Thomas Frank’s is at risk of Tottenham Hotspur showing him the exit door within days.
John Heitinga could replace the Dane immediately as interim manager if Spurs were to part ways with Frank.
That’s according to Algemeen Dagblad, who look at Heitinga’s situation and his start with Tottenham. Four days ago, the Premier League side appointed the 42-year-old as Frank’s assistant.
Later that day, Heitinga’s agent Rob Jansen said his client had spoken to everyone who matters at Tottenham before agreeing to join them. Claims elsewhere have reported Frank pushed for his arrival.
At the weekend, Heitinga saw the north London club suffer a 2-1 loss to West Ham United on his debut. It was Tottenham’s ninth Premier League defeat of the season after 22 matches. They are now 14th in the table, nine points behind fourth placed Liverpool.
Spurs have endured a difficult run under Frank this season, especially at home.
Thomas Frank in Tottenham danger
There’s general change at the club away from the manager, too. Daniel Levy has stepped down while Fabio Paratici’s exit in February has been announced. At the weekend, Tottenham fans protested and asked for more change.
AD say Heitinga’s decision to sign a contract until 2028 with Tottenham ‘in this circus’ is understandable. They insist the English club brought him as part of their long-term plan.
The Dutchman previously worked as an assistant at West Ham United and Liverpool. It’s repeatedly stated in the Netherlands that Heitinga has a great reputation as an assistant coach from his previous spells in England. That stance feels overplayed, at least a little.
Heitinga left Arne Slot’s Reds to join Ajax at the start of the season, however, they showed him the exit door in November. He returned to management as an assistant, but that could change quickly.
Tottenham face Borussia Dortmund [Champions League] on Tuesday and Burnley in the league on Saturday.
AD state poor results in these matches will make Frank’s position ‘untenable’. Heitinga can immediately come into the picture as the report claims he’s ‘at the top of the list of candidates as a temporary successor’.
There’s a belief he could then go on to have a longer term future, and a suggestion that was all part of his plan.
