Manager Thomas Frank was forced this week to insist that he still had the support of Tottenham’s management, but after less than six months in the position, there is hardly a brilliant record of his work so far.
Spurs are falling down the table after three straight defeats and have won just one of their last seven games before the tough trip to Newcastle on Tuesday night. Another setback there will likely push Frank closer to the point where there is no going back.
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The Danish coach was brought in to replace the popular Ange Postecoglou in the summer, with the task of making the club more competitive on all fronts, as well as imprinting his style of play on a dressing room that was used to a “heavy metal”-pressing style. So far, the outcome has been poor, with weak performances leading to serious results.
Of course, there is still time for Frank to turn this sinking ship around, but for now, it seems that his days may already be counting. Not surprisingly, attention has turned to his potential replacements.
According to Fichajes, the Spurs management is actively considering making a coaching change if results do not improve before the end of December, and former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández is a target.
However, they could face competition from Manchester United, as Rúben Amorim is once again in the spotlight at Old Trafford.
Key stats: Xavi managed 142 games for Barcelona, winning 89 of them and losing only 29.
Both clubs reportedly see Xavi as the ideal candidate to lead a new era, while his tactical approach, confidence in young players, and experience of coaching at the highest level also make him well-suited for the Premier League.
The 45-year-old coach has been out of work since being sacked at the Nou Camp, and he is said to want a “stable project” for his next job. The same publication claims that this will not be a problem for either Spurs or United.
Although there has been no direct contact with the Spaniard, Xavi certainly represents an attractive option.
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Tottenham should bet on Xavi
In reality, the Frank project was doomed to failure from the start. Although his Brentford team was known for good, expansive football, playing on the offensive is something completely different, a style of play Tottenham supporters became accustomed to under Postecoglou.
Xavi would have contributed with better control of the game and a smooth passing style, which was easy on the eye in LaLiga.
Crucially, he has also proven that he can win trophies, after he led Barcelona to the league title in 2022-23 despite a number of problems off the pitch, including financial difficulties. If he took over Spurs, he would likely immediately start planning a shock in the Premier League, and more domestic titles, as part of an ambitious multi-year plan.
As a player, he won the World Cup, four Champions League titles and eight LaLiga championships, and seems just as ambitious on the sidelines. It bodes very well for Tottenham, who at least until last season were hungry for success.
Recent reports have suggested that Frank is losing support from the dressing room, a toxic problem that more than often leads to a manager being sacked. Xavi, on the other hand, would command the team’s respect, partly because of his legendary playing career. He also relies on youth, as he gave a certain Lamine Yamal his debut at the age of 15.
Xavi’s system relies heavily on wingers to create width and precise attack, raising the possibility that he could help improve Xavi Simons after the playmaker’s questionable start to life in north London.
The Dutch player actually feels like a much better fit in the style of play of a manager like Xavi, rather than Frank.
Before sacking him at Barcelona, Blaugrana president Joan Laporta described Xavi as “the best manager in the world”.
“It’s fantastic to have him as a coach. He is one of those people who makes you feel very comfortable. He is an optimist, but also rooted, and he has earned that trust.”
“To have someone as consistent Barcelona as Xavi as manager and to be president myself, makes me proud because that’s the way it should be, it’s the circle of life. It’s in line with Barca’s model.”
“There is complete trust, and we will help him in anything he needs.”
