Tottenham Plot Pochettino Return as Frank's Days Appear Numbered

Tottenham are hatching plans to lure Mauricio Pochettino back to North London as a potential successor to Thomas Frank, according to reports emerging from the club's hierarchy.

Frank arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer tasked with stabilising the ship after Ange Postecoglou's departure. The Australian had guided Spurs to Europa League glory before his time unravelled in the Premier League, leaving the club in need of a steadier hand.

The appointment initially appeared to do the trick. Under Frank's watch, Spurs tightened up defensively and became a harder proposition to break down. Yet therein lies the rub: the attacking verve that once defined the club has evaporated, replaced by a cautious, defensive-minded approach that has left supporters increasingly frustrated.

Since early November, Spurs have managed just two victories in ten Premier League outings. That dismal record has seen them tumble into the bottom half of the table, with the mood at the club reaching a nadir following a goalless slog against Brentford on New Year's Day. The crowd made their displeasure known, and Frank's position is now among the most precarious in the division.

Club insiders suggest ENIC ownership are harbouring serious doubts about whether Frank represents the right long-term solution. The mismatch between his ultra-conservative methods and the club's identity appears to be the fundamental problem. With that concern crystallising, sources claim the Lilywhites are already exploring an "extraordinary plan" to bring Pochettino back to the club come summer.

The 53-year-old remains one of Spurs' most revered managers and has been periodically mooted for a return in recent years. His CV includes high-profile stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, though he is currently occupied with the United States national team setup ahead of next summer's World Cup. His contract with the USMNT expires once that tournament concludes, potentially freeing him up for a move.

Frank addressed the boos that greeted his side's performance at Brentford, defending his tactical philosophy. "They were not too satisfied and it's fair when we don't hit that top performance overall, but I think it's double-sided because we need to acknowledge the defensive side of the game, which we've done excellent today against a team that scored three against Liverpool and Man United," he explained.

He continued: "If you as a team are not strong defensively it's just impossible to compete over a long season. Impossible if you want to end in the nice position you would like to end in. But of course the offensive part needs to be better. There's no two ways about that. I'm very aware that we are not where I want us to be. Very aware."

Frank insisted his side are working diligently on their attacking play but acknowledged the delicate balance required. "It's not that we don't want to play offensive or attacking football. We work very, very hard on that, but while you work hard on that you can't, if you struggle scoring goals or creating enough chances, you can't open up too much because then you need to score too many goals. It's a fine balance."

Whether that balancing act will be allowed to continue remains very much in question.