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Tottenham Hotspur are looking for a new manager following Thomas Frank's departure earlier this week

Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with the Tottenham Hotspur manager’s job in recent days, and now there has been a fresh update about the former Brighton boss. Spurs are looking for a new head coach after Thomas Frank’s departure earlier this week.

Frank left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League in midweek.

Spurs will now begin their search for a new manager, with the club not back in action until February 22 for their next match, which will see them face Arsenal in the North London Derby in the Premier League.

De Zerbi has been tentatively linked as a potential replacement for Frank in the Tottenham dugout, with the 46-year-old leaving his role as Marseille boss earlier this week.

There has now been a fresh update about De Zerbi’s future amid continued links of a return to English football for the former Brighton boss.

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Sky Sports have reported that De Zerbi currently does not plan to take on a new job in the immediate future following his exit from Marseille.

It has been reported that De Zerbi is looking to take a break from managerial work, meaning the likelihood of taking the Tottenham job is not that high.

Tottenham are currently in 16th place in the Premier League table and five points above the relegation zone, with a clash against leaders Arsenal next on the horizon.

It remains to be seen who will be in charge of Spurs when they face the Gunners in the North London Derby later this month, but the latest report suggests that it will not be De Zerbi.

John Heitinga, Mauricio Pochettino, Robbie Keane and Oliver Glasner have all been linked with the Tottenham job in the last couple of days and are mentioned among the favourites for the job.

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Robbie Keane has been linked with a return to Tottenham for the managerial vacancy after the sacking of Thomas Frank, along with former manager Mauricio Pochettino, but there are complications in hiring both.

Robbie Keane is unwilling to make a return to Tottenham as an interim manager, but is open to re-joining Spurs as a permanent candidate for the role in the dugout.

That's according to the Telegraph, which claims that the former striker isn't keen on giving up his post with Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros, unless it's for the job on a full-time basis. It rules Keane out of the running for the interim manager role, if it's the route that the club hierarchy decides to go down.

It's currently unclear which way Spurs will move, with an option to either name an interim with a view to buy time for a decision in the summer, or to make a move now. The first call could be the best long-term move, but it risks costing the club dearly, given their proximity to the relegation zone.

However, if the club make their move now, that will likely rule out a number of candidates that would be available in the coming months. That includes Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to take the US Men's National Team squad into a World Cup on home soil in the summer, with a possible exit coming after the tournament.

With Pochettino seemingly unlikely to give up that role after spending time preparing his team for the competition, there are clear problems in making the right decision for this season and beyond. With Keane out of the running for a short-term move, there is an opportunity for another candidate to take the interim role.

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That man is John Heitinga, who only recently joined Tottenham to become part of Thomas Frank's backroom team, before his eventual sacking. The former Premier League player has experience in management, having taken charge of Ajax earlier this season, though that didn't go to plan and he was eventually dismissed.

The lack of other options means that Spurs may have to consider Heitinga, though the report from the Telegraph claims that there is a preference towards an external candidate. Time is on the side of the decision-makers, at least for now, due to Tottenham's early exit from the FA Cup.

There are ten days between now and the next match, which is the North London Derby clash against Arsenal next weekend. That should give those at the top time to find the route they want to go down, whether that is appointing an interim manager or a permanent option.

Keane was asked recently about his links to the Tottenham job, where he was short and sweet about the possibility of returning to the club he played the most games for in his career. A reporter asked: "Would you expect their invitation for you to become their manager?"

Keane responded: "I can't help speculation," while shrugging his shoulders before walking away from the interview. That hardly ruled him out of contention, but his stance appears to be that a return is possible, but only if it is a permanent hiring rather than a temporary appointment.

Daniel Levy's exit in the summer ended a reign of nearly 25 years as chairman, which was always going to bring about a transition period. On top of that there has been restructuring behind the scenes, with the addition of Vinai Venkatesham as CEO in the past 12 months, as well as the return and second exit of Fabio Paratici.

It all points to a club in flux that needs to get its ducks in a row before pushing on to greater heights. There are some key decisions to be made in the coming days, with the threat of relegation very real this season compared to last.

