Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank insists he still feels the backing of the club’s hierarchy, despite mounting pressure following a disappointing first half of the season and increasing unrest among supporters.
Frank, who took charge just seven months ago, has overseen a campaign that has fallen well short of expectations, leaving Spurs 14th in the Premier League and facing an uphill battle to secure European qualification. While the club has continued to publicly support the Danish coach, BBC Sport understands his position is under significant internal scrutiny, with senior figures actively discussing whether to bring his tenure to an early end.
Board Meeting Raises Questions Over Frank’s Future
Pressure intensified after Saturday’s home defeat by West Ham, a result that deepened fan frustration and further fuelled speculation over Frank’s future.
On Monday, Frank held a lunch meeting with Tottenham chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, alongside board members Nick Beucher and Johan Lange. While such meetings can often be interpreted as ominous during difficult periods, Frank sought to play down concerns, portraying the discussion as positive and supportive.
“We had a good conversation about life and football and the future of the club,” Frank said ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
“It is an extremely good sign because normally people run away if there is bad news or bad weather coming. They are normally not coming in and being friendly for lunch.”
Despite his optimism, sources indicate that at least one senior executive has raised the option of dismissing Frank in recent weeks, highlighting the fragile nature of his position.
Spurs Struggles: Results, Fan Anger and League Position
Tottenham’s league form has been a major concern. The north London side have won just seven of their 22 Premier League matches, leaving them closer to the bottom half than the European places.
Large sections of the fanbase appear to have lost faith, with Frank subjected to chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during the West Ham defeat. It was a stark moment that underlined the growing disconnect between supporters and the head coach.
Frank acknowledged the frustration but insisted results would be the ultimate remedy.
“As long as we win football matches and make sure we win enough of them, everyone will support us,” he said.
“It is not about me. It is about supporting the team, the players.”
Injury Crisis Compounds Tottenham’s Problems
Frank’s task has been made significantly harder by an extensive injury list that has severely depleted his squad.
For the crucial Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund, the Spurs boss confirmed he has only 11 outfield players from the usual first-team group available.
Long-term absentees include:
- Ben Davies
- Richarlison
- Rodrigo Bentancur
- Mohammed Kudus
- Dejan Kulusevski
- James Maddison
Midfielder João Palhinha remains a doubt, while defender Micky van de Ven is suspended. January signing Conor Gallagher is unavailable, having already featured in the Champions League this season for Atletico Madrid and therefore ineligible until the knockout rounds.
Champions League Clash Looms Large
Tottenham currently sit 11th in the Champions League league phase, making Tuesday night’s home match against Dortmund pivotal in their hopes of automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
Frank urged unity from supporters, stressing the importance of atmosphere and belief at a critical moment.
“We need everyone to support us from minute one. Especially the team, especially the players,” he said.
“If we get that support, anything can happen. Magic can happen.”
Analysis: Frank’s Job Still Under Serious Threat
Despite Frank’s insistence that he feels the board’s trust, his job remains under significant threat, according to BBC Sport’s senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel.
While Frank has been allowed to take charge against Dortmund, the match is widely seen as a make-or-break moment. Spurs’ hierarchy have spent the past 48 hours deliberating whether to continue with the current regime, and patience appears to be wearing thin.
A defeat against Dortmund would leave Frank extremely vulnerable ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Burnley. With fans already turning and influential figures within the club questioning his suitability, another negative result could prove decisive.
Victory, however, may offer a temporary reprieve and ease some of the intense pressure, even if doubts about long-term direction remain.
As it stands, Tottenham’s season — and Thomas Frank’s future — may hinge on the next 90 minutes.
Key Talking Points
- Thomas Frank says he feels the Tottenham board’s “trust”
- Spurs are 14th in the Premier League after 22 matches
- Senior executives have discussed ending Frank’s reign
- Fans openly turned against the coach during West Ham defeat
- Injury crisis leaves Spurs severely short-handed
- Dortmund match could define Frank’s future at the club
Leave a Reply