
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing for a seismic managerial shift, with former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández emerging as the leading candidate to replace the under-fire Thomas Frank.
The pressure on Frank reached a boiling point this weekend following a lackluster 2-2 draw against Burnley. Despite a late rescue act from captain Cristian Romero, the result leaves Spurs languishing in 13th/14th place, far from the European spots expected at the start of the campaign.
The Xavi Factor
According to beIN Sports, the Spurs hierarchy is “enchanted” by Xavi’s philosophy. The Spaniard, who led Barcelona to a La Liga title in 2023, has recently expressed a strong desire to manage in the Premier League, citing a love for the “passion and project-based” nature of English football.
However, Tottenham isn’t alone in their admiration. Manchester United is also keeping a close eye on Xavi as they plan for the post-Michael Carrick era, despite Carrick’s recent stunning victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Xabi Alonso Complication

While some sections of the Spurs board dream of Xabi Alonso recently dismissed from Real Madrid that path looks increasingly difficult. Alonso is reportedly holding out for the Liverpool job, where Arne Slot is also facing intense scrutiny following the Reds’ recent 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth.
Thomas Frank: A Project in Peril
Since arriving from Brentford in June 2025, Thomas Frank has struggled to implement his pragmatic style at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. With only two wins in their last 14 matches, the “We want Frank out” chants from the fans have become impossible for chairman Daniel Levy to ignore.
Managerial Carousel: The Current Landscape (Jan 26, 2026)
| Manager | Current Status | Linked With |
| Xavi Hernández | Free Agent | Tottenham, Man United |
| Xabi Alonso | Free Agent | Liverpool, Tottenham |
| Thomas Frank | On the Brink | – |
| Michael Carrick | Interim (Man Utd) | Permanent Role (Rumored) |

Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