The January transfer window may have come and gone, but Tottenham Hotspur could still dip into the free agent market to give them a much-needed boost as they look to avoid relegation

Tottenham Hotspur could turn to the free agent market to address injury issues currently haunting them for the latter stages of 2025/26.

The Lilywhites are currently without 11 first-team players as a result of various problems spanning from pulled hamstrings to ruptured ACLs, with absentees clearly having an issue on Spurs' performances on the pitch. As things stand, Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League standings, just five points clear of the relegation zone.

As the club look to appoint a new head coach following the dismissal of Thomas Frank - who was sacked on Wednesday morning after a lacklustre run of form - the board could also opt to scour the market for late reinforcements for their final 12 Premier League fixtures.

While Raheem Sterling looked to be available for a move following his Chelsea exit, the former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City star has instead joined Feyenoord, linking up with Robin van Persie's side until the end of the season.

Here, football.london breaks down a number of stars who currently are without a club and could potentially be a good fit for Spurs...

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Ryan Kent

A Liverpool academy graduate who never really saw a chance to thrive in the Premier League, Ryan Kent made a name for himself with Rangers between 2019 and 2023 - helping the Glaswegian giants to a Scottish Premiership and a Scottish Cup apiece in an era largely dominated by Celtic.

A four-year deal with Fenerbahce followed, although he lasted just a year with the Turkish titans before his contract was mutually terminated. While Kent enjoyed a season-long stint with Seattle Sounders in 2025, he has been a free agent since January. A pacey left-winger with fast feet, Kent could be exactly what Spurs need to bolster their attacking line.

Jesse Lingard

With James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski all out of action at present, Spurs could also look to bolster their engine room for the second half of the season. He might be 33 and into the twilight years of his career, but Jesse Lingard could still be a viable option in the short term.

Out of contract since cutting ties with FC Seoul in December, the midfielder has already proven he has Premier League quality thanks to successful stints with Manchester United, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.

While his age come as a slight concern, Jordan Henderson has continued to put on plenty of POTM-worthy performances with Brentford at 35, while 33-year-old Granit Xhaka has arguably been Sunderland's signing of the season.

Robbie Keane continues to be linked with a return to Tottenham for the vacant managerial role, with his players who have been coached by him explaining exactly what he is like to play under

Players who have been coached by Robbie Keane have already provided real insight into what the 45-year-old is like to work under, following his links to the now vacant Tottenham job. The ex-striker is the current Ferencvaros boss, having joined the Hungarian side last January.

His other experiences involve a spell at Maccabi Tel Aviv, as well as assistant roles at Middlesbrough, Leeds United, and the Republic of Ireland. In that time, Keane has been building up his own identity and philosophy, creating what will be his own coaching methodology.

If that time results in a return to Tottenham as head coach, then it will be interesting to see how he can get the most out of the players within the squad. And if the players he has previously coached is anything to go by, then there could be some excitement in store for the Spurs attackers.

Speaking in 2019, Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher revealed how delighted he was to learn from Keane after having a phone call with the coach. He said: "There's no better person you would want (to work with).

"He's played in the Premier League for many years, he's played for top teams, he's played in the Champions League, played in World Cups so to learn from him everyday was always going to benefit me.”

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Similar praise came from Callum O'Dowda, who spoke about their time working together in the Republic of Ireland international setup. "He's still got it, I'll tell you that," he said about Keane. "Even in training when you watch him, he's fantastic just as he was a fantastic player.

"As a coach now, I asked him how he is finding it. He obviously misses playing but he's someone you definitely look up to. As soon as he opens his mouth, you want to listen to him given the level that he has played at and what he has done for the country.

"It's phenomenal really. On the coaching side he has been good. Obviously as a striker he knows that they want from me, as a wide player, he knows the service that they want. It's the little things as well, mentally getting into your head, he's definitely good to have around."

That is exactly what Tottenham fans will want to hear about the potential hire, given the attacking football that is expected at the club. Along with the results, the style of play was part of the problem that saw Thomas Frank sacked from his role as head coach this week.

Spurs have scored just 36 goals in the Premier League from 26 games, which may have been impacted by several injury issues. However, the remit for the next coach will likely include a desired improvement in the forward ranks in the short-term and long-term.

