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Roberto De Zerbi has left Marseille by mutual consent after their 5-0 PSG defeat, with the Italian manager heavily linked to Tottenham as Thomas Frank faces increasing pressure at Spurs

Roberto De Zerbi has parted company with Marseille by mutual consent, sparking fresh speculation surrounding the Tottenham Hotspur managerial position.

Current Spurs boss Thomas Frank finds himself under mounting scrutiny in north London following Tuesday evening's 2-1 reverse against Newcastle United. The club find themselves marooned in 16th place in the Premier League table after suffering their seventh home loss in 13 fixtures.

Spurs remain five points above the drop zone, only avoiding a tighter margin thanks to Benjamin Sesko's late leveller for Manchester United against West Ham United. Frank's situation grows increasingly precarious and with De Zerbi now available, the spotlight on his tenure is set to intensify further.

De Zerbi departed Marseille on Wednesday morning after weeks of speculation regarding his future. The Italian exits just days following their humiliating 5-0 hammering by French champions Paris Saint-Germain and a heartbreaking Champions League elimination, exiting on goal difference after a stoppage-time strike from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin against Real Madrid.

The Ligue 1 outfit released a statement, that read: "Olympique de Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi, coach of the first team, have announced the end of their collaboration by mutual agreement.

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"Following discussions between all stakeholders in the club's management - the owner, president, director of football, and coach - it was decided to make a change at the helm of the first team.

"This was a difficult collective decision, taken after careful consideration in the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the sporting challenges of the end of the season."

De Zerbi has consistently been touted for some of Europe's most prestigious managerial positions after making his mark during a successful spell at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring his situation as they search for their next permanent boss, with Michael Carrick delivering impressive results as caretaker.

Meanwhile, Spurs are embroiled in a relegation scrap, a dramatic fall from grace less than 12 months after lifting the Europa League trophy. Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou following that European success, but the Danish manager's reign has failed to meet expectations, and the ex-Brentford boss now faces mounting speculation about his position.

Speaking TNT Sports following Tuesday evening's 2-1 reverse against the Magpies, he said: "No. I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no [update on future]. We understand we are not in a top position and we need to do everything we can to work very hard to get out of.

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"I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me. That's fair and part of the job, unfortunately.

"I will work day and night to do everything to turn it around but it's fair to say it's never only one person. I think it's fair to say we've been in this situation last year. It's something we need to get through and improve and I'm not in doubt that I'm part of that."

Thomas Frank is yet to acknowledge that Tottenham are in a relegation dogfight but that is the current direction of travel

Tottenham slipped closer towards the relegation zone on Tuesday night when they fell to a 2-1 home victory at the hands of Newcastle.

Spurs now occupy 16th spot after Leeds earned a precious point by fighting back from 2-0 down to draw at Chelsea.

Thomas Frank's side are now winless from their past eight Premier League matches. What's also concerning is 17th place Nottingham Forest host Wolves in midweek so they could soon be level on points with Sean Dyche's strugglers.

West Ham are a team reborn in recent weeks and the Hammers' great escape is well and truly on following their 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month.

Frank is yet to acknowledge that his side are fully embroiled in the scrap to beat the drop and he retains confidence that he will keep his job.

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Tottenham must also hope that Brighton get sucked in as the Seagulls are enduring a poor run of form under Fabian Hurzeler.

So how do Spurs' next five fixtures compare to their relegation rivals?

Brighton travel to Aston Villa and Brentford, host Forest in a massive six-pointer and then Arsenal before travelling to Sunderland.

Leeds travel to Aston Villa before hosting Man City and Sunderland and then going to Palace. Later in March, the Whites also face Keith Andrews' high-flying Brentford.

Spurs have a tough run on paper, they host Arsenal in the North London Derby on February 22 before travelling to Fulham, they then host Crystal Palace before going to Liverpool and then squaring off against Forest.

Forest host Wolves and Liverpool, travel to Brighton and Man City before then hosting Fulham.

Finally, West Ham host Bournemouth, then go to Liverpool and Fulham before hosting Man City and then travelling to Aston Villa.

Despite signs of improvement, Burnley and Wolves remain on course to be relegated to the Championship.

