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Tottenham Hotspur have dismissed Thomas Frank, ending a tenure that never had the chance to stabilize. Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League, winless in eight league matches and with just two victories in their last 17, leaving them staring directly at a relegation fight rather than the reset that was promised in June.

The timing makes it even more jarring. Frank’s final match was Tuesday’s 2–1 defeat at home to Newcastle, after which he insisted he was convinced he would still be in charge for the north London derby against Arsenal on February 22. Less than 12 hours later, the club informed him of the decision, with Tottenham’s statement acknowledging they were “determined to give him the time” before results forced their hand.

The Frank era began with optimism, and even a few early flashes, but it unraveled quickly. Injuries gutted the squad before it ever found rhythm, with James Maddison suffering an ACL tear on the eve of the season and Dejan Kulusevski never featuring. Spurs invested heavily with Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus arriving for major fees, plus loan additions like João Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani, but the league form continued to spiral.

Europe, oddly, became the one bright spot. Tottenham finished fourth in the Champions League league phase, advancing directly to the last 16 ahead of several European giants. That contrast has only sharpened the sense of chaos: a club capable of competing on big European nights, yet collapsing week after week domestically, now needing a new voice with 12 league matches left.

Now the question turns to what comes next. Spurs have contingency plans, including interim options, while longer-term names like Mauricio Pochettino may not be available until after the World Cup. Reports also suggest leadership previously admired Roberto De Zerbi and Andoni Iraola. Whoever steps in inherits a uniquely Tottenham challenge: a relegation battle on one side, Champions League knockouts on the other, and a fanbase running out of patience fast.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille tenure is over, with the club announcing a separation “by mutual agreement” after less than two years in charge. The decision came in the early hours of Wednesday morning, a surreal ending that matches the instability Marseille have been living through in recent weeks.

Pressure had been building fast. Champions League elimination last month, finishing 25th and missing even the playoff round on goal difference, was a major blow. Sunday’s humiliation, a 5–0 thrashing at the hands of PSG, became the final straw, forcing ownership and leadership into a late-night reckoning about where the season was heading.

Marseille’s statement framed it as a collective decision involving Frank McCourt, Pablo Longoria, Medhi Benatia, and De Zerbi himself, taken “in the best interests of the club.” They pointed to last season’s second-place Ligue 1 finish as evidence of his work, but even that came 19 points behind PSG, a reminder of the gap that still defines French football’s hierarchy.

Inside the club, the cracks were deeper than results alone. Reports suggest De Zerbi had begun to lose part of the dressing room, with frustration over constant tactical reshuffling, harsh public criticism of players, and a sense that his methods were no longer landing. Marseille’s identity under him became less about clarity and more about turbulence, with too many moving pieces at the worst possible moment.

Now OM are left in uncertainty heading into Saturday’s match against Strasbourg, still fourth in Ligue 1 and fighting for direct Champions League qualification. For De Zerbi, this looks less like an ending and more like a pivot. Sources indicate he remains keen on a Premier League return, with Manchester United, Manchester City if Pep Guardiola departs, and even Tottenham previously circling. Marseille, as always, move on quickly because in Marseille terms, two weeks can feel like an eternity.

Atlanta United unveiled its new Community Kit for the 2026 season last night, the “Spirit of ‘96,” a design that reaches beyond soccer and into the city’s broader sporting identity. The launch aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Centennial Olympic Games, the moment that first placed Atlanta at the center of the global sports map.

This kit is built as a bridge between eras. Atlanta is preparing to return to the world stage with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the club is leaning into the idea that the city’s soccer culture is part of a longer story, not something that began in 2017. The Spirit of ‘96 is about continuity, about Atlanta’s big moments then and now.

Visually, the design blends Olympic-inspired boldness with Atlanta United’s core identity. The green nods to Atlanta’s tree canopy, while the gold represents the club’s signature style and the symbolism of victory on an international stage. The crest itself is framed as a gold medal over the heart, reinforcing the connection to that Olympic summer.

Details are where the concept really lands. Roman numerals inside the neck tag mark the timeline from MCMXCVI to MMXXVI, tying 1996 directly to 2026. Laurel wreaths on the back neck tag echo honor and achievement, subtle touches that make the kit feel like a commemorative piece as much as a uniform.

The kit goes on sale this morning, February 11, at 11 a.m. ET, with American Family Insurance returning for a 10th straight season as the centerpiece partner. For Atlanta United, this is more than a new shirt. It is a season-long representation of Atlanta’s journey, from Olympic host city to one of the epicenters of soccer in North America, with another global summer now on the horizon.

And as we celebrate the club stepping into its 10th season, it’s the perfect time to keep diving into the history that brought Atlanta United here. Yesterday’s installment of our Atlanta United at 10 series focused on Ten Defining Homegrown Moments, from breakthrough debuts to the players developed in this region who have shaped the club’s identity. We’ll have a new edition of the series tomorrow afternoon as the countdown to Season 10 continues.