While forwards have sang Keane's praises, so too has former Ireland defender Darren O'Dea, who praised his coaching back in 2018. "Robbie is going to settle in easily. He was like a coach when I was playing with him and he was one of the best captains I played under," he said about the transition to coaching.

"If I was a player in that dressing room I would want to listen to what Robbie Keane has to say. He's a fantastic guy and I don't need to speak about his credentials as a player."

While there has been plenty of praise for Keane as a coach, it remains to be seen whether that could scale up to managing Tottenham, if that opportunity arises.

Tottenham are looking for a new manager after sacking Thomas Frank on Wednesday

Thomas Tuchel has signed a new contract as England head coach, ending Tottenham's slim hopes of bringing the former Chelsea manager to north London.

Spurs are on the lookout for a new boss after sacking Thomas Frank on Wednesday, and Tuchel's name had been mentioned given his previous deal with the Three Lions was due to expire at the end of this summer's World Cup.

The north Londoners could name an interim boss, with John Heitinga under consideration, before hiring a permanent manager in the summer. As well as Tuchel, former boss Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola are also in the frame.

But it almost certainly won't be Tuchel, with the German now signing a new deal that will take him through to the end of the home European Championship in 2028.

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Tuchel said: “I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England. It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup. It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud.”

The FA said Tuchel’s main backroom team – Anthony Barry, Henrique Hilario, Nico Mayer and James Melbourne – had also agreed extensions through to the end of Euro 2028.

Tuchel added: “I have had so much support from (FA chief executive) Mark (Bullingham), all my colleagues at the FA and from fans wherever I go that I did not hesitate when asked to continue in this dream job.

“Euro 2028 will be a very special tournament and as a coach there is nothing more you want than to compete with the very best on the biggest possible stage.”

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou has had his say on Frank's exit and says his former employers are "not a big club”.

Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, Postecoglou said: “Having been in that position now twice in the last six months, it’s tough.

“You know that he can’t be the only issue at the club. It’s a curious club, Tottenham . It’s made a major pivot at the end of last year, not just with me but with (executive chairman) Daniel (Levy) leaving as well, and you’ve created this whole sort of environment of uncertainty.

“There’s no guarantee whichever manager you bring in – they’ve had world-class managers there and they haven’t had success. And for what reason? Thomas is walking in and what’s his objective, what’s the club’s objective?

“If you’re going to do such a major pivot, you’ve got to understand there’s going to be some instability there. Did Thomas know he was walking into that? I don’t know.”

The Brazilian has added his goodbyes to the Dane after he was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday morning

Richarlison has thanked Thomas Frank for their time together at Tottenham after the Dane was sacked by the club on Wednesday.

The 52-year-old was relieved of his duties in the aftermath of Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at home that ensured Spurs have only won two games in their past 17 in the Premier League and are hovering just five points above 18th-placed West Ham United in the table.

"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 statement from Tottenham the following morning. "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."

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Richarlison enjoyed one of the longest stretches of availability in his injury-hit Tottenham career under Frank before succumbing to a hamstring issue last month.

The Brazilian posted on Instagram on Thursday the simple message: "Thanks mister for everything!!!"

His message follows on from other posts by Pedro Porro and Joao Palhinha in the aftermath of Frank's departure from the club this week.

Porro posted an Instagram story that said: "Thank you very much and the best for your career boss! A pleasure."

Palhinha added in his story: "Thank you for everything coach!"

Former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou gave his reaction to Frank's sacking while recording an episode of The Overlap podcast this week.

"Having been in that position now twice in the last six months, it's tough and you know that he 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. But you know, it goes back to me, it's a curious club Tottenham, you know," he said.

"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 are no guarantees no matter which manager you bring in. I mean they've had world-class managers there that haven't had that success. And for what reason? You know, what was the reason for such a major pivot?

"So Thomas is walking in and what's his objective? What's the club's objective? At the start of the year they said 'compete on all fronts'. Well, the club hasn't competed on all fronts for a very long time.

