Gary Lineker names next Tottenham manager amid Pochettino problem | Football | Sport
Gary Lineker has discussed Tottenham’s managerial situation (Image: Getty)
Tottenham find themselves searching for a new manager following the dismissal of Thomas Frank, with Gary Lineker proposing that Enzo Maresca could be the ideal replacement. The Danish manager lasted just eight months in North London after arriving from an impressive stint at Brentford.
Whilst Spurs hoped to bring stability following a disappointing Premier League season – despite the temporary boost from their Europa League success – Frank failed to deliver. The 52-year-old’s tenure at the club proved underwhelming, with the side languishing in 16th position following a 2-1 loss to Newcastle United.
The club’s hierarchy now faces a crucial decision regarding their next appointment, with several potential approaches under consideration. One possibility involves bringing in a caretaker manager before pursuing a permanent successor in the summer, whilst another option would be to secure the right candidate immediately.
Former Tottenham striker Lineker believes the next manager should be ex-Chelsea boss Maresca. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, he commented: «Interestingly, for me, someone like Maresca [should be a candidate]. If I were Tottenham, I’d very much look at him, even though he’s former Chelsea and they don’t like that kind of stuff Tottenham fans, possibly.»
Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge lasted just over 12 months, during which he secured a Europa Conference League title and a Club World Cup victory last summer. Whilst the manager showed promise with the Blues at times, he was let go following a difficult patch of results and disagreements with the board.
Although this decision may divide Tottenham supporters, given his Chelsea connections, there is a sense that fans are hoping for Mauricio Pochettino’s return. The former manager’s name has been chanted by sections of the travelling Tottenham faithful in recent weeks, expressing their frustration with the current state of affairs.
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Speaking about the prospect of Pochettino returning, Lineker said that the fact he won’t be available until after the World Cup is an issue. «But having said that, I think the Tottenham fans would really, really like a former Chelsea coach as well, but mainly a former Tottenham coach, and that will be Pochettino. But he’s got a job to do in the summer, so he’s not going to be free until after that.»
Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to Spurs (Image: Getty)
Pochettino managed Tottenham for more than five years from 2014 to 2019, overseeing 293 matches for Spurs during that period. The pinnacle came with a Champions League final appearance in 2019, where Liverpool proved too strong, whilst the side regularly competed for top-four finishes in the league.
Since departing Tottenham, Pochettino has managed PSG and London rivals Chelsea before taking charge of the US Men’s National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He will guide the Americans on home turf during that tournament, though what lies beyond remains unclear.
Should he return to Tottenham, it would likely prove a popular decision amongst supporters, something he has previously suggested could happen. In an interview with Sky Sports last year, Pochettino confirmed his openness to rejoining Spurs down the line.
«When I left the club, I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham,» the Argentine explained. «I am in the USA, so I am not going to talk about that now – but what I said then I still, after six years or five years, feel in my heart. Yes, I would like one day to come back.»
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Spurs are preparing contingency plans for life after Frank, with numerous options on the table. Pochettino may feature amongst the potential candidates, though Tottenham will have several other names to weigh up. Roberto De Zerbi and Robbie Keane have both been mentioned in connection with the position, whilst it remains uncertain whether an appointment will be confirmed before the North London Derby against Arsenal in the coming weeks.
