Next Tottenham Hotspur Manager Odds – Roberto De Zerbi Installed as Favourite
by 5 minutes read /
Tottenham Hotspur are searching for their sixth permanent manager in seven years after Thomas Frank was sacked following a disastrous eight-month spell in north London. With the club languishing in 16th place and relegation fears mounting, betting sites have reacted by slashing odds on former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi to take the hot seat.
The betting sites market has shifted dramatically in the hours following the announcement. Thomas Frank’s departure comes after a tenure described as a “gamble that ended in failure”.
The breaking point appears to have been a loss of identity and authority, with reports of a “toxic” atmosphere where senior players like Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven refused to participate in post-match rituals.
With the club sitting just five points above the relegation zone, the hierarchy has acted to prevent an unthinkable drop to the Championship.
Frank, who left the stability of Brentford for the chaos of Spurs, leaves a squad that produced just 0.1 xG in a recent home defeat to Chelsea and failed to score in a “mind-numbing” goalless draw against his former club.
| Manager | Odds | Recommended Betting Site | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roberto De Zerbi | 5/6 | BetVictor | Visit Site |
| John Heitinga | 11/8 | Betfred | Visit Site |
| Mauricio Pochettino | 6/1 | Bet365 | Visit Site |
| Robbie Keane | 8/1 | Betfred | Visit Site |
| Ryan Mason | 8/1 | Bet365 | Visit Site |
| Oliver Glasner | 11/1 | BetVictor | Visit Site |
* Odds correct 13/2/2026
Roberto De Zerbi (5/6) – The Firebrand
The Italian tactician has surged to the top of the market as the odds-on favourite. Having recently left Marseille, De Zerbi is available immediately, which is a crucial factor given Spurs’ precarious league position. His reputation for high-octane, attacking football aligns perfectly with the “Tottenham DNA” that fans felt was missing under Frank’s “mishmash of ideas”.
Pros:
- He is currently unattached, meaning no compensation fee is required, and he can step in immediately to arrest the slide.
- His “heavy metal” football philosophy would instantly win over a fanbase starved of entertainment after a season of “impotent attacking displays”.
Cons:
- De Zerbi demands “full control” of transfers and strategy, which could lead to friction with a board that has previously clashed with strong characters like Antonio Conte.
- His combustible nature might be a risk in a dressing room that is already fractured and fragile.
John Heitinga (11/8) – The Continuity Candidate
Brought in recently as an assistant to Frank, Heitinga finds himself as a leading contender, likely initially on an interim basis. With the season entering a critical phase, the board may prefer a “stabiliser” who is already in the building rather than risking a new permanent appointment immediately.
Pros:
- He is already embedded at Hotspur Way and knows the squad’s immediate issues, offering a “zero-friction” transition.
- Heitinga has some managerial experience, having previously led Ajax, and is respected for his coaching credentials.
Cons:
- His association with the failed Frank regime could see him viewed as “guilty by association” by the fans.
- His track record as a number one is limited; he was sacked by Ajax after just five months, raising doubts about his ability to handle a Premier League relegation scrap.
Mauricio Pochettino (6/1) – The Emotional Reunion
The return of “Poch” remains the dream for the vast majority of the Tottenham faithful. The Argentine, currently managing the USA national team, is viewed as the only man who truly understands the club. However, the timing is complicated by the looming World Cup in 2026, which is being hosted in the country he currently manages.
Pros:
- He is universally adored by the fanbase and players, and his appointment would instantly detoxify the atmosphere in the stadium.
- He has a proven track record of developing young players and playing attractive football at Tottenham, having led them to a Champions League final.
Cons:
- He is likely unavailable until the summer due to his World Cup commitments with the USA, meaning Spurs would need an interim solution first.
- Critics argue that “never go back” is a golden rule in football, noting that he was sacked in 2019 with the team in 14th place and winning no trophies.
Robbie Keane (8/1) – The Passion Choice
A surprise mover in the market, club legend Robbie Keane has been backed by former teammates like Michael Dawson to take charge. Currently managing Ferencvaros, Keane would bring an undeniable passion and understanding of the club’s identity that has been sorely lacking.
Pros:
- Keane would galvanise the fanbase and bring “passion” back to the dugout, understanding exactly what it means to represent the badge.
- He is a fresh face in terms of Premier League management, potentially offering the “bounce” needed to survive relegation.
Cons:
- He is currently under contract at Ferencvaros, and it is unclear if he would leave mid-season for a firefighting job.
- His lack of managerial experience in a top-five European league makes him a significant gamble compared to seasoned operators like De Zerbi or Glasner.
Ryan Mason (8/1) – The Safe Hands
Ryan Mason is a familiar name in these discussions, having previously served as interim boss. Although recently sacked by West Brom, he remains well-regarded within the club circles and knows the infrastructure better than almost anyone.
Pros:
- He has done the job before, stepping in after the exits of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, providing a safe pair of hands in turbulent times.
- Mason understands the club’s culture and would likely have the immediate respect of the core playing group.
Cons:
- His recent dismissal from West Brom significantly damages his stock as a permanent Premier League manager.
- Appointing him could be seen as a lack of ambition by a board under pressure to deliver a “big name.”
Other Names in the Frame
Beyond the immediate favourites, several other high-profile coaches are being monitored by the betting markets.
Oliver Glasner (11/1)
The Crystal Palace boss has long been on Spurs’ radar and has already confirmed he is leaving Selhurst Park. His tactical acumen and recent Premier League experience make him a strong candidate, though prising him away mid-season could be complex.
Marco Silva (14/1)
Currently at Fulham, Silva is out of contract in June and was a target for Spurs last summer. He offers a proven Premier League track record but, like Glasner, may prefer to wait until the summer to move.
Harry Redknapp (25/1)
The 78-year-old former boss has thrown his hat in the ring, stating he would take the job “without a shadow of a doubt” to get the club “back to basics”. While a romantic notion for some, it is widely viewed as unlikely.
What’s Next for Tottenham?
The dismissal of Thomas Frank leaves Tottenham in a perilous position. Sitting 16th and facing a genuine relegation battle, the board’s next move is critical. They face a dilemma: appoint a “firefighter” like Heitinga or Keane to limp to the summer – when preferred targets like Pochettino or Glasner become available – or act decisively now to bring in an elite coach like De Zerbi.
With a daunting fixture list ahead, including a north London derby against Arsenal on February 22, whoever steps into the dugout will need to hit the ground running. The “gamble” on Frank failed; the next bet the club places simply has to win.
