Tottenham Sack Manager Thomas Frank, Replacement Candidates Discussed

The Cooligans break down the issues at Spurs and debate potential replacements, while Austin FC's Brandon Vazquez opens up about ACL recovery and World Cup pressure.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with manager Thomas Frank, leading to questions about the deeper issues plaguing the club. The Cooligans podcast discusses whether the problems run deeper than just the head coach and debates potential replacement candidates. They also welcome Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez, who opens up about recovering from an ACL injury and the challenges of fighting his way back into the U.S. Men's National Team picture. Additionally, the hosts react to the 2026 MLS kit reveals, praising some designs and roasting others.

Why it matters

Tottenham's decision to sack Thomas Frank highlights the ongoing struggles at the club, which have persisted despite multiple managerial changes in recent years. The discussion around potential replacements and the deeper organizational issues provides insight into the complexities of managing a high-profile Premier League team. Meanwhile, Brandon Vazquez's candid interview sheds light on the mental and physical challenges faced by professional athletes recovering from major injuries and vying for a spot on their national team.

The details

After a disappointing run of results, Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with manager Thomas Frank. The Cooligans podcast breaks down the potential factors behind the decision, including questions about the club's recruitment, tactics, and overall direction. The hosts debate a range of replacement candidates, weighing their experience, playing style, and ability to address Tottenham's current challenges. Meanwhile, Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez joins the show to discuss his own recovery from an ACL injury and the pressure of fighting for a spot on the U.S. Men's National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Vazquez shares his honest reflections on the mental and physical toll of the rehabilitation process, as well as his experiences playing in Liga MX and the differences between the Mexican and MLS leagues.

  • Tottenham parted ways with manager Thomas Frank on February 12, 2026.
  • Brandon Vazquez suffered an ACL injury at an unspecified time prior to this podcast recording.

The players

Thomas Frank

The former manager of Tottenham Hotspur who was recently sacked by the club.

Brandon Vazquez

A striker for Austin FC who is recovering from an ACL injury and aiming to earn a spot on the U.S. Men's National Team for the 2026 World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“Was he really the problem? The boys dig into what's actually happening at Spurs, whether the issues run deeper than the head coach, and which managers could realistically step in to fix things.”

— The Cooligans, Podcast Hosts (Yahoo Sports)

“He opens up about recovering from his ACL injury, doing 'quick maths' in his head about the World Cup timeline the moment he got hurt, and what it will take to fight his way back into the U.S. Men's National Team picture.”

— The Cooligans, Podcast Hosts (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.