after the game as Tottenham's dreadful run of form continued and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium witnessed another toxic evening.

Spurs have won just two of their past 17 league matches -- taking 11 points in that time -- and the current winless run of eight games is their longest in the Premier League since October 2008.

- Tottenham job was too big for Frank, but problems go much deeper

- How Thomas Frank's reign as Tottenham manager unraveled

- Tottenham fan group welcomes Frank sack, warn of relegation

Sources said Spurs were reluctant to make a change due to an acknowledgment that many issues at the club predate Frank and he has been unfortunate to suffer the volume of injuries he has.

Last season, under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs finished 17th in the league but won their first trophy in 17 years, lifting the Europa League in May after beating Manchester United 1-0 in the final.

But Frank only oversaw a modest initial improvement in form, narrowly losing the UEFA Super Cup final to Paris Saint-Germain before winning six of their opening 16 league games.

And the board felt compelled to act as Tottenham are now in danger of relegation as they sit just five points above the drop zone.

Frank guided Spurs to the Champions League round of 16 after finishing fourth in the group stage but the club's results were too disappointing to ignore.

They were beaten in the EFL Cup fourth round by Newcastle and the FA Cup third round by Aston Villa. They had won just two league games at home all season and the negative atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was compounded by off-field issues with captain Cristian Romero criticizing the club's hierarchy in a social media post just minutes after the transfer window closed.

It is the first sacking of the post-Daniel Levy era at Spurs. Levy left the club in September as the majority owners of Spurs' holding company Enic, the family of billionaire Joe Lewis, took on a more prominent role.

At the start of Tottenham Hotspur's preseason tour in Hong Kong last summer, Thomas Frank went for his customary early-morning run, a ritual from his days as Brentford manager. But shortly after leaving the Kerry Hotel to take in the views of Victoria Harbour, Frank was quickly recognized by local fans, many of whom had lined the entrances and lobby areas of the Premier League club's luxurious base each day of their stay.

Before drowning in requests for selfies and autographs, he made it back to the hotel where club officials used it as an example of the step up he had made to Spurs: The scrutiny and exposure would be on another level to what he was used to. It was an adjustment Frank was never able to make.

- Who are the candidates to replace Frank as Tottenham coach?

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The 52-year-old was sacked as Spurs head coach on Wednesday having never appeared to be the right fit almost from the outset. He departs after eight months, amassing 13 wins from 38 games and with Spurs 16th in the Premier League table. (They have zero league wins so far in 2026.) Spurs are safely through to the UEFA Champions League round-of-16 after a solid league phase campaign, but the club could not afford to hope history repeats itself.

Last season, they neglected their domestic season in pursuit of European glory. It ended with a UEFA Europa League triumph -- their first trophy in 17 years -- and the departure of Ange Postecoglou as head coach. If they compartmentalized the campaign this time around -- in the hope of a (let's be honest, highly unlikely) Champions League triumph -- it could end in relegation.

Spurs are just five points above the bottom three having won just two of their past 17 games, and something had to give. But what went wrong, and who is to blame?

Frank made a promising start. Spurs were painfully porous under Postecoglou and Frank did stabilize Tottenham's back line, racking up five clean sheets in his opening eight matches across all competitions, including a 2-0 win at Manchester City.

There was tactical flexibility -- which felt a blessed relief after Postecoglou's dogma -- right from the beginning. Spurs were 2-0 up with five minutes to play against an undercooked Paris Saint-Germain in August's UEFA Super Cup, before the European champions struck twice to force a penalty shootout that they won 4-3.

It was a collapse reminiscent of the worst of Spurs, an abrupt introduction to the club Frank had taken over. But it was only when the club's Champions League campaign began in earnest that Spurs began to struggle. That flexibility gradually became a desperate scramble for answers.

The relentless schedule of playing three games in seven days for weeks would ultimately expose cracks everywhere: in Frank, the squad and the club itself.

Sources have told ESPN that friends living close to Frank in East Sheen, a southwest London suburb, had noticed the early-morning taxis taking him to Tottenham's training ground every day were starting to drain a manager used to spending most midweeks without matches at Brentford. Sources at Tottenham's training ground also told ESPN that players became surprised at the volume of work done on nullifying opponents in training, rather than focusing on developing their own style of play.

