Tottenham’s next manager search in disarray after Pochettino decision | Football | Sport
Tottenham could appoint an interim head coach next week in a bid to orchestrate a remarkable return for Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, but former Spurs striker Robbie Keane will not entertain such a position. The north London club are understood to be weighing up their options after severing ties with Thomas Frank on Wednesday.
The Dane arrived at Spurs from Brentford last summer but struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League and departs with the club sitting just two places and five points above the drop zone, having claimed seven victories all season. Pochettino has emerged as the frontrunner for the role, however, a potential comeback for the Argentine is complicated by his current position with the USA national team.
Installing an interim manager until the end of the campaign, before pursuing Pochettino following the World Cup this summer, is being considered. But that would virtually eliminate a move for Keane, who has impressed as head coach of Ferencvaros in Hungary.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
The Telegraph report that the former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland striker has been discussed by the club as they determine their next move, with a preference to have a new appointment confirmed by Monday. Keane would be keen on the permanent position, but he would not walk away from Hungary to return to England in a temporary capacity.
That development will disappoint the club amid further reports that they would prefer to pursue an external candidate if they do opt for an interim appointment before targeting Pochettino.
Keane, 45, extended his contract with Ferencvaros in December following their Hungarian title triumph last season. He enjoyed eight years at Tottenham across two separate stints as a player and would represent an appealing choice to take charge, given his achievements with Ferencvaros.
But Sky Sports claim that De Zerbi is not looking to join another club at this moment and his preference is to take a break from coaching, throwing another spanner in the works for Spurs.
The Italian has also been mentioned as a possible contender for the Manchester United position, with Tottenham’s Premier League rivals planning to bring in a new head coach during the summer.
