Heitinga Emerges as Contender for Spurs’ Interim Role Amid Coaching Shakeup

omidbasir- Johnny Heitinga, a former Netherlands international, possesses extensive knowledge of the English Premier League both as a player and a coach. His career includes stints with Everton and Fulham before transitioning into coaching with Ajax.

After briefly serving as caretaker manager in Amsterdam, Heitinga reunited with his former Everton manager, David Moyes, at West Ham in September 2023. Following Moyes’ exit from the London Stadium, Heitinga joined Liverpool in 2024, partnering with fellow Dutchman Arne Slot.

In the summer of 2025, Heitinga took the helm at Ajax, though his tenure was cut short as he was dismissed in November after achieving just five wins from 15 matches. He subsequently returned to England, joining Frank’s coaching staff at Tottenham Hotspur in January 2026.

Currently, Frank is out of work after an eight-month spell at Spurs, as the club faces relegation threats this season. According to the Daily Mail, Heitinga is among the leading candidates for a short-term managerial role, with a decision expected in the coming days. If appointed to guide the team through the remainder of the season, Spurs will need to reevaluate their coaching staff, as many members who joined from Brentford may also depart.

Spurs are fortunate to have time to organize their coaching structure, with their next match scheduled against arch-rivals Arsenal on February 22. The playing staff has been granted a break and will not return to training until the following Monday.

The Mail further mentions Robbie Keane as a potential candidate, currently managing Ferencvaros, where he has led the team to the top of the Hungarian league and into the Europa League knockout phase. His connections and dynamic personality could resonate well with fans and players, although it remains unclear if he would accept an interim role.

Additionally, Roberto De Zerbi, fresh from his tenure at Ligue 1 side Marseille, has been suggested. The Italian has prior Premier League experience from his time at Brighton.

However, it is Mauricio Pochettino that the Tottenham board and fans are most eager to see return, with supporters chanting his name during Frank’s last match, a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. Pochettino, who led Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019, has indicated an openness to returning to English football, expressing his admiration for the Premier League in a December 2025 interview.

Currently under contract in the United States until the summer, Pochettino is focused on the upcoming World Cup. If Spurs opt for a temporary solution with Heitinga, other coaches nearing the end of their contracts, such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, may also be considered.