The double-winning tactician has emerged as a top candidate for Daniel Levy, but can he succeed where other Portuguese managers failed?
The fallout from Thomas Frank’s disastrous tenure at Tottenham continues. Following a “shambolic” 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, which saw pundit Jamie O’Hara label Frank as “one of the worst managers” in the club’s history, Spurs are looking toward Lisbon for a solution.
While big names like Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi remain in the frame, a new frontrunner has emerged: Sporting CP’s Rui Borges. According to SportsBoom, Tottenham are eager to hold talks with the 44-year-old, who has performed a tactical miracle in Portugal since taking over in late 2024.
The “Amorim Successor” Who Exceeded Expectations
Replacing Ruben Amorim was seen as an impossible task, but Borges has not only stabilized Sporting he led them to a historic League and Cup double. His contract expires at the end of the season, meaning Spurs could potentially appoint him without paying a hefty compensation fee.
| Feature | Thomas Frank (Spurs) | Rui Borges (Sporting CP) |
| Points Per Match | 1.29 | 2.23 |
| Win Rate | Struggling for survival | 67.7% |
| Tactical Style | Rigid / Defensive | Dynamic / Attacking |
A “Natural Gift” for Leadership
Valdemar, sporting director at Borges’ former club Mirandela, describes him as a “true leader” with a natural gift for uniting players. “He studies opponents carefully but also mirrors what the best teams in the world are doing,” Valdemar noted.
However, the move is not without risk. The jump from the Primeira Liga to the Premier League is notorious as Ruben Amorim discovered during his challenging stint at Manchester United. With Tottenham flirting with a relegation battle, appointing a manager who has never worked outside of Portugal is a massive gamble for the ENIC group.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
