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Alan Shearer changes his mind on Tottenham relegation after events this week – ‘Awful’

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Alan Shearer changes his mind on Tottenham relegation after events this week – ‘Awful’ - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
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Thomas Frank’s sacking felt inevitable, with Tottenham’s run of results being extremely poor in the Premier League, and Alan Shearer has now changed his mind on the London club.

Spurs’ 2-1 loss to Newcastle United was the final nail in the coffin, and not long after, Frank was sacked by Tottenham.

With the Lilywhites out of the FA Cup, there is plenty of time for the N17 outfit to source a replacement, with the Lewis family now having to decide if they want to instil a permanent or interim manager.

There are certainly risks with both outcomes, and that risk is further boosted by the very real threat of relegation.

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Alan Shearer changes his opinion on Tottenham’s chance of relegation

Tottenham finished in 17th last season, but there was never any threat of them going down due to how poor the bottom three were.

The Lilywhites finished a whole 13 points above 18th-place Leicester, but the same will not be said this season.

Already, West Ham, who are currently 17th, are just one point off the Foxes’ tally, and there are still 12 games left to be played.

And with Tottenham only five points off the relegation zone, they will have to be fearful of that chance.

For Shearer, he never felt like Spurs going down could ever happen, but after watching them against his club Newcastle, his mind has been changed.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Shearer said: “For large parts of the season, or most of it, I never felt they were in a relegation battle.

“I always thought somehow they would get out of it, but the performance I saw last night, particularly the first half, changed my mind; they were awful.

“Something had to change; it couldn’t go on like that, or else they were in serious danger of being relegated.

“So it was no surprise to me [so see Frank sacked]. You know the rules of a manager: you go in and win games, and if you don’t, you lose your job, unfortunately, and it hasn’t worked for Thomas at Tottenham, and it had to change.”

Tottenham’s chances of relegation are still slim, but not nil, and even just that possibility will concern supporters.

Indeed, as per Opta’s supercomputer on Thursday morning, Spurs now have a 3.84 per cent chance of going down.

They are expected to finish in their current position of 16th, accruing around 44 points come the end of the campaign.

Tottenham’s first half vs Newcastle was night and day to the second half

Shearer is completely correct in his assessment of Tottenham against Newcastle.

The first-half performance was unacceptable, and Spurs were second-best at home to Eddie Howe’s side. In the opening 45 minutes, Frank’s team created just 0.3 xG compared to the Geordies’ 1.81, as per Sofascore.

Additionally, they lost 42 per cent of all their duels, showing that Newcastle were more determined and stronger in individual battles.

The second half saw a slight improvement, and Spurs did notch an equaliser, as they created 1.55 xG. They also battled better, with their duel success being 48 per cent in the second 45.

However, ultimately they were not good enough to win the game, and Newcastle’s winner was perhaps the deserved outcome.

Ange Postecoglou has just revealed his true feelings on Tottenham sacking

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Ange Postecoglou was aware his time at Tottenham had come to an end well before it actually did.

Postecoglou’s sacking at Tottenham was more than warranted, given the fact that he had them finish 17th in the Premier League, but it’s also fair to say that Thomas Frank’s reign has showcased that the bigger problems were elsewhere.

At the same stage as we are now in the previous campaign, Spurs had four more points, while the side in 18th also had seven fewer points.

That drop off since his exit has led to many fans asking for Postecoglou to return to Tottenham, even after he failed to impress as Nottingham Forest manager, though that seems unlikely.

And having made an appearance on The Overlap, ironically after the sacking of Frank, Postecoglou has spoken out on the situation surrounding his own exit.

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What did Ange Postecoglou say about leaving Tottenham?

Pundits and fans have continuously debated over whether a return to Tottenham would be a good thing for them or even for Postecoglou.

On one side of the argument, he won a trophy with Spurs, but on the other, he also had them in a similar situation to the one that they face today.

Not only will Postecoglou be aware of that, but he won’t have forgotten the constant criticism aimed his way, as well as the scrutiny from the media, which hasn’t happened since.

That was one of the things that led to his exit, and he has since revealed that he knew he was heading for exit long before he actually did.

Via The Overlap, which went live on Thursday morning, Postecoglou said: “I knew I was gone probably around late January or early February. You get a sense of that with the conversations you have. No one is talking to me about the transfer window or pre-season, so you kind of know, and that was fine.