Next five fixtures

Brighton - 31pts Feb 11 - Aston Villa (A) Feb 21 - Brentford (A) Mar 1 - Forest (H) Mar 4 - Arsenal (H) Mar 14 - Sunderland (A) Leeds United - 30pts Feb 21 - Villa (A) Feb 28 - Man City (H) Mar 3 - Sunderland (H) Mar 14 - Palace (A) Mar 21 - Brentford (H) Tottenham - 29pts Feb 22 - Arsenal (H) Mar 1 - Fulham (A) Mar 5 - Palace (H) Mar 15 - Liverpool (A) Mar 22 - Nottingham Forest (H)

Thomas Frank has delivered a message after Tottenham Hotspur's defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League

Thomas Frank referenced Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles from last season under former manager Ange Postecoglou after yet another defeat in the Premier League. Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United on Tuesday evening in North London to fall to 16th place in the table.

Archie Gray had equalised for Spurs in the second half to cancel out an opening goal from Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw.

However, Tottenham conceded a goal from Jacob Ramsey which saw Spurs suffer a disappointing defeat after their loss at the hands of Manchester United last weekend.

Frank and Co. now lie in 16th place in the Premier League table and are just five points above the relegation zone, which has now led to increased speculation about Frank’s future at the club.

Tottenham appointed Frank as their new manager following Posecoglou’s exit in the summer, with the club’s former boss guiding the club to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last term, as well as winning the Europa League final.

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Spurs finished last season seven points above the relegation zone but were the lowest-ranked team to remain in the Premier League, and some pundits believe the club could have a battle on their hands to retain their top-flight status.

After the defeat to Newcastle, Frank referenced Tottenham’s struggles under Postecoglou from last season when quizzed about the frequency of the defeats this term.

"I understand the frustration,” Frank told TNT Sports. “I understand that the easiest thing to do is the point at me. That's fair.

“I work day and night to do everything I can. But it's never one person. I think it's fair to say that this is the situation the team was in last year."

Tottenham’s next match will see them host Arsenal on home soil in the North London Derby in the Premier League on February 22, with the two clubs currently separated by 27 points and that could be extended if the Gunners defeat Brentford on Thursday night and win against Wolves next week.

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Frank was also asked during his post-match press conference if he expects to still be Tottenham boss for when the match against Arsenal rolls around.

“Yeah, I’m convinced I will be,” Frank said. “I understand the question and I understand it’s easy to point on me but I also think it’s never only the head coach or the ownership or the directors or the players or the staff. It’s everyone.

“If you do something right, you 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, what we need to improve and what we need to do better. That is what we are working very hard on.”

Tottenham Hotspur were beaten by Newcastle United in the Premier League which has led to a debate about Thomas Frank's future

Tottenham Hotspur have been issued a clear verdict on Thomas Frank’s future at the club after their defeat to Newcastle United. Spurs were on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss to the Magpies on Tuesday night in the Premier League in north London.

Newcastle took the lead with a goal just before half-time from Malick Thiaw, with the visitors also having a goal from Joe Willock disallowed for offside just a few minutes earlier.

Archie Gray equalised in the second half for Spurs, but Newcastle regained their lead with a goal from Jacob Ramsey to hand Frank’s side yet another defeat.

The loss leaves Tottenham in 16th place in the Premier League table, just five points above the relegation zone, which has led to increased uncertainty around Frank’s future at the club.

The topic of Frank’s future was debated among pundits after the final whistle of the defeat to Newcastle. Former striker Les Ferdinand pointed to the reaction from the home supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as evidence for their feelings about the situation.

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"You heard the groans at the end of the game," Ferdinand told TNT Sports. "The boos were very loud and they have been audible all season.

"A lot of fans have lost faith in what Thomas Frank is doing here."

Glenn Hoddle, a Tottenham legend, was also on TNT Sports and gave his verdict on Frank’s future at the club, as well as the current situation for Spurs this season.

"You've got to say what it is and they are in a relegation fight," Hoddle said. "The players have to understand that and the fans have to understand that.

"It is the reality and you have to scrap for every single point."

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Former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Krul was in agreement with Hoddle that Tottenham face a relegation battle for the remainder of the season.

"Tottenham are right in it [relegation battle]," Krul told BBC Radio 5Live. "They are three points above the line at the moment. They need to seriously look at themselves in the mirror. There needs to be serious changes now."

Frank was asked about his future as Tottenham boss after the defeat to Newcastle, where he outlined his confidence of remaining in charge for the club’s next clash against Arsenal in the North London Derby at the weekend.

"I'm convinced I will still be in charge [for the Arsenal game]," Frank said on Tuesday night. "I understand the question and I understand it’s easy to point on me but I also think it’s never only the head coach or the ownership or the directors or the players or the staff. It’s everyone.

"If you do something right, you 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, what we need to improve and what we need to do better. That is what we are working very hard on."

