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| Son Heung-min — Ben Davies / Photo: DB |
[Sports Today reporter Shin Seo-young] Ben Davies, a close friend of Son Heung-min (now with LAFC), has emerged as a surprise candidate to serve as Tottenham Hotspur’s interim manager.
On March 29 (KST), Tottenham announced on the club website that it had mutually agreed to part ways with manager Igor Tudor.
Tudor left just 44 days after taking charge. The club had sacked Thomas Frank in February before appointing Tudor, marking Tottenham’s second managerial change of the season.
Tottenham were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the round of 16 by Atlético Madrid. In the Premier League, they sit 17th with a record of 7 wins, 9 draws and 15 losses (30 points) — just one point clear of the relegation zone and 18th-place West Ham (7-8-16, 29 points).
Tudor also suffered the recent death of his father, a development that made it difficult for him to lead the team, and both parties ultimately agreed to part ways.
Tottenham moved quickly to identify a successor. The frontrunner appears to be former Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The BBC, citing sources on March 30, reported that Tottenham are looking to appoint De Zerbi. The coach, who left Marseille earlier this season, is a primary target, and the club reportedly approached him about his interest even before Tudor’s departure was formally announced.
The BBC added that De Zerbi has responded positively to Tottenham’s approach but wants to wait to see whether the club avoid relegation before making a final decision.
Sean Dyche has also been mentioned as a candidate. The outlet noted that Dyche, who was sacked by Nottingham Forest in February, has a track record of keeping clubs in the Premier League — a key qualification if Tottenham face relegation.
However, the BBC reported that Dyche is likely to demand a minimum 18-month contract, which could complicate negotiations.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino also appears on the list. The BBC said Pochettino remains a popular choice given his past success at the club, but with commitments to lead the U.S. national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, an immediate return seems unlikely.
Other names linked to the role include Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp and Tim Sherwood — figures with past ties to Tottenham who have reportedly indicated a willingness to serve as interim managers until the end of the season.
In a surprise twist, current player Ben Davies has been floated as a short-term option. Media outlets described the active defender as a potential stopgap solution.
Davies, well known to Korean fans as a close friend of Son Heung-min, joined Tottenham in 2014 and spent 12 seasons with the club. He and Son, who arrived in 2015, spent roughly a decade playing alongside each other. Davies previously revealed on a television appearance that Son is the godfather to his child.
Last August, Davies took part in Son’s Tottenham farewell match held in Korea, a gesture that underscored their strong bond.
At the time, Davies said, “Son is family. Moving to another city doesn’t mean we won’t keep in touch. Family doesn’t change. I think he’ll be happy wherever he goes. I don’t think it will be long before we meet again — we’ll see each other again soon,” expressing his deep affection.
[Sports Today reporter Shin Seo-young sports@stoo.com]
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