“I didn’t want to get distracted, I was so laser-focused [on winning the Europa League.] What a unique opportunity to win a European trophy at a club that hasn’t had success for a long time.

“So I wasn’t going to let that distract me, but yeah, I knew I was gone.”

Would Ange Postecoglou’s return be a good thing for Tottenham?

Once a relationship has fragmented, it would take something special to rebuild it.

And with the players at the club, and the general lack of identity, Postecoglou would find it nearly impossible to achieve the level of success to win back the supporters who wanted him gone well before he actually left.

Each defeat will be scrutinised even more than the last, and the toxic atmosphere would grow and grow before the inevitable happened.

Tottenham need a fresh start. They need someone to come in with new ideas and the ability to capitate a fanbase that have grown frustrated at the lack of them.

Someone who can improve the players at his disposal to get Spurs back to challenging for a spot in the top six.

And Postecoglou wouldn’t provide that.

‘Tottenham to offer Roberto De Zerbi lucrative interim deal’ before Mauricio Pochettino return

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‘Tottenham to offer Roberto De Zerbi lucrative interim deal’ before Mauricio Pochettino return - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
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Tottenham could secure a strange arrangement with Roberto De Zerbi, which would ultimately see Mauricio Pochettino return to the club.

Pochettino guided Spurs to the Champions League final in the 2018-19 season, and supporters have pined for his return since he was dismissed in 2019.

The Argentine boss formed a connection with the fanbase and built one of the best teams that the North London side have ever had.

However, getting him back could be complicated and may involve De Zerbi coming into the dugout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Why would Tottenham appoint De Zerbi to sort Pochettino comeback?

John Wenham believes that the ex-Brighton manager could be the perfect interim option for Spurs, before Pochettino returns in the summer.

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Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “In terms of the next manager, I think it is very clear that 99 per cent of Tottenham fans, would want Mauricio Pochettino to return to the club in the summer.

“There is an acceptance that he would not walk out on the USA at the moment with his contract in place, and a very big release clause, I understand, if he were to leave before the World Cup.

“It is going to be an interim, having seen Roberto De Zerbi and Marseille part ways, somebody who has instant Premier League experience, he is a bit of a maverick and a wildcard, but that is exactly what Tottenham need at the moment.

“They need somebody to get into the belief and put the fire in the bellies, people might say, ’why would De Zerbi come?’, but you could offer him a very lucrative deal, with a heavily incentivised bonus for advancing far in the Champions League or staying in the top-flight.

“I think he could slot in almost instantly, for him, he could position himself for the job on a long-term basis, it would be an opportunity, and he would be the most sensible choice for Tottenham.”

Would De Zerbi accept Tottenham interim role?

There are question marks over whether De Zerbi would take the Tottenham job, even as a permanent option.

He may well want to rest after being dismissed by the French club, rather than throwing himself back into management straight away.

The Italian has had success in the English top-flight previously with the Seagulls, but an interim role, where he could take a big six club down may not be the right career move for him.

If it did not work out, it would surely take his stock down, and reduce his chances of getting another role in the near future.

The money could be tempting, as Wenham states, but it seems like a long shot at this point.

Tottenham advised to hire Kjetil Knutsen, alongside internal recruitment warning after Thomas Frank sack

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Tottenham could look to appoint Kjetil Knutsen from Bodo/Glimt as their next head coach.

John Gregory has been mooted as a surprise option for Tottenham, with various names likely to make the shortlist at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Lilywhites are in need of a manager after Thomas Frank was sacked by Tottenham on Wednesday as his poor campaign continued in N17.

The North London hierarchy had clearly seen enough of the Dane as Spurs fell to defeat against Newcastle United on Tuesday.

A new head coach hunt is now on the cards, with Knutsen emerging as a potential target in the early stages of the search.

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Kjetil Knutsen could replace Thomas Frank

Frank didn’t think he’d be sacked by Tottenham based on his comments after the Lilywhites suffered defeat against Eddie Howe’s side.

He couldn’t have been more wrong, as the trigger was pulled on Tuesday morning, when the ex-Brentford boss was shown the door.

There is now plenty of discussion surrounding who could be the next man to take up the mantle after a turbulent campaign in North London.

Former scout Bryan King has put forward Gregory and has also suggested that Bodo/Glimt boss Knutsen could be a useful option.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “If they are looking for a fresh face and a new name, I’d get Kjetil Knutsen from Bodo/Glimt.

“He’s had great success in Norway and in Europe with a very small team.

