John Heitinga in Frame for Tottenham Job as Xabi Alonso on Long-Term Shortlist

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering assistant coach John Heitinga as a potential interim replacement for head coach Thomas Frank, amid the team's dismal season. Spurs sit 14th in the Premier League with just seven wins from 22 games, six draws, and nine losses, having exited both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and struggling in the Champions League.^[1]

Heitinga, a 42-year-old Dutchman, joined Frank's staff just last week as First Team Assistant Coach, filling a vacancy left by Matt Wells. Despite his recent arrival, Dutch outlet AD claims he is "at the top of the list of candidates" for a temporary role if Frank is sacked. His Premier League experience includes stints at West Ham United and Liverpool, where he assisted Arne Slot during their title-winning 2024/25 campaign and even managed a 2-0 win over Newcastle while Slot was suspended.^[1][3][5]

The former Ajax defender's playing career spanned over 400 club appearances for Ajax, Everton (five years), Fulham, Hertha BSC, and Atlético Madrid, plus 87 caps for the Netherlands. Post-retirement in 2016, he coached Ajax youth teams, served as interim manager in 2023, assisted at West Ham and Liverpool, and briefly led Ajax as head coach from May to November 2025 before dismissal after a poor run.^[2][3][5][6]

Thomas Frank praised Heitinga as a "great addition," highlighting his defensive expertise and coaching pedigree to bolster Spurs' backline. However, his lack of prior connection with Frank and strong credentials have fueled speculation that his hiring signals contingency planning. FourFourTwo notes Heitinga's ominous qualities in the current context.^[1][2][5]

Long-term, Xabi Alonso remains on Tottenham's shortlist, but Heitinga could steady the ship short-term. Crucial fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Burnley loom, potentially deciding Frank's fate.^[1]

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