Six months after lifting the Europa League, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves grappling with inconsistency, supporter unrest, and uncomfortable questions about the future of head coach Thomas Frank.

Sunday’s 3–0 defeat at Nottingham Forest left Spurs 11th in the Premier League, six points adrift of the top four, and intensified scrutiny on the former Brentford manager. Frank’s record now stands at six wins, four draws and six losses in league action, with defeats in three of Tottenham’s last five Premier League matches.

As frustrations grow, BBC Sport examines what fans, club insiders, and the numbers are saying about Frank’s position at Spurs.

Fan Sentiment: Frustration, Patience and Doubt

In a symbolic gesture before kick-off at the City Ground, Tottenham supporters were handed free scarves by the club. For some, the knitwear became a shield from what followed—a listless performance that reignited anger among sections of the fanbase.

While recent home wins had hinted at progress, the Forest defeat reinforced the sense that Spurs remain stuck in an awkward transition phase. Some supporters argue Frank’s calm demeanor reflects a long-term vision, while others see a lack of urgency from a team drifting away from elite contention.

One prominent fan writer described Spurs as being firmly in the “storming” phase of team development—where confusion, inconsistency and growing pains are unavoidable. From this perspective, Frank’s insistence that change will not come quickly is understandable.

However, patience is a rare commodity at Tottenham. Many managers before Frank have been removed before their ideas fully took hold, and supporters remain divided over whether this time should be different.

Inside the Club: No Knee-Jerk Reaction—Yet

Despite the anger among fans, Tottenham’s hierarchy is not preparing an immediate managerial change. Insiders suggest there will be no knee-jerk response to the Forest loss, particularly after a short unbeaten run that preceded it.

That said, backing for Frank is not unanimous. Following a worrying stretch earlier in the season—just one win in eight matches—sources acknowledged that his performance was under increased internal scrutiny. The visible frustration among supporters has also been noted behind the scenes.

Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, who played a key role in Frank’s appointment, is known for advocating patience. He previously supported Mikel Arteta through difficult early periods at Arsenal, a decision that ultimately paid dividends.

There is a belief at Spurs that Frank deserves the opportunity to lay foundations for long-term success—but results will dictate how long that goodwill lasts. Further heavy defeats could quickly change the internal mood.

The Numbers: How Frank Stacks Up

After 25 matches in charge across all competitions, Frank’s Tottenham record reads 10 wins and nine defeats. Among those losses are high-profile setbacks, including:

• A penalty shootout defeat to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup
• A League Cup loss to Newcastle
• A heavy 4–1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal

The inconsistency has prompted some supporters to look back fondly on Ange Postecoglou, whose high-tempo “Angeball” delivered Spurs’ first trophy since 2008.

In Postecoglou’s first 25 matches, Tottenham won 14, including an outstanding start to the 2023-24 Premier League season. However, perspective is crucial. Postecoglou’s final 25 games told a very different story, with Spurs losing 13 matches and finishing 17th, their worst Premier League position on record.

The Bigger Picture

Frank’s critics argue that Spurs’ direct style has too often looked disjointed and poorly executed. His supporters counter that cultural change takes time—and that Tottenham are still shedding old habits while integrating new ideas.

For now, Frank remains in charge, walking a fine line between patience and pressure. Tottenham’s next run of fixtures may prove decisive, not only for their league ambitions but also for determining whether the club is willing to fully commit to another long-term rebuild.

At Spurs, history suggests that time is rarely a luxury—but for Thomas Frank, it may be the only path forward.