“He would certainly bring in the discipline, that’s for sure. The main job is for Tottenham to get themselves a decent position in the Premier League.

“Would Knutsen be any worse than Thomas Frank?

“If they try to recruit from within, then they will go down the same alleyway they have been doing for the past two or three years.“

Knutsen could make Premier League step up

It is fair to say that the Norwegian manager would be a left-field shout if he were to take up the vaccant role in North London.

Knutsen has faced off against Tottenham this campaign, securing a 2-2 draw at Aspmyra Stadion as Micky van de Ven and a Jostein Gundersen own goal snatched a point for the Lilywhites.

Bodo/Glimt’s form has only improved since then as they secured a play-off place with wins against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.

The head coach has proven he can succeed against some of the best managers in the world, so could look to replicate that for Tottenham moving forward.

Mauricio Pochettino selected as Thomas Frank replacement as Tottenham timeline revealed

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Mauricio Pochettino selected as Thomas Frank replacement as Tottenham timeline revealed - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
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Tottenham want to bring Mauricio Pochettino back to North London after the sacking of Thomas Frank.

A report from Fichajes states that Tottenham have already set their sights on bringing Pochettino back to the Premier League, almost two years on from his most recent spell with Chelsea.

However, the difficulty they face is that the Argentine is currently focused on the summer’s World Cup, with Pochettino having previously expressed a desire to lead the USMNT to success.

The North Londoners are said to have identified their former boss as the “great saviour” to fix the mess that was started by Ange Postecoglou and then carried forward by Frank before his exit off the back of their latest defeat to Newcastle.

And to ensure that they get this next appointment right, the report adds that Tottenham are prepared to wait until the summer for Pochettino, even if that means having to appoint an interim manager until the end of the current campaign.

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Who could Tottenham hire as interim manager?

Tottenham are at genuine risk of relegation, and that must be taken a lot more seriously this time around as opposed to how it was last season.

At the same stage in the previous campaign, Spurs actually had more points, while the bottom three had shown much less of a fight across the board.

And in regard to who Tottenham could hire to prevent that, Ryan Mason has previously been linked with a move back to his former club, where he spent time as a player but also a coach.

Mason’s previous job was with West Brom, and given the fact that they themselves are in a relegation battle, it’s fair to say that stint did not go as planned.

For that reason, there would be plenty of reservations over his return, but at the stage Spurs are at now, they need someone to come in who truly understands the club, and Mason would fit that bill.

Stats show what Ryan Mason would do at Tottenham

Mason’s appointment isn’t going to reignite a European charge for Tottenham, nor is it going to completely change the mood in North London.

But right now, neither of those things are needed. Spurs simply have to stay in the Premier League at whatever cost.

And having spent time as an interim manager at Tottenham before, Mason has already showcased that he would be able to get enough out of the current squad to ensure that happens.

In his previous spell here, Mason averaged 1.17 points per game, and if that were to be replicated for the final 12 games of the season, it would see Spurs pick up another 14 points, taking them to 43.

Barring some sort of miracle, that would be enough to guarantee survival and allow the next manager to build from a somewhat steady platform.

Antonin Kinsky posted bizarre two-word message around the time Thomas Frank was sacked, then turns off comments

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Tottenham have sacked Thomas Frank and reserve goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has seemingly posted a cryptic message in response.

Frank was finally dismissed by Tottenham on Wednesday morning, with the Lilywhites sitting 16th in the Premier League.

Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, in what proved to be the Dane’s final game in charge of the club.

Kinsky was on the bench for the contest, as he has been for the majority of the season, but that didn’t stop him from making his feelings known after Frank’s exit was confirmed.

Antonin Kinsky sparks confusion after Thomas Frank sack

Kinsky looked set to leave Tottenham during the winter transfer window, with lots of speculation over a potential move to West Ham United.

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However, his departure was blocked in the end, with Spurs unable to bring in a replacement before the deadline.

The 22-year-old clearly felt that his development was being stunted in North London, and that a move away would help his career.

Kinsky’s relationship with Frank had never shown any sign of strain from the outside, but that has now changed following the Dane’s dismissal.

Around the time that Tottenham announced the 52-year-old would be leaving the club, Kinsky posted a cryptic message on Instagram.

The Czech Republic shot-stopper shared two photos, one of him in a Tottenham jacket, and one of him as a child, with the caption: “Heart’s desire.”

While the post is not directly related to Frank, many Spurs fans believe it is Kinsky revealing his true thoughts about his former boss, and celebrating his departure.

