Levy can forget Frank & Ange by hiring “the best manager in the world” for Spurs
Cast your minds back to late October 2023, when optimism was overflowing in North London. Tottenham Hotspur, under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, were the surprise package of the Premier League. The Australian had just masterminded his tenth consecutive league victory, and Spurs fans were dreaming big. The team’s thrilling, attacking style — a fearless, high-tempo brand of football — had captured imaginations across the country. Pundits and supporters alike were wondering just how far Postecoglou could take this revitalised Tottenham side.
But as quickly as the rise came, the fall was just as sudden.
A chaotic 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in early November marked the beginning of a painful downturn. That match didn’t just hand Spurs their first major setback — it was the night the season derailed. Star playmaker James Maddison and defensive lynchpin Micky van de Ven both suffered significant injuries, while Cristian Romero picked up a red card that cost him a suspension. What followed was a sharp dip in form. Tottenham stumbled through the remainder of the campaign and, after a nervy few months, just about managed to scrape into the Europa League by May.
Fast forward to the current season, and things have gone from bad to worse. Postecoglou’s second year — which he previously claimed is when his teams usually hit their stride and start lifting trophies — has failed to live up to expectations. Unless Spurs can find a spark and mount a serious challenge in Europe, they risk finishing as low as 17th, an outcome that would make this season one of their most disappointing in recent memory.
With results faltering and pressure mounting, reports are beginning to circulate that the club’s hierarchy is considering a change in leadership. Postecoglou’s future is in serious doubt, and speculation is swirling about who could replace him in the dugout. Brentford’s Thomas Frank has emerged as one candidate — a name with growing support among pundits and fans. However, another manager, perhaps a more ambitious and bold option, has entered the frame: Xavi Hernández, the former Barcelona boss.
Why Thomas Frank Appeals to Spurs
Before diving into the possibility of Xavi, it’s worth exploring why Thomas Frank is being considered.
Tactically, the Danish manager employs a 4-3-3 formation, a setup that aligns closely with what Postecoglou has established at Tottenham. Like the Australian, Frank favors a dynamic, energetic approach. His Brentford teams are known for their fast-paced transitions, vertical passing, and a relentless pressing style — all qualities that would keep Spurs’ current squad within a familiar tactical framework.
What makes Frank particularly appealing is his proven ability to maximize limited resources. He took Brentford from the Championship to the Premier League and turned them into a steady mid-table outfit, all without lavish spending. This mirrors Tottenham’s desire for a manager who can deliver results without necessarily demanding astronomical transfer budgets.
Even after losing star striker Ivan Toney, Brentford have remained competitive. Frank has demonstrated tactical flexibility and strong man-management skills, with players like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa stepping up to shoulder the goalscoring burden. His ability to develop players and maintain team cohesion amid adversity is a testament to his leadership.
While Frank would be a safe, smart appointment that ensures continuity and Premier League experience, there’s a sense that Spurs — with their global brand and talented squad — might benefit from a more high-profile coach capable of bringing silverware and star power.
Enter Xavi: A Proven Winner with Tactical Flair
That brings us to the other candidate: Xavi Hernández.
The Barcelona legend, who recently left his role at the Catalan club, has been linked with the Tottenham job, according to reports from football.london. While the idea may seem far-fetched at first glance, a closer look reveals that Xavi could be the ideal figure to steer Spurs into a new era.
Tactically, Xavi is a student of the modern game with strong roots in positional play — a philosophy forged at Barcelona and refined under the guidance of Pep Guardiola’s influence. During his time in charge of Barça, one of Xavi’s trademark strategies was to overload the midfield. He often used a traditional winger on the right, while deploying an additional midfielder on the left who tucked inside, allowing the left-back to provide width. This fluid setup gave his teams a numerical advantage in central areas and allowed for greater control of possession.
At Spurs, such a setup could work seamlessly. Imagine a midfield featuring James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski (in an interior role), Lucas Bergvall, and a dedicated holding midfielder. Meanwhile, Destiny Udogie — whose attacking instincts make him one of the Premier League’s most exciting full-backs — would have the freedom to maraud down the flank, just as Xavi would want.
Formationally, Xavi is comfortable with a 4-3-3, which fits perfectly with Tottenham’s current structure. His commitment to quick, intelligent passing and attacking dominance would bring a sophisticated edge to Spurs’ game, while also enhancing the development of the club’s young midfield talents.
Beyond the tactics, Xavi brings something that Thomas Frank, for all his talents, cannot — a track record of winning at the highest level. He led Barcelona to a La Liga title and left with an impressive record: 91 wins, 23 draws, and just 29 losses, with an average of 2.07 points per game. His experience managing elite players and handling high-pressure situations could be invaluable at a club desperate to return to the Champions League and end their trophy drought.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Decision for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur now stand at a critical crossroads. Ange Postecoglou’s early promise has faded amid injuries, inconsistent form, and unmet expectations. As the club evaluates its next steps, it must decide between steady progression or a bold leap forward.
Thomas Frank would offer familiarity, reliability, and a solid tactical vision rooted in Premier League experience. Xavi, on the other hand, represents ambition — a manager with continental success, a deep tactical mind, and the presence to command a dressing room full of big personalities.
For a club still yearning to fulfill its long-standing promise, the choice between Frank and Xavi could define not just next season, but the trajectory of Tottenham Hotspur for years to come.