Tottenham Hotspur

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On the latest episode of BBC Sounds' Euro Leagues, the idea of Roberto de Zerbi - sacked this week by Marseille - coming to manage Tottenham was discussed.

The Athletic's James Horncastle said: "I do think there are some similarities in his approach to Ange Postecoglou, certainly in how they want their teams to play and believing it's the best way against the judgement of journalists, when we say, 'why are you playing this high line?'

"De Zerbi has been of interest to Tottenham in the past. It's no secret that their former managing director of football, or co-sporting director Fabio Paratici was an admirer of De Zerbi. Paratici is now at Fiorentina, not at Tottenham. Those recommendations he will have made will presumably still be in the memory bank at Tottenham.

"For the trend we have seen in the Premier League with the decisions Manchester United and Chelsea have made - they were challenged by coaches in press conferences - De Zerbi is vocal about what he wants and what he thinks should be done.

"This is a coach that expects an input in recruitment and a voice to be heard. We have seen over the last few decisions that big clubs have made in this country is they want a coach to coach. Recruitment is left with a sporting director. That's an interesting tension in the Premier League going forward. It seems they are moving away from these managers with big personalities."

Listen to Euro Leagues in full

Tottenham have registered their interest in USA and former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, 27, who is open to a return to England from AC Milan this summer. (Teamtalk), external

Spurs are attempting to find a short-term managerial appointment before seeking to reappoint USA boss Mauricio Pochettino following this summer's World Cup. (Sun), external

Paris St-Germain are prepared to rival Premier League clubs Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham with a £100m bid for Brighton's 22-year-old Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on Club Brugge and Serbia midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, 20. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Recently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.

He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.

On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.

"As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.

"Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.

"Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.

"You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.

"My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."

Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.

"For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.

"It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.

"Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Ange Postecoglou has questioned Tottenham's credentials as a "big club" and says Spurs are not taking the "risks" needed to succeed.

Spurs sacked Thomas Frank as head coach on Wednesday and Postecoglou - dismissed during the summer - was a guest on The Overlap at the time the managerial change was announced.

"They've built an unbelievable stadium, unbelievable training facilities but, when you look at their expenditure and particularly their wage structure, they're not a big club," he said.

"I saw that because, when we were trying to sign players, we weren't in the market for those players.

"When you walk into Tottenham, what you see everywhere is 'To Dare Is To Do' [the club motto], and yet their actions are almost the antithesis of that. I think they didn't realise that, to actually win, you've got to take some risks.

"I felt like Tottenham as a club were saying, 'we're one of the big boys', and the reality is I don't think they are."

Tottenham currently find themselves in a relegation battle having last won a Premier League game on 28 December.

The form led to Frank's dismissal and they are now seeking a fifth permanent manager since parting ways with Jose Mourinho in 2019.

Postecoglou led them to the Europa League last season, their only trophy since 2008.

"Having been in that position now twice in the last six months, it's tough," said Postecoglou, who has been dismissed by Spurs and Nottingham Forest since the summer.

"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."

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The 40-point mark - or thereabouts - could be needed once again to guarantee Premier League survival this term, with an in-form West Ham United attempting to chase down the sides above them.

That mythical number has often been cited as the threshold at which managers, players and fans can relax - but the total has not actually been needed to stay up since 2010-11.

Prior to that the only other occasions clubs were demoted with 40 points or more were 1996-97, 1997-98 and 2002-03.

But could that be about to change?

West Ham, who are 18th in the top flight, are only three points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, who sacked manager Sean Dyche after Wednesday's goalless draw with Wolves.

While Tottenham - who sacked boss Thomas Frank on Wednesday - are 16th, another two points ahead of Forest.

• Read a full breakdown on the 40-point target

West Ham's current points tally (24) is the most by any side in 18th at this stage of a campaign since 2019-20, when the Hammers recovered to stay up with 39 points.

Leeds also look to have found some momentum with recent wins over Fulham and Forest as well as draws at Everton and Chelsea.

