Maresca Emerges as Surprise Favourite for Spurs Hot Seat as Pochettino's Interest Confirmed

Tottenham Hotspur have parted company with Thomas Frank following a disastrous spell in charge, and the hunt for his successor has already thrown up an intriguing frontrunner.

Frank's departure on Wednesday morning came after months of mounting pressure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The former Brentford chief, appointed last summer to steady a ship rocked by Ange Postecoglou's turbulent reign, instead oversaw performances that arguably proved even more troubling. His uninspiring tactical setup and perceived small-time mentality failed to win over the White Hart Lane faithful.

The final indignity arrived Tuesday evening when Newcastle inflicted a 2-1 defeat, stretching Spurs' Premier League winless streak to eight matches. With only a five-point buffer between themselves and the drop zone and just 12 fixtures remaining, the north London outfit finds itself in genuinely precarious territory.

Spurs have no fixture until their February 22 clash with Arsenal, having been knocked out of the FA Cup, yet they're determined to have a new manager in place before next week. Whether that appointment will be permanent or interim remains unclear, though several names have already emerged in connection with the role.

Maresca Leading the Way

According to Sportitalia, former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has emerged as the 'surprise' candidate leading the race. The Lilywhites are reportedly attracted to his profile because they believe he can 'revitalise a struggling Tottenham, bring stability to the project, and maximise the squad's potential'.

However, Spurs' pursuit faces a significant complication: Maresca is simultaneously being courted by Manchester City, where Pep Guardiola's future remains uncertain.

Pochettino's Secret Ambition

The possibility of Mauricio Pochettino's return has also been mooted, though complications exist there too. The 53-year-old United States manager is committed to leading the American national team at this summer's World Cup, meaning any reunion would have to wait until the off-season.

Yet Football Insider reports that Pochettino has privately made his position abundantly clear: he would relish the opportunity to return to Tottenham for a second managerial chapter. Sources have indicated the former Paris Saint-Germain boss is 'keen' on the prospect.

Harry Redknapp has thrown his support behind such a move, describing Pochettino as "a good shout" for the role. "I like Pochettino. I have a lot of time for him. He is popular at the club," Redknapp said. "A lot can happen from now until the end of the season. Tottenham have to make sure they stay in the Premier League and then they will attract the big names. The end of the season is a long way off."

Other names in the frame include Roberto De Zerbi and Robbie Keane, though neither appears to command the same backing as Maresca at this juncture.