The contenders to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham following his sacking have started flooding the market.
Thomas Frank tops the early shortlist, but Spurs are also considering several other candidates, including Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, and Fulham’s Marco Silva.
There has even been internal discussion about a sensational return for former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently managing the United States national team.
Postecoglou’s dismissal follows a wildly inconsistent campaign. Despite delivering Tottenham’s first major trophy in 17 years with a Europa League triumph over Manchester United, Spurs endured a dismal domestic season, finishing just one place above the relegation zone.
The 59-year-old Australian, who took charge in June 2023, became the club’s fourth permanent manager since Pochettino’s departure in 2019.
His exit reflects the club’s growing urgency to find a long-term, stable solution, and that process has now reset, with the cycle set to begin again under chairman Daniel Levy.
Ange Postecoglou has left his role as Tottenham manager 👋 pic.twitter.com/lwzybYAW91
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 6, 2025
Thomas Frank (Brentford)
Frank has transformed Brentford during his six-year spell, guiding the Bees to promotion via the Championship play-offs in 2021 and establishing them as a consistent Premier League side.
This season, they finished 10th, seven places and 18 points above Spurs.
According to multiple sources, Spurs have already made preliminary inquiries about Frank’s availability, with the club seriously considering the 51-year-old Dane as the man to lead them forward.
His strong working relationship with Tottenham’s technical director Johan Lange, also Danish, could be a decisive factor in the final decision.
Though Frank previously described Brentford as the “perfect job,” he acknowledged earlier this year that he wouldn’t be there forever. His tactical flexibility and calm demeanour make him a strong candidate to take on the pressure and expectations at Spurs.
Marco Silva (Fulham)
Marco Silva has rebuilt his reputation at Fulham, guiding the club to stable mid-table finishes over the past three seasons. The Portuguese coach has enjoyed success across Europe, winning silverware in Portugal and Greece – and his experience in the Premier League adds to his appeal.
While Silva’s pragmatic and structured approach might contrast with Spurs’ historic preference for attacking football, his proven ability to manage at this level makes him a solid contender.
Ange Postecoglou will rightly be remembered for delivering Spurs’ first trophy in 17 years, but some of these one liners shouldn’t be forgotten. 😅#THFC #Spurs pic.twitter.com/Ph768di1A7
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 6, 2025
Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)
Iraola is widely considered one of the Premier League’s standout managers this season. The 42-year-old Spaniard led Bournemouth to an impressive ninth-place finish, just missing out on European qualification.
Renowned for his high-intensity, pressing style, Iraola could be a natural fit for Spurs’ squad, echoing elements of Postecoglou’s intended style but with greater defensive balance. However, with Bournemouth on the rise, Iraola may feel he has unfinished business on the south coast.
Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)
Oliver Glasner has earned plaudits for an extraordinary spell at Crystal Palace. The Austrian led the Eagles to an FA Cup victory over Manchester City and European qualification, transforming the club’s outlook since taking charge in February 2024.
Despite his achievements, Palace chairman Steve Parish insists Glasner will remain in charge next season. But with Glasner’s contract running until 2026, a serious offer from Tottenham could yet change the narrative.
Mauricio Pochettino (United States)
Could the beloved former manager make a dramatic return? Mauricio Pochettino, who led Spurs to their best modern-era finishes and a Champions League final, remains a fan favourite.
However, he’s currently under contract with the United States national team, and his release would require one of the largest compensation payments in international football. While Pochettino has expressed a desire to return to Spurs one day, his focus remains on leading the U.S. into the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Pochettino was sacked months after leading Spurs to a Champions League final.
Mourinho was let go six days before the 2021 League Cup final.
Now, Ange Postecoglou has been sacked just 16 days after wining the Europa League and ending an 17-year trophy drought.
Spursy 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/4yt1ORonb9
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) June 6, 2025
Roberto De Zerbi (Marseille)
Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is currently enjoying success in Ligue 1, having guided Marseille to second place and secured Champions League qualification. With Spurs also in Europe’s elite competition next season, a return to England could be on the cards.
Other potential candidates
Edin Terzic, who recently left Borussia Dortmund after reaching the Champions League final, is said to be keen on a move to England and has Premier League experience from his stint as West Ham’s assistant.
Francesco Farioli, the 36-year-old Italian who impressed at Ajax before a dramatic late-season collapse, is also available. Despite the Dutch title slipping away, his innovative tactics and progressive football have earned attention.
Kieran McKenna is among the most exciting young managers in England. The 38-year-old led Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in record time, and though his side was relegated after one season, McKenna’s style and overachievement on a minimal budget have drawn widespread interest. He recently signed a new four-year deal at Ipswich.
Xavi, the former Barcelona coach who won La Liga in 2023, is also available and open to a return to football. Whether Spurs see him as a realistic option remains uncertain.