In contrast, Spurs have managed a meagre four points from the previous 27 available to them.

Meanwhile, now managerless Forest have won just two of their past 10 games and fans of Brighton and Crystal Palace may also be looking over their shoulders.

The 14th-placed Seagulls (31 points) are on a dismal run having won just one top-flight game since 30 November.

Palace - who are a place and a point above Brighton - have only tasted victory once since 7 December and most recently let a two-goal lead slip as they lost to struggling Burnley.

That magic 40-point mark could well be needed once more to avoid dropping into the Championship.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Tottenham's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and the club's new leadership team will now be tasked with making their first appointment.

It remains to be seen whether they seek an interim manager with a view to appointing a permanent boss in the summer, or want a full-time choice immediately.

There is certainly consideration behind the scenes to the interim option given how drastically the managerial landscape will change in the summer.

One option until the end of the season could be John Heitinga, who joined Tottenham as an assistant coach last month. The former Netherlands defender managed Ajax this season and was part of Arne Slot's Premier League title-winning coaching staff at Liverpool.

For the long term, the most obvious development will be the potential availability of Mauricio Pochettino after the World Cup.

The USA head coach has made no secret of his desire to return to Tottenham one day - and supporters have made no secret of their wishes for him to return.

It seems like a perfect match. But Spurs will have to wait until after the World Cup to appoint Pochettino.

Even if it is not Pochettino, the likes of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva will be available for nothing in the summer.

Other World Cup coaches including Carlo Ancelotti and Julian Nagelsmann may also be obtainable.

So there is sense in buying time until the summer. Equally, however, the recent availability of De Zerbi, who left Marseille on Tuesday night, may interest Spurs.

De Zerbi is viewed as someone who can hit the ground running, a trait Tottenham could do with given their spiral towards the relegation zone. Yes, he can be combustible. But if Spurs are looking for an instant impact, the Italian could fit the bill.

Sources are indicating Tottenham want an appointment in place by the time the players arrive back on Monday after a pre-planned five-day break.

Amid on-field troubles, there have also been off-field rumours for the club's hierarchy to deal with - amid persistent rumblings Spurs could be sold.

This is despite it being reinforced to staff that Tottenham are not for sale. That correlates with public messaging despite industry rumours the Lewis family are open to selling.

Combined with the results on the pitch and the changes off it, it has been an uncertain time.

For now though, all the attention is on the dugout and how Tottenham replace Frank.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Thomas Frank was intent on implementing a positive culture at Tottenham - having done so at Brentford - which was one of the factors behind the decision to appoint him as Ange Postecoglou's successor.

There have been instances, however, when Frank's efforts to build respectful working conditions for his players and staff were tested.

Towards the start of his reign, Frank dropped a player from Tottenham's starting XI after the squad member reported late for a pre-match meeting and then did not apologise for the indiscretion.

However, after being removed from the team the player did later apologise.

The way Frank handled apparent threats to his authority ultimately impressed some players, who liked the fact there were consequences for below-par behaviour.

An example came when Yves Bissouma was left in London for August's Uefa Super Cup against Paris St-Germain because of persistent lateness.

In recent days, meanwhile, Frank had no intention of stripping Cristian Romero of the captaincy despite the defender's social media outbursts against the club or his red card against Manchester United.

Romero is said to be more difficult to manage around the club's training centre, and it is claimed some players felt the Argentine has been afforded preferential treatment.

When Micky van der Ven and Djed Spence appeared to refuse to shake Frank's hand after the home loss to Chelsea, the manager defused the situation by insisting the players were simply "frustrated" before later revealing they had apologised.

There was always a sense Frank put his players before his own agendas. Certain members of the squad certainly appreciated that.

But that is not to say he left a positive impression on all of them.

In the opening weeks of his reign, some players are believed to have found Frank indecisive.

They were used to Postecoglou's big personality - although the Australian had become increasingly isolated during his final months in charge.

