Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly contemplating sacking manager Thomas Frank following a 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
- The north London club sits 14th in the Premier League after 22 matches, with just seven wins, languishing 10 points above the relegation zone.
- A decision on Frank’s future could come before Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.​
- Frank, appointed in June 2025 replacing Ange Postecoglou, has a dismal points-per-game record of 1.23 in the Premier League, the worst among Tottenham’s last eight managers.
- Postecoglou had ended Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League last season.
- Assistant coach John Heitinga is viewed as a potential caretaker manager if Frank departs.​
- Mauricio Pochettino, praised as ‘world-class’ and former Spurs boss from 2014-2019, is among leading candidates to replace Frank permanently after his US national team contract ends post-World Cup.​
- Other names linked include Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva, and Enzo Maresca.
- Fans chanted “sacked in the morning” during the West Ham game, with sections booing Frank.
- Reports indicate Frank’s position has become “untenable” after just three wins in 15 games across all competitions.​
- Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham issued an open letter stating the men’s first team has “fallen short” this season.​
- Frank’s post-match verdict: “It’s classic in the situation right now, where it’s not going our way.”​
Tottenham, North London – GiveMeSport reports that Tottenham Hotspur are on the brink of sacking manager Thomas Frank in a major U-turn following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United on January 17, 2026.​
The north London club are reportedly contemplating whether to dismiss the Dane before Tuesday’s Champions League game with Borussia Dortmund, despite initially standing firm in their support of the manager. The defeat left Spurs languishing 14th in the Premier League after 22 games, 10 points off the relegation zone but with a horrific home record contributing to the slide.
Why Is Thomas Frank Facing the Sack at Tottenham?
The Sun highlights a growing sense that Frank cannot restore any authority following a dismal first part of the season, with just seven wins in 22 league games. As reported by Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, speculation regarding Frank’s uncertain future is mounting, with a decision already made by the club as his position became “untenable” after a horrific period of just three wins in 15 games in all competitions.
Thomas Frank, 52, was only appointed on June 12, 2025, replacing sacked Ange Postecoglou, who ended Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a major trophy by lifting the Europa League with a 1-0 win over Manchester United on May 21, 2025. Frank signed a contract until 2028, with Brentford receiving £10 million in compensation, and some of his coaching staff transferred over.
His Premier League average points-per-game record of 1.23 is the worst of Tottenham’s last eight managers, including Postecoglou’s 1.52, who oversaw a 17th-placed finish last term. Sofascore data shows Frank’s overall PPM at Tottenham as 1.28 across 32 matches (11 wins, 8 draws, 13 losses).
What Happened in the West Ham Defeat?
In the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs started brightly but conceded the opener on 15 minutes when Crysencio Summerville’s shot cannoned home off Micky van de Ven. Injuries struck early, with Archie Gray and Ben Davies forced off – Davies stretchered away.​
Spurs fought back, taking the ascendancy in the second half as Cuti Romero levelled with a towering header on 64 minutes. However, West Ham snatched victory in the third minute of added time, with Callum Wilson poking home from close range from a corner.​
Sections of the home crowd expressed discontent, directing boos at Frank and chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning.” As per Tom Chambers of ESPN, the performance did little to disprove CEO Vinai Venkatesham’s open letter earlier that day, which stated the
“men’s first team has fallen short of where we want to be so far this season.”
Thomas Frank’s post-match verdict, as quoted on TottenhamHotspur.com, was:
“It’s classic in the situation right now, where it’s not going our way.”
He conceded:
“We started brightly… but conceded the opener on 15 minutes… We also lost Archie Gray and Ben Davies to injury – Davies stretchered off.”​
How Has Frank’s Reign Unravelled at Spurs?
ESPN’s Tom Chambers details how Frank’s tenure began promisingly but unravelled with a shocking home record and inability to implement attractive play. His first official game was a 2025 UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. He won his league opener 3-0 against Burnley.
Key low points include a 0-1 home loss to Chelsea on November 1, 2025, where Spurs managed just three shots (one on target) and a pitiful xG of 0.1. Frank admitted post-match:
“That hurts massively. I have never been in charge of a team that has created that little in one game.”​
Earlier issues emerged, such as a late draw against a struggling side, highlighting woes at home. Against West Ham, previously winless in 10 league games, the boos peaked.​
Football.London reports that at least one official within Tottenham’s hierarchy has raised concerns about Frank’s position over recent weeks, though no final decision has been confirmed publicly.​
Who Could Replace Thomas Frank as Manager?
Should Frank be sacked before Tuesday’s game, assistant coach John Heitinga is seen as a potential caretaker candidate until a new permanent head coach is appointed. Heitinga, former Ajax and Everton defender who managed Ajax twice and assisted at Liverpool and West Ham, joined Frank’s staff recently.
For a permanent role, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is expected among the candidates after his US national team contract expires post-World Cup. The Argentine, praised as ‘world-class’ by US Soccer, spent over five years at Spurs from 2014 to 2019, leading to the 2019 Champions League final and second in the Premier League in 2016/17 – their highest top-flight position in over 50 years.​
As reported in The Sun via Biz.Chosun, Xavi Hernandez is also a leading candidate; the free agent led Barcelona to the 2023 La Liga title. Football Insider notes Mauricio Pochettino suddenly in pole position with odds slashed, while Xabi Alonso was recent favourite after leaving Real Madrid; others linked include Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva, and Enzo Maresca.
What Is Tottenham’s Position and Broader Context?
Tottenham’s 14th place reflects three wins in 15 across competitions lately. Transfermarkt confirms 7 wins, 6 draws, 9 losses in 22 Premier League games (27 points, 1.23 PPM).
The club remains in the Champions League, facing Dortmund next, adding pressure. Despite initial support, the U-turn stems from fan frustration and hierarchy concerns.
As a north London news story, this unfolds amid high expectations post-Postecoglou’s Europa success. Sportbible notes the West Ham loss leaves Frank under even more pressure despite his 2025 start.