Discipline had also become an issue. Sources close to the dressing room have told ESPN that there was some concern over how he handled a difficult incident at the beginning of November in which Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven ignored Frank's request to acknowledge the home support at the end of a dismal 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

His lack of command over the dressing room was also thought to be a factor in a repeated refusal to publicly condemn Cristian Romero, despite the defender's decision to criticize the club twice on social media over a perceived lack of investment and an injury crisis that left Spurs with roughly a dozen players unavailable for selection. Romero's red card in Saturday's 2-0 loss at Manchester United -- his second of the campaign -- was another rash moment which cost his team dearly. A four-game ban means he will not play again until mid-March.

Sources have told ESPN that there was a recognition both from Frank and within the club's hierarchy that the squad lacked sufficient leadership. This was a motivating factor behind signing Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid in January and a failed attempt to bring in Andy Robertson from Liverpool.

Frank's authority was also undermined by some questionable public statements. At his unveiling, Frank said: "One thing is 100% sure, we will lose football matches." It was of course factually true and by itself not controversial, but some supporters compared it unfavorably with predecessors who talked about winning trophies and appeared to aim higher with their aspirations.

Frank explained on Monday that in addressing supporters through the media, "there needs to be the nice combo between reality and selling hope." It was a balance he never got right.

His gaffe in holding an Arsenal-branded coffee cup before losing at AFC Bournemouth on Jan. 7 was again symptomatic of a head coach not used to being alert to the optics of big-club management. Fans had never warmed to Frank and incidents like this, as trivial as they first appear, only widened the wedge between supporters and the team.

As early as Nov. 8, Frank's substitutions were booed during the 2-2 draw with Manchester United. And yet, as those fans filed out of the ground, Spurs were third in the table.

But the game play was dull. The team lacked confidence and conviction. And as the slide continued unabated, the dissent grew louder to the point where Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United was awful for all concerned.

Spurs fans sang "you're getting sacked in the morning" at Frank, who had to endure the name of ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino ringing out from the South Stand. The board had to act.

Major change at the top

It's clear that Frank's departure is not a panacea, with the club's problems running far deeper than the head coach. Sources at the training ground have told ESPN that the club has a rudderless feel to it at present.

Daniel Levy, who left the club in September after 24 years as chairman, had his faults, but sources say he was always willing to listen and engage with staff. That engagement is missed by some members of staff who believe the restructured ownership has yet to present a compelling vision of the club's future direction.

Spurs' ownership is complicated. Current owners Enic Sports & Developments Holdings Ltd is a company owned by billionaire Joe Lewis which has an 86.58% stake in Tottenham. Lewis' daughter Vivienne, his son Charles and grandson-in-law Nick Beucher -- co-CEO of Tavistock Group, the Lewis family office and private investment company -- have taken a more hands-on role. But the day-to-day running has been passed to chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.

Sources close to the appointment process have told ESPN that Lange was instrumental in Frank succeeding Postecoglou. Fabio Paratici was rehired as co-sporting director in October, only for the club to confirm his departure in January as Lange continued to stick by Frank, who he has known for around 20 years. Venkatesham is overhauling the club's infrastructure and seeking to drive higher standards, but those changes will take time. Meanwhile, sources say some at the club feel like they are treading water. One source suggested Beucher has attended first-team training sessions and spoken with players.

The dissonance around the club's direction also meant that they struggled to back Frank in the transfer market. Failed moves for Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest and Eberechi Eze, who instead joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace, complicated Frank's effort to build a more dynamic side. Recruitment has long been an issue.

Injuries were also a major factor, with striker Dominic Solanke ruled out for several months while midfielders James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski face battles to play again this season. Sources close to Frank have told ESPN that he believes the club's medical department needs significant improvement.

Sources close to the hierarchy have told ESPN they recognize there is no quick fix. It is a key reason why they were reluctant for so long to part with Frank, who himself had privately acknowledged this season would be extremely difficult as the club sought to overhaul the squad and change a culture of underachievement which has held the club back.

