Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss named favourite to be next Tottenham manager
Tottenham are locked in the process of appointing a new manager after Thomas Frank was dismissed this week.
Frank was sacked by Tottenham after his side lost 2-1 to Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday.
The Lilywhites are just five points from the relegation zone, and are yet to win a Premier League game this year.
Roberto De Zerbi was considered the favourite for Tottenham after he left Marseille by mutual consent, but it is not clear whether the Italian would instantly return to management.
Football Insider revealed on Thursday that Mauricio Pochettino would be keen to return to Tottenham, but he will not be available until after the World Cup.
Marco Rose named new Tottenham favourite
Marco Rose has been out of management since his March 2025 departure from RB Leipzig.
The German had been appointed by the Bundesliga club in 2022, months after he had left Borussia Dortmund.
| Marco Rose | RB Leipzig |
| Wins | 69 |
| Draws | 22 |
| Losses | 33 |
| Scored | 245 |
| Conceded | 153 |
Rose’s RB Leipzig side finished third in the 2022-23 season, also winning the DFB-Pokal after beating Eintracht Frankfurt.
The following season was similarly positive, with the 49-year-old leading his side to a third-placed finish while playing progressive and aggressive football.
Like many other former RB Leipzig managers, Rose caught the eye with his work at Red bull Salzburg, where he won the league twice and reached the semi-final of the Europa League.
At the time of his sacking, consistent results were hard to come by. The former defender has not returned to management since, despite links to several vacancies.
Perhaps Rose was waiting for the right one. One major bookmaker has named the German as the favourite for the Tottenham job at 5/4, leading De Zerbi (3/1) and John Heitinga (6/1).
Xavi Simons would be a big beneficiary from Rose appointment
Rose was in charge when RB Leipzig signed Xavi Simons from PSG, initially on loan in 2023, and permanently in 2025.
The midfielder netted eight goals and provided 11 assists in his first league season under the German’s guidance, and was in the midst of a strong second season when his manager was sacked.
Speaking about Simons after a win over Werder Bremen in January last year, in which the Dutchman scored twice, Rose said: “We know that Xavi is a difference-maker. I said to him right after the game: ‘Great job’.
“And I don’t mean today’s game, but the way he came back from his injury. The way he worked after his injury and the way he came back. It’s extraordinary after three months.”
Should Rose be appointed, Simons will certainly be among the beneficiaries.