There were consistent reservations about Frank's tactical approach, too: concerns he was not assertive enough in matches and was too focused on adapting to the opposition rather than imposing Spurs' own strengths.

That image of Frank will do little to dispel the narrative the Tottenham job was simply too big for him.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Real Madrid's 32-year-old Germany defender Antonio Rudiger as a replacement for 27-year-old Argentina defender Cristian Romero if he moves to the Bernabeu. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Former Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi could be open to taking charge of Spurs, despite his initial preference to hold out for the Manchester United job. (TeamTalk), external

Juventus and Inter Milan are set to go head-to-head for the signing of Tottenham's 29-year-old Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario this summer. (Gazzetta - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Somers to bring you the action and talking points from Tuesday's and Wednesday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

Watch reaction on BBC Sport after Tottenham sacked head coach Thomas Frank on Wednesday.

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Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says he would be interested in taking over from Thomas Frank and "could do the job".

Redknapp, 78, led Spurs from 2008 to 2012, qualifying for the Champions League in 2010 and reaching the League Cup final in 2009.

Further down this Tottenham page, you will find fan comments on who might take over from Frank - temporarily or permanently - and Redknapp's name was popular.

In the aftermath of Frank's dismissal on Wednesday, Redknapp told Sky Sports: "Would I fancy it? Of course I would do it, without any shadow of a doubt.

"But I am a realist - I don't live in (cloud) cuckoo land. It is very doubtful if I would get the job. But could I do the job? Yeah, of course I could do the job.

"What they need now is someone to go in, get down to basics, hard work - when you lose the ball, don't be embarrassed to run and try to get it back.

"When you lose (the ball), close down, work together, (get a) bit of confidence, make them believe in themselves.

"Somebody goes in and does that, they can get the results they need - but it ain't going to be easy."

Elsewhere on Wednesday, the club's former player and manager Glenn Hoddle shared his sympathy for Frank.

"He's had some crippling injuries to a lot of talented players he couldn't call upon - a big reason why we didn't see him flourish at Spurs," said Hoddle.

"This is a fact not excuses. For example, if Joe Root was having to bat with half a bat you couldn't expect much!"

BBC Sport pundit and former Premier League striker Chris Sutton also posted on social media, stating: "Romero stupidly getting sent off when his manager really needed him sums up why it wasn't meant to be for Thomas Frank at Spurs. I feel really sorry for him. The problems at Spurs run far deeper. Nobody knows what Spurs' identity is anymore."

Bardi
Fan writer

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As the final whistle blew, never before had our fanbase been so united. In this social media age of polarisation and in-fighting, it takes something seismic to bring everyone to the same point, but that's the legacy Thomas Frank leaves with.

His failure is clear. No league wins this calendar year and a side bereft of any ideas or identity. As a fanbase, we were asked continually for patience and support, but there was nothing to get behind. Just a collection of long balls, set-pieces, and goalmouth scrambles.

He should have been fired long before we approached the edge of the cliff, but our board is a prideful bunch and only moved when the financial implications of the error was laid bare.

We have sacked managers in cup finals, managers in fourth place, and managers with a trophy on their mantelpiece - but for some reason, they continued to back this guy.

In my opinion, it was only decided to press the button once there was a realisation about the precarious nature of Spurs' financial stability.

A Tuesday night under the lights against a Category A opponent and many of us chose to stay at home. This is not part of the financial planning. Churning out the profits is what gets the juices flowing - so with empty seats, another loss on the record and the Championship looming, action was finally taken to save the spreadsheets.

We should never have got this far. We've been on this destructive course for so long that perhaps it is now too late. The iceberg we've been pointing at for months has finally been spotted, but the rudder is too small and we're moving too quickly to change course.

Frank spoke many times about trying to turn an oil tanker - and this is what awaits whoever we decide to appoint.

The failure of Tottenham belongs to many this season.

A bad appointment followed up by even worse recruitment. Every footballing issue at the club was ignored as Johan Lange and his team chose not to "panic" in January.