Antonin Kinsky set for opportunity under new manager

With Frank’s exit now confirmed, it could open the door for Kinsky to get more opportunities in the Tottenham first team.

Guglielmo Vicario has struggled at times this season, but he has consistently retained a place in the starting lineup to this point.

In contrast, Kinsky has made just two appearances across all competitions this term, both coming in the EFL Cup.

Under a new manager, the out-of-favour shot-stopper has the chance to impress and may be handed a start in the Premier League.

It remains to be seen who will come in at Tottenham to replace Frank, but Kinsky will be hoping he has the opportunity to revitalise his Spurs career.

Gary Lineker backs Tottenham to hire Enzo Maresca after Thomas Frank dismissal

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Tottenham are being linked with various different managerial options following the sacking of Thomas Frank.

Frank was finally dismissed by Tottenham on Wednesday morning, following months of poor results and supporter outrage in North London.

The final nail in the Dane’s coffin came on Tuesday evening, as the Lilywhites were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United.

Spurs now sit a lowly 16th in the Premier League table, only five points clear of the relegation zone, having won just two of their last 17 top-flight games.

Gary Lineker suggests Enzo Maresca as option for Tottenham

With Frank now out the door, Spurs have begun their search for a replacement.

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Tottenham have just over a week until their next game, when they face Arsenal in the North London derby, so they will want a new man in the dugout by then.

Former Spurs striker Gary Lineker has had his say on the appointment, believing that the Lilywhites should go for a former Chelsea manager.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker suggested that Tottenham should bring in Enzo Maresca, after he was sacked by Chelsea earlier this season.

He said: “If it were me, I’d try and get Maresca. I knew him at Leicester; he was a really good coach. He did really well at Chelsea for a long time, but during the first tricky spell he had, he was fired.”

Maresca, a former assistant manager of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, helped guide Leicester to the Championship title in 2023-24, before moving to Stamford Bridge.

The Italian won the Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea during his 18 months in charge, before being sacked at the start of January.

Who else could Tottenham appoint?

Roberto De Zerbi is the current favourite to become the new Tottenham manager, after he was sacked by Marseille on Wednesday morning, hours before Frank was dismissed.

One bookmaker has the former Brighton boss as low as 5/6 to take over from the Dane.

Elsewhere, Frank’s assistant John Heitinga is also in the running, and as of yet, his departure from the club has not been announced.

Mauricio Pochettino, Robbie Keane and Ryan Mason are also among the favourites, with Maresca back at 20/1.

Tottenham receive worst possible Wilson Odobert news after injury vs Newcastle

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Wilson Odobert is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury during Tottenham’s defeat to Newcastle United.

Tottenham lost 2-1 to Newcastle in North London on Tuesday evening, and it proved to be Thomas Frank’s last game in charge.

Frank was sacked on Wednesday morning after less than eight months at the helm, with the Lilywhites sitting 16th in the Premier League.

Spurs are now just five points clear of the relegation zone, and in real danger of dropping down to the Championship if the situation isn’t addressed immediately.

Wilson Odobert suffers ACL tear

Odobert has been a shining light for Tottenham at times this season, often showing great intent and energy going forward.

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However, the Frenchman was forced off during the first half of the defeat to Newcastle, replaced by Mathys Tel after just 35 minutes.

He looked to have sustained an injury to his knee, and Spurs’ worst fears have now been confirmed.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, Odobert has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and is now likely to undergo surgery on the issue.

If the winger does require surgery, it will almost certainly rule him out for the rest of the season.

It’s a bitter blow for Spurs, as Odobert becomes the latest of a long line of players to pick up a long-term injury.

Tottenham injury crisis continues

Frank failed to ever win the support of the Tottenham fans, but in truth, he was dealt a difficult hand in North London.

Coming into a side that had just finished 17th in the Premier League, albeit with a Europa League trophy to their name, the Dane already had his work cut out.

To make matters worse, Spurs’ squad has been ravaged with injury issues this term, leaving Frank without some of his best players.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both never played a competitive game under the former Brentford boss, and are still nowhere near a return.

The likes of Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison, Ben Davies, Kevin Danso, and Lucas Bergvall have joined them in the treatment room over the past few months, with Odobert now adding to that list.

Injuries weren’t the sole reason for Frank’s dismissal, but they certainly played a big part in his downfall.