"And the most influential person at the club for the last 20 years is also going. So if you're going to do such a major pivot, then you've got to understand there's going to be some instability there. Now, did Thomas know he was walking into that? I don't know. And it's a fair departure [in style] from me. I mean anyone who kind of studies the game will know that it wasn't like it was a progression for me.

"I built that squad for want of a better term, to play a certain way over the last couple of years and he's coming in. So it's a curious club Tottenham."

Ange Postecoglou has spoken out against Tottenham Hotspur in the aftermath of Thomas Frank being sacked by the club on Wednesday morning - and the Australian former head coach held nothing back.

Ange Postecoglou has highlighted an ongoing issue within Tottenham Hotspur by claiming that the club fail to follow their 'dare to do' ethos.

The 60-year-old lasted just two years with the Lilywhites before he was handed his P45 in June following a dismal 17th-place finish in the Premier League in 2024/2025. Despite a Europa League trophy landing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a month prior saving face in an otherwise dismal season, it wasn't enough to save Postecoglou's job.

Thomas Frank was appointed as the Australian's successor almost immediately, with hopes of replicating success from west London with Brentford in the north with Spurs. However, what followed was a lacklustre eight-month tenure which drew to a close on Wednesday - as Tottenham went eight league matches without a win with a 2-1 loss on home turf to Newcastle United.

In the wake of Frank's sacking, Postecoglou has spoken publicly about Spurs, highlighting exactly where things are going wrong for the once Premier League challengers who are currently caught up in a relegation battle.

Speaking on Stick To Football, Postecoglou said: "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. Right. In terms of they, and, you know, whether you like or dislike them, give credit to Daniel [Levy] because that path has got a new stadium, new facilities, but taking a safe path.

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

When asked who exactly isn't taking the risks, Postecoglou bluntly added: "I never got that high up, mate. I don't know. I never had these conversations."

Elsewhere, Postecoglou also claimed that Spurs aren't acting like the 'big boys' that they are perceived as in terms of transfers at present, highlighting how their most bitter rivals in Arsenal are leaps and bounds ahead. he added: "I still felt like, you know, Tottenham as a club was saying, 'We're one of the big boys.'

"And the reality is, I don't think they are in terms of my experience over those last two years, of how they act. And you know, when Arsenal need players, they'll spend a hundred million on Declan Rice. I don't see Tottenham doing that."

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In a scathing recollection, Postecoglou also claimed that Spurs were reluctant to dig into their pockets and do business with established players. He added: "It's a real curiosity in terms of understanding what are they trying to build?

"Obviously, they've built an unbelievable stadium, unbelievable training facilities. But when you look at the expenditure, particularly, you know, their wages structure, they're not a big club. I saw that because when we were trying to sign players, we weren't in the market for those players.

"Not a big club in terms of the wages that they pay. You know, I was looking at Pedro Neto and [Bryan] Mbeumo and [Antoine] Semenyo at the time, Marc Guehi, because I said; 'If we're going to go from fifth to there, that's what other big clubs would do in that moment.'"

Tottenham are on the hunt for their next manager, with both interim and permanent hires being suggested, with former striker Robbie Keane among those listed as a potential target.

Former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has said that he cannot help links with the managerial job at his old club, before walking out of an interview. The 45-year-old has been rumoured as a potential option to replace Thomas Frank, following his sacking by Spurs this week.

Keane is currently in charge of Hungarian giants Ferencvaros, who he joined in January 2025 as part of his next step into management after his playing career. That coaching career so far has included stints as an assistant for the Republic of Ireland, Middlesbrough and Leeds United, before taking the main head coach role at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

While he seems to be impressing in his stint at Ferencvaros so far, the possibility of a switch to Tottenham is one that may be looming large. Despite that, Keane moved quickly to dismiss rumours with a short and sharp answer when asked about the possibility of returning to N17.

A reporter asked: "Would you expect their invitation for you to become their manager?" Keane responded: "I can't help speculation," while shrugging his shoulders before walking away from the interview.

While it doesn't suggest he is interested in the job, the former Republic of Ireland international didn't take the time to totally rule himself out of the running by making a statement. For now, links surrounding Keane and the Tottenham job remain as one of a few options available to Spurs.

