Key Takeaways:
- Marco Rose has rapidly become the bookmakers’ favourite to take over at Tottenham following Thomas Frank’s dismissal on Wednesday morning
- Rose, who is currently still tied to RB Leipzig until June, is reportedly interested in a Premier League move
- Tottenham are due to face Arsenal at home on February 22 in their next fixture, with the managerial appointment yet to be finalised
Rose Heads List of Contenders After Frank’s Sudden Departure
Marco Rose has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur, after the London club parted company with Frank on Wednesday morning. The 52-year-old was dismissed less than half a day following Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle.
With FA Cup elimination last month means Spurs have a free weekend, the players were granted five days’ leave in the wake of the loss. The squad is scheduled to return to training on Monday, as Tottenham’s hierarchy initiates their formal search for a new manager.
🚨💣𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍 | Marco Rose is the ‘odds-on’ favourite to be the new Tottenham Hotspur boss.
🇩🇪Rose loves his teams to attack & wants his players to "take a shot" in the quickest route possible once turning over the ball.
🗞️[@OddsChecker]#THFC | #COYS | #TOTTENHAM | #SPURS pic.twitter.com/tUrFguzYDN
— Last Word On Spurs (@LastWordOnSpurs) February 12, 2026
Rose’s Premier League Ambitions and Current Situation
Previously not considered a frontrunner, former Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose, aged 49, dramatically surged to the top of the bookmakers’ odds on Friday morning. According to SunSport, Rose is now believed to be intent on a move to the Premier League, after turning down Saudi Arabian offers since departing RB Leipzig in March of last year.
Despite being unemployed, Rose is still under contract and receiving payment from RB Leipzig until the end of June. It is anticipated that Tottenham would need to pay a six-figure fee to release him from this agreement. Although Rose would prefer to start a new role with a full pre-season, there remains a possibility that an immediate appointment could materialise.
The Leipzig-born manager has previously worked with current Tottenham player Xavi Simons during his time in Germany. Simons, who is 22, spent two productive seasons in the Bundesliga, the majority of which were under Rose’s stewardship.
Other Candidates in the Frame
Alongside Rose, Edin Terzic, another ex-Dortmund head coach, is under consideration. Terzic, 43, has declined multiple approaches since his 2024 departure from BVB, including overtures from Monaco. He racked up 55 wins in 96 fixtures at Signal Iduna Park and led the team to the 2024 Champions League final, before requesting to exit within two weeks of Dortmund’s 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley.
Terzic is no stranger to English football, having served as assistant manager to Slaven Bilic at West Ham United from 2015 to 2017.
Roberto De Zerbi, who is 46, has also been mentioned as a possibility. He left Marseille earlier this week in the wake of their 5-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain last Sunday. However, his willingness to accept a new role immediately remains uncertain.
Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane is reportedly keen to return to Spurs, but only if offered a permanent contract and not on an interim basis.
Spurs Consider Options Amid Uncertainty
Tottenham Hotspur officials reportedly retain an interest in former manager Mauricio Pochettino. However, the picture is clouded by Pochettino’s existing commitment to lead the United States national team at the upcoming World Cup this summer. Should the club wish to bring Pochettino back, an interim manager appointment would be required.
With the team currently only five points clear of the relegation zone, it is uncertain if Tottenham will pursue the interim route.
There has not yet been any clarity regarding the future of Frank’s backroom staff, which includes Justin Cochrane, Chris Haslam, and Joe Newton – all of whom arrived from Brentford. John Heitinga was also added to the team last month, following a brief spell as Ajax manager.
Key Dates and Next Fixture
| Next Fixture | Date | Venue | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 22 February | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Arsenal |
Tottenham are set to return to action on February 22, with a high-stakes home derby against Arsenal. The next head coach will face a significant test in his opening fixture, as club officials work to finalise an appointment in the coming days.
