Spurs star’s comments about possible Thomas Frank successor say it all | Football | Sport

As Tottenham Hotspur search for a permanent replacement for Thomas Frank, one candidate already enjoys the endorsement of Spurs star Mohammed Kudus. Frank was dismissed on Wednesday morning after a loss to Newcastle left the side 16th in the Premier League standings and without a league win since December. Former Netherlands defender and ex-Ajax manager John Heitinga is among the frontrunners to take the reins, be that permanently or on an interim basic. Heitinga joined Frank’s backroom team in January following a spell in charge at the Johan Cruijff Arena, with Frank saying at the time: “His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch.”

Heitinga is no stranger to English football, having worked under Arne Slot last season when Liverpool claimed the title. The 42-year-old also spent a season as David Moyes’ assistant at West Ham when the team finished ninth. Kudus, who is recovering from injury at the time of writing, worked alongside Heitinga at Ajax and West Ham and has praised the Dutchman. “I felt really good under Heitinga. He’s the best coach I’ve had at Ajax,” Kudus told Voetbal Primeur in 2024. “Besides the training aspect, I also hold him in very high regard in terms of standards and values.

“Personally, I would have loved to have worked with him longer,” Kudus added. “He’s a top coach, and I really appreciated his efforts to improve the players back then.”

Heitinga worked with Ajax’s reserve side before being promoted to interim manager of the senior team halfway through the 2022/23 campaign. While it was only a brief spell in the dugout, he clearly left his mark on Kudus.

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“When he took over for the remainder of the season, he immediately made an impact. Things improved,” the Ghanaian added. He also expressed his appreciation for the work the coach undertook with him at West Ham – the first time Kudus got a taste of Premier League football.

Heitinga is amongst the bookmakers’ favourites to succeed Frank after Tottenham dismissed their manager. Others being considered include Roberto De Zerbi, who resigned as Marseille boss this week, as well as the United States’ former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

“The Club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men’s Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today,” Tottenham’s statement read. “Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together.

“However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary. Throughout his time at the Club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”