'Perfect Plan': Tottenham must appoint this interim head coach and copy Man Utd success - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in a new level of disarray on Wednesday with Thomas Frank given his marching orders following the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday evening.

Spurs’ top flight form has been a cause of concern for months and now a frenzy of rumours and opinions circle around the club over who should come in to replace Frank. The North London outfit could follow in the footsteps of Manchester United with a galvanising interim coach or look to avoid months of speculation with a permanent appointment.

Roberto De Zerbi is the early frontrunner for the job with his departure from Marseille this week coming at a potentially opportune moment. The 46-year-old earned plaudits for his work with Brighton when in the Premier League and would bring Champions League experience to Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur must wait for Mauricio Pochettino appointment

For fans of the club, there is one name who would be more popular than any other and that is Mauricio Pochettino. The former Tottenham manager led Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019 and to a second-place league finish in 2017.

Pochettino is currently in charge of the United States international side and is not expected to leave that post before the World Cup this summer. Following that tournament, there is a feeling that the Argentine would be available for a Premier League return in the summer.

If that is the move, then Spurs need an interim head coach. The perfect appointment would be Robbie Keane.

What the club needs more than anything is an attitude shift. It’s a similar position to that which Manchester United found themselves in when Ruben Amorim left Old Trafford under a cloud. Since then, Michael Carrick has come in and galvanised the side with the Red Devils’ recent form appearing to come from a shift in attitude as much as a tactical change.

Spurs should appoint Robbie Keane on interim basis

Keane is currently in charge of Hungarian club Ferencváros. The 45-year-old won the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2024 and followed it up with a Hungarian league title in 2025.

While those achievements may not be comparable to the Premier League, it does show a manager capable of getting the best from a group of players at his disposal and an ability to do that quickly. Ferencváros have also punched above their financial weight in the Europa League under Keane.

It’s a promising budding management CV and, combine that with 306 Spurs appearances, it’s a prospect that offers much reason for excitement - a feeling hard to find at Tottenham right now.

What’s more, it seems certain that Keane would accept the job. Even with plenty to play for this season with Ferencváros, a strong short period in the top flight would allow him to leapfrog into bigger and better things next season.

The former striker was asked about potential Spurs interest last week and, while he did the respectable thing of reaffirming his commitment to Ferencváros, the Irishman spoke in detail about his love for the ‘wonderful’ club.

The Spurs legend said: “I think it’s nice that your name is there. Who puts it there? I have no clue. I think it shows you that I’m doing okay. To be even put there, again, I don’t even know, is it just the bookmakers? I have no clue how it works. I’m obviously aware of it, but I’m happy here.

“It’s a fantastic club, unbelievable training ground and stadium. It’s amazing, of course, as we all know. And really good players, good squad of players.”

Michael Dawson backs Keane for Premier League dugout debut

The feelgood factor that could come with the return of Keane could be priceless for Spurs, and it’s a move that has been backed by former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson too.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Dawson said: “For me, there’s someone there in the making, someone who knows the football club, someone who has got the passion, played for the club and loves it, will galvanise everyone. That is Robbie Keane for me.

“I can’t imagine him leaving, top of the league and in the knockout stages of the Europa League. I don’t know too many managers that would leave for an interim job. Why not give it him on a permanent basis? They’ve tried Jose, they’ve tried Conte, they’ve tried Thomas Frank.”

In other news, What Mauricio Pochettino has said about Tottenham return and why contract clause blocks appointment.