Daily Express

Xabi Alonso stance after Tottenham board meeting as Thomas Frank fights to save job

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Xabi Alonso Stance After Tottenham Board Meeting as Thomas Frank Fights to Save Job

Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner to become Tottenham Hotspur's next manager following his recent sacking by Real Madrid, amid growing pressure on current boss Thomas Frank to salvage his position.[1][2]



Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid lasted less than eight months, ending after a Super Cup defeat to Barcelona despite the team sitting second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona. Appointed last summer as Carlo Ancelotti's successor—after Ancelotti took the Brazil job—Alonso had previously guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2024. In a parting statement, he expressed gratitude to the club, players, and fans, emphasizing respect and pride in his efforts.[1][2][5]

Bookmakers like Betano have installed Alonso as the 4/1 favorite to replace Frank at Spurs, ahead of Oliver Glasner (5/1), Marco Silva (6/1), and Enzo Maresca (8/1). Other names in the mix include Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi, and even Mauricio Pochettino at 16/1, though Jurgen Klopp has ruled out managing another English club besides Liverpool.[1][2]

Frank, who joined Tottenham from Brentford, is under fire after a dismal start. Spurs sit 14th in the Premier League with just 27 points from 21 games, including only one win in their last six league matches—more defeats than victories overall. Sources indicate Frank is not under immediate threat of dismissal, but continued poor form could prompt a board decision soon, potentially leading to an interim appointment until season's end.[1][3]

Reports suggest Tottenham are making progress in talks to appoint Alonso, viewing him as a signal of ambition despite their mid-table position. His proven ability to maximize talent, as shown at Leverkusen, makes him an attractive "no-brainer" option, though some doubt Spurs' appeal compared to suitors like Manchester United or Liverpool.[3][4][6]

Alvaro Arbeloa has taken over at Real Madrid, but Alonso's Premier League links—particularly his Liverpool playing history—keep him in demand. As Frank fights to turn things around post-board meeting, Alonso's stance remains pivotal in Tottenham's managerial shake-up.[1][2][3]

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