The former striker played over 300 games for the club over his playing career, scoring 122 goals with 43 assists in that time too. His move into management afterwards has had some early success, with a return to Tottenham offering a chance for someone who knows the club to stamp their identity on the team.

Regardless of Keane's position, it remains to be seen which route the Tottenham hierarchy are likely to take in their next appointment, however, with one of two strategies available ahead of them. The long-term option to replace Frank would be to find an interim manager willing to steer the team towards calmer waters to reassess the managerial landscape in the summer.

The other option surrounds a quicker appointment, with Roberto De Zerbi one of those currently out of work, while the club may be able to tempt a hire out of work they have elsewhere - such as Keane or Kieran McKenna. Fortunately for those at the top drawing up those plans, there is a bit of time on their hands.

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Tottenham aren't back in action for over a week, due to the team's early exit from the FA Cup opening a free weekend for the squad. It means they won't be featuring again until Sunday, February 22, when they have the tough task of taking on Arsenal in the North London Derby.

The immediate task of the next management team for this season will be to stop the winless run and to help turn things around. The gap to the bottom three sits at just five points, and that could have been worse if it were not for a late Manchester United equaliser against West Ham in midweek.

According to the BBC, Tottenham Hotspur would be open to an interim managerial appointment until the end of the season to help achieve that. Jonny Heitinga could be among the names considered for the role, following his recent arrival as part of the backroom team at the club.

However, it remains to be seen if he is the preferred candidate for that route, given his struggles at Ajax earlier on this season as the head coach.

Ange Postecoglou has delivered his reaction to Tottenham's decision to sack Thomas Frank with the club sitting just five points off the Premier League relegation zone

Ange Postecoglou has claimed he isn't surprised that Tottenham have made the decision to sack Thomas Frank and believes it's a "fair departure".

Spurs confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Frank has been relieved of his duties following a drab run of just TWO wins in 17 matches in the Premier League.

Tuesday's 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United proved to be Frank's final game in charge, with the club sitting down in 16th in the table and just five points clear of the relegation zone.

Now, Postecoglou, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of last season, has delivered his instant reaction to Frank's exit from north London. "It's always, having been in that position twice in the last six months, it's tough, it's tough," Postecoglou told The Overlap.

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"You know that he can't be the only issue at the club and that's probably every manager but ultimately that's what we get judged on. But it goes back to me, it's a curious club Tottenham.

"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 a whole sort of environment of uncertainty because there's no guarantees no matter which managers you bring in because they've had world-class managers there and not had success and for what reason?

"What was the reason for such a major pivot, you know Thomas was walking in, what's his objective? What's the club's objective? At the start of the year, obviously to compete on all fronts but the club hasn't competed on all fronts for a long time. And also the most influential person at the club for the last 20 years is also going so if you're going to do such a major pivot, you have to understand there is going to be some instability there.

"Did Thomas know he was walking into that, I don't know. It's a fair departure from me, anyone who studies the game, it wasn't like it was a progression from me.

"I built that sort of squad for want of a better word to play a certain way for a number of years and he's sort of coming in and like we said, it's a curious club Tottenham."

Frank was appointed as Tottenham's new head coach last June after Postecoglou was axed despite ending the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League.

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Although Frank made an impressive start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, winning four of his first six matches at the helm, the club's form has nosedived in recent months.

Since beating Everton 3-0 in late October, Spurs have won just two in 17 in the Premier League. It's a run that has seen them fall down in the table and with a genuine chance of dropping into the Championship.

Spurs sit five points clear of 18th-place West Ham, who sit in the final relegation place. Their most recent league win came in a 1-0 success against Crystal Palace on Sunday, December 28, eight games and 46 days ago.

The former Tottenham boss has been reflecting on his time at the north London club and his chat with the ex-chairman in Bilbao

Ange Postecoglou has opened up on the conversation he had with former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy just before the Europa League final triumph.

The 60-year-old head coach led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years and their first piece of European silverware in four decades before being sacked by the north London club last summer after taking his focus off the Premier League to win the Europa League and the club finished 17th, albeit 13 points off the drop zone.

