Tottenham considers Sporting manager Rui Borges as potential replacement for Thomas Frank
Tottenham Hotspur is looking at Rui Borges, the manager of Sporting CP, as a possible replacement for Thomas Frank, as reported by GiveMeSport. However, Borges is currently behind Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi on the club’s list of candidates.
Frank was dismissed this week after only eight months in the role, following a home loss to Newcastle that left Tottenham five points clear of the relegation zone, having won only two of their last 17 Premier League games. Igor Tudor has been appointed as interim manager for the remainder of the season.
Tottenham executives Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange are targeting Pochettino or De Zerbi for the permanent position in the summer. However, Borges is considered a backup option if neither of the preferred candidates is available. The 44-year-old took over from Joao Pereira at Sporting last season and led the team to the Portuguese league title, significantly boosting his reputation. He also achieved a domestic double.
Sporting is currently in second place in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, trailing FC Porto. Borges has impressed the Spurs management with his tactical flexibility and ability to manage players. His credentials in the Champions League were bolstered when he guided Sporting to the last 16, including a notable win against Paris Saint-Germain.
Borges is under contract with Sporting until 2027, and his deal includes a €20 million (£17.3 million) release clause, which could be appealing to Tottenham if their first choices fall through.
Despite this, Pochettino remains the top target, even as he currently manages the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine had a successful tenure at Tottenham in the past and would be a popular choice. De Zerbi, who resigned from Marseille earlier this month following a heavy defeat to PSG, is also highly regarded for his work at Brighton.
Tottenham is looking to discuss the role with Borges as a precautionary measure, understanding the risks of another managerial mistake. Ange Postecoglou’s 17th-place finish last season was overshadowed by winning the Europa League, but Frank has left Spurs in 15th place and in a serious relegation battle.
Is Borges ready for the Premier League?
Hiring Borges would be a notable risk due to his limited experience at the top level and lesser-known status among fans. According to GiveMeSport, the club may not be in a position to take such risks, although his success at Sporting showcases his managerial skills.
Tudor faces the urgent task of steering Tottenham away from danger before summer recruitment begins. The decision on whether Pochettino, De Zerbi, or Borges will take over full-time largely depends on Tudor’s success in stabilizing the team and the availability of preferred candidates at the end of the season.