The MLS season opens next week with a statement event: Inter Miami vs. LAFC at the 77,500-seat Memorial Coliseum, moved to meet demand for a matchup between Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min. It is the kind of showcase the league’s founders imagined back in 1996, and it arrives at a moment when MLS is preparing for its next major leap with the 2026 World Cup approaching fast.

Sportico’s new valuations released yesterday underline just how big the business has become. The average MLS club is now worth $767 million, with the league’s 30 teams collectively valued at $23 billion. Inter Miami leads at $1.45 billion, just ahead of LAFC at $1.4 billion, while clubs like Atlanta United remain firmly in the league’s top tier of value as one of MLS’ most powerful business platforms. But the gains are still concentrated at the top, and the financial table is stretching.

That divide is rooted in revenue reality. Teams generated an estimated $2.5 billion last season through matchday, sponsorship, and venue-driven business, but the biggest clubs are pulling away commercially. Miami topped $200 million in local revenue as Messi delivered an MLS Cup, while a handful of clubs remain closer to the $35–40 million range. Without massive national media revenue checks like the NFL or NBA, MLS disparity shows up more sharply at the local level.

The next transformation is structural. MLS is moving toward a FIFA-aligned calendar starting in 2027, shifting its biggest games into May and away from the fall football crush, while also setting up the next media deal after Apple’s partnership now ends early in 2029. The league is bigger, wealthier, and more globally visible than ever, but the central question is clear: can MLS turn this World Cup moment into league-wide growth, or will the next era be defined mostly by the clubs at the very top?

San Diego FC Reaches The Round of 16
San Diego FC advanced to the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16, finishing off UNAM 4-2 on aggregate in its regional debut. A 1-0 loss in Mexico City was enough, with goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega making eight saves to protect the cushion built in a dominant first-leg win at Snapdragon Stadium. Pedro Vite’s free kick provided the lone goal, while Amahl Pellegrino twice hit the post for SDFC.

USA Clinches Group, Books U-17 World Cup Return
The United States earned a 1-1 draw with the Dominican Republic to secure first place in Group E and qualify for a record 20th Under-17 Men’s World Cup. Malik Jakupovic scored his eighth goal in three matches before the Dominican Republic responded quickly through Adrian Garcia. The USA held on despite playing the final 12 minutes down a man, with goalkeeper James Donaldson making five saves under heavy pressure.

Tyler Adams Nears A Return For Bournemouth
Tyler Adams is ahead of schedule in his recovery from an MCL tear suffered in December, returning to the squad as an unused substitute in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win at Everton. It’s a positive sign for both the Cherries, unbeaten in six Premier League matches, and the USMNT with Belgium and Portugal looming in late March. Iraola cautioned it may still be early, but Adams is clearly getting closer.

Philadelphia Union Add Agustin Anello
The Union signed forward Agustin Anello on a permanent transfer from Boston River, with a contract running through 2028-29 and an option beyond. The 23-year-old Miami native brings a versatile attacking profile after a breakout Clausura in Uruguay, plus experience in Spain and Belgium. Philadelphia see him as a domestic player with upside and U.S. youth national team pedigree.

Lewandowski Weighs His Next Move, Chicago Interested
Robert Lewandowski faces a major summer decision as he approaches 38, with Barcelona open to an extension only under a reduced role and salary. Interest has emerged from several clubs, including Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Saudi Arabia, and now Chicago Fire. Reports suggest Chicago have made a formal two-year offer, positioning Lewandowski as the face of the franchise if he chooses MLS.

We’ve got a packed SDH AM this morning at 9:05. Kurt Badenhausen, the author of Sportico’s new MLS valuations report, joins Jon Nelson to dig into what the numbers really say about the league’s growth, the widening financial tiers, and what comes next as 2026 approaches.

And the show stays rooted at home, too. Aaron Adams stops by to talk about the NXT Foundation and building more pathways to elite coaching and training in Georgia, while Lagos Kunga and Ronan Wynne share their next chapters, from Portland in USL to Wynne’s journey into the OFC Pro League after Atlanta United 2.

Tigres Power Past Forge FC
Tigres UANL advanced to the Champions Cup round of 16 with a 4-1 win over Forge FC, led by two goals from Rodrigo Aguirre. Forge stayed competitive deep into the match, even pulling one back via penalty, but Tigres’ quality and set-piece dominance eventually told in Monterrey. Tigres will face the winner of FC Cincinnati and Universidad O&M in March.

Como Stuns Napoli In Coppa Italia Shootout
Como reached their first Coppa Italia semifinal in 40 years, knocking out Napoli on penalties with keeper Jean Butez the hero. After a 1-1 draw, Butez saved Stanislav Lobotka’s decisive spot kick to send Cesc Fabregas’ side through. Como will now meet Inter Milan in a remarkable cup run.