Thomas Frank is speaking to the media after Tottenham's 2-1 loss against Newcastle in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Newcastle, who had won just two of their past 15 away games, were the better side in the first half and thought they had had taken the lead but VAR ruled it offside. There was a huge space at the back for Joe Willock to run on to Jacob Ramsey's pass and turn inside before firing into the bottom right corner. The tip of his forehead was just offside though in an incredibly close offside call.

Malick Thiaw scored though in added time for Newcastle. Guglielmo Vicario pushed out Thiaw's header but the Newcastle man eased past Pape Matar Sarr to tap the ball home.

Tottenham pushed forward finally after the break with Mathys Tel sending a couple of chances over and Pape Matar Sarr having an effort saved by Nick Pope.

The hosts found an equaliser on 64 when a deep Xavi Simons corner was headed back across by Sarr and Archie Gray cushioned the ball into the net.

However, Newcastle were back in front four minutes later when Jacob Ramsey fired home from Anthony Gordon's pass. It all came from a missed Conor Gallagher pass as Spurs broke up the pitch.

The hosts huffed and puffed but could not find another goal as the rain teemed down and the fans sang for Mauricio Pochettino and for Frank's sacking.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold is among those putting the questions to Frank after the game. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Here are our Tottenham Hotspur player ratings after their defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday

Tottenham fell to a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League on Tuesday night and here are our Spurs player ratings.

Thomas Frank had made three changes to his side with 10 players out through injury and one through suspension in captain Cristian Romero who was missing the first of four matches . Micky van de Ven took the armband in his absence with Radu Dragusin replacing the skipper in the centre of defence.

Yves Bissouma came into the midfield for Joao Palhinha while Djed Spence was back at the right time with Destiny Udogie out for between four and five weeks with a hamstring injury.

Newcastle, who had won just two of their past 15 away games, were the better side in the first half and thought they had had taken the lead but VAR ruled it offside. There was a huge space at the back for Joe Willock to run on to Jacob Ramsey's pass and turn inside before firing into the bottom right corner. The tip of his forehead was just offside though in an incredibly close offside call.

Malick Thiaw scored though in added time for Newcastle. Guglielmo Vicario pushed out Thiaw's header but the Newcastle man eased past Pape Matar Sarr to tap the ball home.

Tottenham pushed forward finally after the break with Mathys Tel sending a couple of chances over and Pape Matar Sarr having an effort saved by Nick Pope.

The hosts found an equaliser on 64 when a deep Xavi Simons corner was headed back across by Sarr and Archie Gray cushioned the ball into the net.

However, Newcastle were back in front four minutes later when Jacob Ramsey fired home from Anthony Gordon's pass. It all came from a missed Conor Gallagher pass as Spurs broke up the pitch.

The hosts huffed and puffed but could not find another goal as the rain teemed down and the fans sang for Mauricio Pochettino and for Frank's sacking.

Here are our Spurs player ratings from the match:

Guglielmo Vicario

Pushed out Thiaw's header but nobody was awake to stop the follow-up. Couldn't get near Ramsey's goal. Didn't have any other saves to make. 5

Archie Gray

Got better and better as the game wore on and embarked on a few blockbusting runs down the right. Got his reward with his goal on 64 minutes. The teenager worked tirelessly and deserved better. 8

Radu Dragusin

Gave away the needless free-kick that led to Newcastle's added-time. Can be turned far too easily. 4

Micky van de Ven

Made a couple of good first half challenges and a terrific sliding block to deny Barnes in the second period. Fired over late on what could have been the leveller. 6

Djed Spence

Back from injury but a very subdued performance. 5

Yves Bissouma

Lasted only the first half before being hooked. Looked off the pace. 4

Pape Matar Sarr

Also off the pace in the first half and so weak for Newcastle's first goal. Did improve in the second half and grabbed an assist with the header for Gray's goal. 6

Wilson Odobert

Had a couple of early strong runs but looked to badly hurt his knee half an hour in and came off. 5

Conor Gallagher

Started up in the number 10 role before being pushed out to the right after Odobert's injury. Underhit a crucial pass as Spurs broke in the second half and the ball ended up at the other end for Ramsey's goal. 5

Xavi Simons

Hit an early effort into the side-netting. Tried to make things happen for Tottenham and curled in the corner that Gray eventually scored from. 6

Dominic Solanke

Made an important early intervention in his own box. Had a penalty shout after being pushed and had very little service. Saw an overhead kick blocked late on but he gets so little service. 5

Subs

Mathys Tel

Came on for Odobert in the first half and had chances with two efforts over in quick succession early in the second half. Needs to get his head up at times when there are other options available. 6

Joao Palhinha

Came on for Bissouma at the break and added a bit more zip to Tottenham's play. 6

Randal Kolo Muani

Tottenham's injury crisis got worse during the Premier League clash with Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur winger Wilson Odobert was forced off with injury just beyond the half-hour mark in Tuesday night's fixture against Newcastle United.