Instead, they waited for February to panic - and maybe it's all a little too late.

Find more from Bardi at The Extra Inch - a Spurs podcast, external

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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For all the failings on the pitch, Thomas Frank did not enjoy the best of fortunes when it came to players available to him.

Injuries denied him the chance to use some of his most influential performers. And there also was the departure of the iconic Son Heung-min.

Another major blow came when the club let the potential signing of Eberechi Eze drag on so long that Arsenal seized the opportunity to hijack his move from Crystal Palace.

Spurs also thought they had a £60m deal to sign Nottingham Forest's gifted midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, with a medical tentatively pencilled in. But Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis begged to differ, and the saga ended with the player signing a new deal.

In Eze and Gibbs-White, Spurs could have acquired match-winners who might have proved priceless to Frank.

Dejan Kulusevski's long-term knee injury robbed Frank of a crucial attacking weapon

Kulusevski - one of Spurs' most dangerous game-changers - never played a minute under Frank because of surgery on a patella injury sustained last season.

England midfielder James Maddison had been in and out under Ange Postecoglou, but his hopes of making an impact under Frank disappeared when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle in June.

Dominic Solanke - the side's £60m spearhead - was also missing for months after an operation on an ankle injury, while Mohammed Kudus - a £55m signing from West Ham - and Richarlison also suffered long-term injuries.

While Frank was unable to find solutions, there is no question those absences were damaging.

• Read an extensive piece by Phil on Frank's Spurs reign

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We asked for your views on who Tottenham should appoint after sacking Thomas Frank. Here is a selection of your thoughts...

Colin: Harry Redknapp and Jermain Defoe until the end of the season. Then get Mauricio Pochettino back... but the owners need to sell.

Anthony: I think someone like Redknapp or Ryan Mason until the end of the season to try to keep us up. If we go down, a lot of players will leave.

Richard: Robbie Keane.

Nathan: Something had to happen before things got any worse. Frank was never the right man for the job. I feel for him with all the injuries, and we have to question why there are so many, but he should still be able to get more out of the players available. Put an interim in place, get Mikey Moore back from loan and appoint Oliver Glasner in the summer.

Dave: Get Big Sam! He'll save them from relegation!

Theo: Frank seems like a genuinely good bloke and has been dealt a tough hand, but ultimately the style of football was never good enough and we're stuck in a rut that demands change. My vote is for Roberto de Zerbi. He's a loose cannon but his teams play the way we want and he'll always be entertaining. He'll never be a long-term appointment but it will be a lot more fun along the way!

Amit: Redknapp for now, I hope. Steady the ship. Then Poch with some money to recruit after the World Cup. Our recruiting has been awful. As for Frank, there's probably a good manager in there somewhere but the stats don't lie. He had to go.

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Sacked Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank was caught in a difficult place in terms of style of play, says Stephen Kelly.

The Dane achieved great success at Brentford with a pragmatic style but struggled at Spurs, where fans expect better attacking football.

"Frank was caught between it," former Spurs full-back Kelly said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He tried to be expansive in forward areas but then left himself exposed. As a coach he is opening himself to playing a way that doesn't suit him. It's really hard to get right.

"Ange Postecoglou got it right for the first six months and then it fell apart because they were so open.

"It's very hard to please. But if you're winning games fans will turn and they'll be on your side and then you can try to play. But the most important thing is league position."

But Kelly does not think Spurs - who sit five points above the relegation zone - will go down.

"I don't think so," he said. "I might eat my words but I don't think so. I feel the teams below them are a lot worse than Spurs.

"Spurs could win a couple of matches and get through this. I think they'll be good enough to stay up. But they need a change.

"The players' confidence looks low. Getting booed every week won't help that. You're going to feel terrible so they'll have to find a way to turn this around."

Aaron Paul is joined by former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson and BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel. They discuss how the decision came about and what Spurs do next.

Listen now on BBC Sounds