Freiburg Survive Hertha In German Cup Drama
Freiburg advanced to the DFB-Pokal semifinals after a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Hertha Berlin. The match finished 1-1 after extra time, and goalkeeper Florian Muller delivered the decisive save in sudden death. Freiburg remain alive in one of Germany’s most unpredictable competitions.

Melbourne City Make History In Asia
Melbourne City earned their first-ever place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League Elite with a 2-1 win at Ulsan HD. Marcus Younis struck a stoppage-time winner to seal a top-eight finish in the league phase. It is a landmark achievement for the A-League side as the competition moves into March’s last-16 ties.

Al-Ittihad Cruise Into The Knockouts
Al-Ittihad thrashed Al-Gharafa 7-0 to confirm their place in the Asian Champions League Elite knockout rounds, with Houssem Aouar scoring a hat trick. The Saudi club’s firepower overwhelmed the visitors from the opening minutes. Al-Sadd also boosted their hopes with a key win as the final qualification spots tighten.

Championship Playoff Expansion Up For Vote
EFL clubs are set to vote on a proposal to expand the Championship playoffs from four teams to six. The plan would add an eliminator round and give more clubs a shot at promotion while reducing late-season dead rubbers. A straight majority is needed at the March 5 meeting for the change to pass.

Dutch Pyramid Could Open Below The Second Tier
Several top amateur clubs have formally asked the KNVB to discuss opening promotion and relegation into the professional second division. The Dutch FA has acknowledged the current system needs reworking, with the top amateur level now approaching Eerste Divisie quality. With agreements expiring after 2027-28, the next two years could reshape the structure of Dutch football.

Corinthians Evaluate Legal Steps In Martínez Case
Corinthians have activated their legal department as they assess possible action involving midfielder José Martínez after a delayed return and the discovery of a serious knee injury. The club is weighing disciplinary and contractual measures, with frustration growing internally over how the situation has unfolded.

Atlético FC Makes Atlético Madrid’s Entry Into Ecuador Official
Atlético de Madrid has officially launched its presence in Ecuadorian football with the establishment of Atlético Fútbol Club, a new entity set to compete in the Serie B de Ecuador starting in 2026. The club unveiled its name and crest, incorporating elements tied to the Spanish parent club, marking a historic European-linked entry into the country’s professional pyramid and a potential boost for international visibility in Serie B.

City Football Group Negotiates Buying More Of Bahia SAF
City Football Group is in talks to increase its ownership stake in Esporte Clube Bahia’s football company (SAF), currently at 90% after a major takeover in 2023. The deal would involve purchasing additional shares from the club’s association, potentially taking CFG’s ownership up to 95% under the terms allowed in their original agreement, though the exact percentage being negotiated is reportedly below that maximum.

The move would consolidate City’s control over Bahia’s professional football operations and provide immediate financial benefits to the club’s association, which could use the funds for broader sporting activities. If approved, the sale would still need to be ratified by Bahia’s governing bodies and membership in an extraordinary general assembly.

John Textor Weighs Equity Solution For Botafogo Financing
Botafogo has taken on high interest capital to navigate financial pressure and start paying Atlanta United for Thiago Almada’s transfer, but the cost of those loans has raised internal concern. Reports indicate John Textor’s plan is to convert the funding into equity, turning investors into shareholders and easing the debt burden while protecting his control of the SAF structure. This will create even more friction with Eagle Football Group, Ares Management, and others who are chasing Textor for debts.

A chaotic night of managerial churn set the tone across Europe, with Tottenham pulling the plug on Thomas Frank as Spurs slip into a relegation fight, and Marseille moving on from Roberto De Zerbi after Champions League disappointment and a humiliating loss to PSG. The pressure is rising everywhere, and the margins between ambition and crisis feel thinner by the day.

Here in Atlanta, the mood is very different. United’s “Spirit of ‘96” Community Kit is a reminder of the city’s global sporting history and the next chapter ahead with 2026 approaching. And as Season 10 nears, our Atlanta United at 10 series continues tomorrow afternoon after yesterday’s look at the defining Homegrown moments that shaped the club’s identity.

Across MLS, the league opens with Messi and Son in the spotlight, but Sportico’s valuations show the bigger story is what comes next, with Atlanta among the league’s most valuable clubs as MLS balances growth, disparity, and a transformational calendar shift.

The Refill carried us everywhere from San Diego’s Champions Cup breakthrough to Tigres rolling on, cup drama in Italy and Germany, history for Melbourne City in Asia, and structural change debates in England and the Netherlands.

And Around the Corner, SDH AM is loaded this morning at 9:05, with Kurt Badenhausen joining to unpack MLS’ business boom, plus conversations rooted in Georgia’s pathways and the next steps for players chasing careers far beyond home.

See y’all tomorrow for more Espresso…

Jason