Odobert chased after Harvey Barnes and tried to hook his leg round the Newcastle winger to intercept the ball but jarred his left knee in the turf. The Frenchman, 20, was in agony and referee Anthony Taylor immediately stopped the game after Spurs regained possession.

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Following a lengthy delay, he was able to walk off the pitch even though initially it looked as though the stretcher would be required.

Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons were among those to console their teammate as he received treatment on-field.

Odobert went straight down the tunnel and into the dressing room with a member of the Spurs medical staff.

It will be another unwanted problem for Thomas Frank, who had been forced to name four youngsters on Spurs' bench with numerous senior stars unable to feature against Eddie Howe's side.

Aside from captain Cristian Romero's suspension, the Spurs boss was already without 10 injured players. This included attackers Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.

Odobert had been handed his latest start in their absence though now has suffered this injury of his own.

He was replaced Mathys Tel, who joined Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons in an attacking trio.

None were able to break down the visitors, who finished the first half with a flurry to take a timely advantage.

Newcastle first had a goal ruled out by VAR when the scorer, former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock, was judged to have strayed offside.

Moments before Taylor was due to signal for the break, Malick Thiaw capitalised on Spurs' failure to clear in their own danger zone, and the defender converted from close range.

Newcastle United thought they had taken a 1-0 lead over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening when Joe Willock found the back of the net on the stroke of half-time, only for VAR to intervene

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have been given an instant explanation as to why Joe Willock's opening goal was ruled out by VAR on Tuesday evening.

Spurs' opponents thought they had taken a 44th-minute lead when former Arsenal midfielder Willock broke free of the hosts' back line and fired beyond Guglielmo Vicario.

However, VAR came to Spurs' rescue and ruled out the strike following a thorough review. Now, the Premier League Match Centre have provided an explanation for the overturned goal decision.

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A post on X, formerly Twitter, read: "VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Willock was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

It was accompanied by a graphic created using the findings of the Premier League's semi-automated offside technology, which was introduced last year to expedite the process deciding offsides using VAR.

As replays were shown live to television viewers on broadcaster TNT Sports, commentator Sam Matterface described the offside as "very, very slight."

The call was to Newcastle's disdain, however their mood quickly shifted as Malick Thiaw scored moments later with the match officials unable to find a fault.

The defender poked in from close range after Spurs had failed to clear the danger from their own penalty area.

Spurs' misery at the end of the first period was compiled having watched winger Wilson Odobert leave the action with injury just past the half-hour mark.

The 20-year-old attempted a challenge on opposite attacker Harvey Barnes in Spurs territory, jarring his left knee as he landed.

Odobert, in agony, required treatment on-field whilst being consoled by Spurs teammates Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons.

He left the field without help and went immediately down the tunnel with one of the club's medical staff.

Tottenham's injury crisis got worse during the Premier League clash with Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur winger Wilson Odobert was forced off with injury just beyond the half-hour mark in Tuesday night's fixture against Newcastle United.

Odobert chased after Harvey Barnes and tried to hook his leg round the Newcastle winger to intercept the ball but jarred his left knee in the turf. The young Frenchman was in agony and Anthony Taylor immediately stopped the game. Following a lengthy delay he was able to walk off the pitch even though initially it looked as though the stretcher would be required. Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons were among those to console him as he received treatment on-field. He went straight down the tunnel and into the dressing room with a member of the Spurs medical staff.

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Here's the Tottenham team that Thomas Frank has selected to face Newcastle in the Premier League on Tuesday evening

Thomas Frank has made three changes to his Tottenham side to take on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Thomas Frank goes into the encounter with 10 players out through injury and one through suspension in captain Cristian Romero who misses the first of four matches Micky van de Ven takes the armband in his absence and plays alongside Radu Dragusin in the centre of defence.

Yves Bissouma comes into the midfield for Joao Palhinha alongside Pape Matar Sarr as Spurs seem to be sticking with the 4-2-3-1 formation they started the game at Old Trafford with. Djed Spence is back at the right time with Destiny Udogie out for between four and five weeks with a hamstring injury.

Up front, the three attacking midfielders who started the game with Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons playing either side of Conor Gallagher are all given another chance together behind Dominic Solanke. Odobert found himself sacrificed for Dragusin after Romero's red card on Saturday.

Here's the team Frank has selected for the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.