Tottenham Hotspur are a club who are massively struggling to match expectations once again this campaign, but this time under Thomas Frank after his summer appointment.
The Dane was appointed after Ange Postecoglou was dismissed, with the Aussie finishing 17th in the Premier League but managing to win the Europa League title.
However, huge expectations were placed on the 52-year-old to succeed in North London, but it’s safe to say he’s struggled to match the demands of the fanbase in 2025/26.
The Lilywhites currently sit 14th in England’s top-flight at present, already eight points off a Champions League place after the first 21 games of the season.
He may still have time to save his career in North London, but numerous options have already been drawn up in case the hierarchy decide to make a managerial change.
The manager who now wants to replace Frank at Spurs
In recent weeks, rumours have been swirling over the future of manager Frank, which has seen Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola named as just one potential replacement.
The Spaniard is said to be admired by staff behind the scenes in North London, with his current deal at the Vitality set to expire at the end of the current season.
Such a factor could make a move likely in the near future, with it currently being unclear whether he will remain on the South Coast beyond the end of 2025/26.
However, he’s not the only option currently being considered by the Lilywhites hierarchy at present, with former manager Mauricio Pochettino another name mentioned with the role.
According to Football Insider, the Argentine is keen on returning to the role after previously spending five years in charge during Daniel Levy’s spell as Chairman.
However, the report does also state that a deal may have to wait until the summer, with the 53-year-old set to lead the USA national team at the upcoming World Cup.
Why Pochettino would be perfect for Gallagher at Spurs
With the transfer window now halfway through already, Spurs have only made one senior addition to date, with Conor Gallagher making a £34m move from Atlético Madrid.
The deal has seen the club bolster the central midfielder department, after Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for three months after suffering a hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old has previous experience in the Premier League after various spells at Crystal Palace, whilst cementing his place in the first team at Chelsea.
However, it remains to be seen who his long-term partner at the base of the midfield will be, with Frank needing to find his best solution in such an area.
Given the manager’s own situation, it remains to be seen if he can get the best out of the new addition, with his move potentially falling perfectly into the hands of Pochettino.
Not only does the Argentine know the club inside out, but he will be aided in any quest for success by Gallagher’s arrival, with the manager previously utilising him at Chelsea.
The pair formed an incredible partnership alongside one another at Stamford Bridge, as seen by the midfielder’s stats, which are arguably the best of his career to date.
Pochettino, who’s been labelled a “genius” by Alex Keble, selected the 25-year-old in all but one Premier League game back in 2023/24, showcasing his importance to the manager.
As a result of the faith shown in him, Gallagher registered five goals and seven assists in England’s top-flight, with such a tally his best during any season of his career in such a division.
Conor Gallagher – PL stats (2023/24)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
37
Goals & assists
12
Pass accuracy
92%
Chances created
1.6
Tackles made
2.5
Interceptions made
1.3
Duels won
6.1
Recoveries made
6.3
Stats via FotMob
His underlying stats also highlight how impressive he was under the Argentine, with a potential reunion between the duo massively benefiting the Lilywhites in the years ahead.
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Gallagher managed to complete 92% of the passes he attempted that season, whilst creating 1.6 chances per 90 – subsequently showcasing his incredible ball-playing ability.
However, he was just as impressive without the ball, subsequently making 2.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions – stats that made him the perfect box-to-box option.
There’s little denying that Frank faces a huge challenge on his hands to keep his job in North London, with his start to his tenure massively cranking up the pressure on his shoulders.
It appears as though Pochettino would be one of the likely candidates to take the reins, which could result in a fairytale return for the Argentine in the near future.
Such a move could allow Gallagher to reach his full potential for the Lilywhites, with the best spell of his professional career coming under his previous spell under his guidance.
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