But there is only so long that short-term results can be ignored. And if Spurs do indeed lack a coherent plan for the future, one possibility above all others sharpened minds: relegation.

And faced with that shocking prospect, the end for Frank became inevitable.

LONDON -- Four minutes into the second half of Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United, Spurs fans began singing the name of former manager Mauricio Pochettino. The visiting Toon army had earlier serenaded under-fire Newcastle boss Eddie Howe in the very first minute as a defiant show of support.

Who was pulling for Thomas Frank? By the end of another dismal Spurs performance, the Dane stood on the touchline with a vacant expression, sodden by the relentless swirling rain and listening to the ultimate insult: "You're getting sacked in the morning" ... from Tottenham fans.

How much longer can this go on? The club's senior decision-makers recognize that no quick fix exists for the current malaise. Deep-rooted problems predate this head coach, and until now they have been reluctant to sack a likeable character in the knowledge that stability is required.

But with Frank getting booed off at halftime and full time, the short-term pain is becoming severe. Spurs are winless in their past eight Premier League games, their longest run without a victory since October 2008.

Frank oversaw a fine Champions League group stage campaign that saw them finish fourth and qualify automatically for the round of 16. Yet while Spurs were willing to neglect their domestic campaign in the hope of European glory last season, if they do the same this time, they could be relegated.

And that is why Frank's position is under imminent, unprecedented danger. Spurs have won only two of their past 17 league games. They have taken 12 points in that time.

Frank sidestepped questions Monday about whether Tottenham were in a relegation battle. He can't hide from it anymore. West Ham, currently in 18th place, were denied a win by Manchester United, who equalized in the 96th minute at London Stadium. Spurs are only two places higher and five points above the drop zone after Benjamin Sesko's goal, which occurred seconds before Frank walked into the postmatch news conference room to face questions about his future.

Because of their early exit from the FA Cup, Tottenham won't play again for 12 days, until they host north London rivals and Premier League leaders Arsenal. It was more than fair to ask whether he will be in charge for that game.

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"Yeah, I'm convinced I will be," he replied. "I understand the question, it is easy to point on me, but it is never only the head coach, or the ownership, or the directors, or the players, or the staff. It is everyone.

"If we do something right, we can build something that can last. Of course we are not in a top position now. Everyone knows -- directors, ownership, myself -- what position we are in and what we need to do better. And that's what we are working very hard on.

"[I'm] 1,000% sure [I'm the right man to lead Tottenham]. I'm also 1,000% sure that I never expected us to be in a situation like this with 11, 12 injuries on the back end of this and what we have been facing.

"I know when you need to build something and you need to get through things, you need to show unbelievable strong resilience. ... We can only get through this together."

All this, remember, against a Newcastle side enduring its own existential crisis and a manager in Howe who has engaged in a bit of soul searching in the past few days. "A bit is an understatement," he said afterward.

Spurs started slowly and effectively allowed Newcastle to rediscover their confidence. Joe Willock had a goal disallowed on the stroke of halftime on VAR review for offside, but Tottenham still couldn't get to the break level. Malick Thiaw scored in stoppage time with a goal that summed up the home side's indolence. Spurs failed to close down the cross or react when goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario saved Thiaw's initial effort. Archie Gray struck against the run of play in the 64th minute, but Newcastle responded just four minutes later as Jacob Ramsey swept the ball in after good work from Anthony Gordon.

Frank was left to defend firstly the clubs' dreadful injury record -- Wilson Odobert limped off here to exacerbate the situation -- and the wider idea that sacking a head coach in difficult circumstances is the panacea many believe it to be.

"I understand the mechanism in football, no doubt about that. But I also think there are a lot of studies that say that is not necessarily the right thing to do," Frank said.

"I know it is the only movement they have, but there are also plenty of situations where it is not the right thing to do. And the only thing I'll focus on is fighting, doing the right thing together with everyone else."

In the end, it was actually Howe who was left to speak up for Frank. "It is an incredible list of players they are missing, and I think that is really difficult," Howe said.

"I think he is an outstanding manager. I've come up against him many times. I think he has all the attributes to be a top manager for this football club, and I hope he gets the time to show that."

Frank faces a nervous wait to see if his time has run out.