Postecoglou's successor Thomas Frank was sacked on Wednesday with Tottenham 16th in the table and just five points above 18th-placed West Ham.

In an appearance on The Overlap podcast, Postecoglou explained that the 'Spursy' mentality does exist within the club and his conversation with former chairman Levy ahead of the Europa League final in Bilbao summed up for him the feeling that ran through the organisation.

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"It is 'Spursy', you can use 'Spursy'. Yeah [that is a thing]. 100% there is. Yeah, absolutely and that was the thing I was trying to break," said the Greek-born Australian. "And my whole statement about winning things in the second year, I was doing that for the club because no one internally would dare say that because they were just scared. They'd been close a few times.

"Even I remember the day of the Europa Final, and by that stage, the players were brilliant and I knew we'd win that day. I was just convinced the path we'd taken and everyone in the hotel was really calm.

"And I remember it was one of the few times actually Daniel came in and we had a coffee in the morning and he said 'everyone's really relaxed'. Even he was. And the only thing he said to me, which was bizarre as a motivational point, he said something like 'oh, you know what? I've been in seven finals or seven finals and we haven't won one'.

"But I know why he said that, because of that. So that's what I'm saying. So you've got that and that does exist. Absolutely. And I think and then you break that by winning something and what do you do? You tear it all up and you go again.

"Like we had the Super Cup final and I'll back myself to win that. We've could have had two trophies in the space of two months and then all of a sudden that's out the window, that they can't win a big game. You've done that. You've broken that. So that's what I mean. That's the curiosity in me of understanding why, and it's not because it's me, because at the end of the day, I've done what I've done."

Postecoglou believes that a walk through the corridors of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium helped him cement what would happen in Bilbao in the minds of his players.

"I was there for two years. But what are you trying to achieve? The biggest thing hanging over you was this 'Spursy' tag and I'm sure you all thought, you know what? Come the final, Man United will win because they just know how to win. And that exists there," he said.

"There isn't a Tottenham supporter that I see now that doesn't want to hug me, because they just never thought it would happen. They've been close so many times. They had world-class managers, world-class players. They've made finals, semi-finals.

"To be honest, the reason I was convinced we'd win was because that's what I sold to the players. Outside the Tottenham dressing room at the home ground, there's all the photos, but it's only of the teams that have won things. I walked them through that and I just said 'have a look at those walls. What do you notice?'. I said 'most of them are in black and white because that's how long ago it was'.

"And I go, 'who's not on these walls? Harry's not on these walls'. I said 'Sonny, you're not on these walls, only one way we get on these walls, boys'. So that was a big driving force for me. I used it.

"That's why I was convinced, get to the final, that we would win, because I think when it got tough and it was going to get tough, I think we had more to win than Man U on the night. I said 'Man U, they've always got something to lead them to the crunch of success'.

"This was a chance for this group of players. That's the story I sold them. 'Mate, you guys have got a chance to elevate yourself above all the other players that have come in the last 40 years'."

Postecoglou admitted that he knew he was going to get sacked regardless of the result in Bilbao and had believed it months before that triumph.

"I knew I was gone. I knew I was gone probably around, I think, the end of January, early February. I knew I was gone," he said. "And I said to the coaches, look, it's quite obvious. At the time, we weren't in a relegation battle. We were, I think, 16 points away from relegation.

"I said 'look, we're in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. I think we can win it, and that means not just winning a trophy, you know how that is, but that also means Champions League football'.

"I said 'but the reality is, get your helmets on because every week we're going to be copping it, but I'll take that, don't worry. I'll take the responsibility for that'.

"But also, if we get knocked out of any stage of the Europa League, I said I'm pretty much sure it's over. So I knew I was gone because you get a sense of that with the conversations you have about people. No-one was talking to me about the transfer window or pre-season so you kind of know. And that was fine. I didn't understand it, but I'm thinking, you know what? Again, I didn't want to get distracted. I was so laser-focused.

"Even for myself, it's taken me 30 years to get here. What a unique opportunity to win a European trophy at a club that hasn't had success for such a long time. I know I'll remember. So I wasn't going to let that distract me, but yeah, I knew I was gone."