Andy Goldstein reacts to Ryan Mason return to Tottenham after what he’s heard about interim role

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Ryan Mason has once again been linked with an interim role at Tottenham – but Andy Goldstein is wary of such a move.

On Wednesday morning, news emerged of Tottenham sacking head coach Thomas Frank after just eight months in charge.

Frank’s side lost 2-1 to Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night, a result that effectively cost the Dane his job.

Spurs are now down to 16th place in the Premier League table, just five points above the relegation zone, and now the search for a new boss is underway.

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Tottenham and Ryan Mason told not to join forces again

Mason joined Tottenham’s coaching staff in April 2018, and then, following the dismissal of head coach Jose Mourinho three years later, he was named interim boss until the end of the 2020-21 season.

The then 29-year-old won four of his seven matches in charge before becoming a first-team coach under Antonio Conte at Spurs.

Mason came back for a second interim stint following Cristian Stellini’s sacking in April 2023, with Mason again taking up the reins, albeit with less success as he picked up seven points from a possible 18.

The 34-year-old was then handed his first senior managerial role at West Brom last June but that came to a swift end with his dismissal in January.

Amid speculation Mason may come back for a third interim stint, talkSPORT pundit Goldstein has urged all parties not to make this move happen.

He said on talkSPORT Drive: “A lot of people on social media are suggesting Ryan Mason will come back, I personally think that would be the wrong move for the club, and more importantly for him. If he goes back there again, it sort of looks like he’s a stopgap.”

He then posed the question, will Tottenham find someone on an interim role for the rest of the season or will they get a permanent manager for the summer? That remains to be seen.

Tottenham should avoid another Mason repeat amid relegation battle

While Frank was unable to translate his success at Brentford to Tottenham, he was not helped by injuries to key personnel this season.

Attacking midfielder James Maddison and winger Dejan Kulusevski are arguably Tottenham’s best players but they have been out all season with serious knee injuries.

Midfield anchor Rodrigo Bentancur is out with a thigh problem, as is winger Mohammed Kudus, and youngster Lucas Bergvall is also on the sidelines.

Striker Richarlison, full-back Pedro Porro, and more are also currently out, highlighting how Frank did not have a full deck of cards to play with.

While the performances under the Dane were scattered, divided and leaderless, Tottenham have big problems right now.

And throwing Mason back into the fire, after his West Brom woes where they are just above the Championship relegation zone, is not the right move for him or Spurs, who are dangerously close to the bottom three.

Harry Redknapp makes instant offer to Tottenham hierarchy after Thomas Frank sack

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Tottenham are now searching for a new manager after the sacking of Thomas Frank.

Frank was finally dismissed by Tottenham on Wednesday morning, leaving the North London outfit 16th in the Premier League and just five points clear of the relegation zone.

The Dane’s final match in charge was a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs’ fourth loss in their last six Premier League games.

Malick Thiaw opened the scoring for the Magpies, with Archie Gray grabbing an equaliser, but Jacob Ramsey’s winner put the final nail in the coffin for Frank.

Harry Redknapp would take Tottenham job

Harry Redknapp has previously urged Tottenham to stick by Frank, but he could now be the one to take the Dane’s place in North London.

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Mauricio Pochettino is one of the favourites to take over at Spurs, but the Argentine is currently unavailable, managing the USA national team.

Pochettino could be an option in the summer, after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, but if Tottenham were to go down that route, they would need an interim boss until the end of the season.

Redknapp’s name has been floated around as a potential option for the Lilywhites, despite the fact that he has been out of work since 2017.

However, speaking on Sky Sports News, the 78-year-old, who had a four year spell as manager of Tottenham, revealed he would be open to a return to North London.

Redknapp said: “Would I fancy it? Of course I would do it, without a shadow of a doubt.

“They’ve got my number. If anyone wants to ring me, they know where I am.

“But listen, I’m a realist, I don’t live in cuckoo land. It’s very doubtful if I would get the job.”

Tottenham lacking quality interim options

The fact that Redknapp is even being mentioned in terms of the Tottenham job shows the level of managers available right now.

If Spurs do decide to wait until the summer to make a permanent appointment, whether that be Pochettino or someone else, the interim boss has to keep them in the Premier League, above all else.

Ryan Mason, Tim Sherwood and John Heitinga are temporary options for the Lilywhites, but that will hardly fill Tottenham fans with confidence.

It remains to be seen who Spurs choose to replace Frank, but whoever comes in will have a big job on their hands to turn the current situation around.