LONDON — Just four minutes into the second half of Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle United, Spurs fans began chanting the name of their former manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Meanwhile, the visiting Toon army had shown unwavering support for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe right from the first minute.
But where was the support for Thomas Frank? As Spurs struggled through yet another disheartening performance, the Dane stood on the touchline with a blank stare, drenched by the relentless rain, enduring the ultimate insult: “You’re getting sacked in the morning” … chanted by Tottenham fans.
How much longer can this continue? The club’s leadership understands that the current troubles are not easily solvable. The issues run deep and predate the current head coach, and until now, they have hesitated to dismiss a likeable figure, knowing that stability is essential.
but, with Frank receiving boos at both halftime and full time, the short-term suffering is escalating. Spurs have gone winless in their last eight Premier League matches—their longest winless streak since October 2008.
Under Frank, the team had a solid Champions League group stage, finishing fourth and qualifying for the knockout round. Yet as Spurs abandoned their domestic obligations last season in pursuit of European success, neglecting them again this year could see them facing relegation.
That’s why Frank’s position is now precariously close to the brink. Spurs have managed only two victories in their last 17 league games, amassing just 12 points during that stretch.
On Monday, Frank dodged questions about whether Tottenham was in a relegation battle. He can no longer avoid the reality. West Ham, currently in 18th place, had a potential win thwarted by Manchester United’s equalizer in the 96th minute at London Stadium. Spurs sit only two positions above them, a mere five points clear of the relegation zone, following Benjamin Sesko’s goal—scored just moments before Frank entered the post-match press conference to address inquiries about his future.
because of their early exit from the FA Cup, Tottenham faces a 12-day break before hosting north London rivals and current Premier League leaders Arsenal. It was a legitimate question to ask whether he would still be at the helm for that match.
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“Yeah, I’m convinced I will be,” he responded. “I understand the question; it’s easy to point fingers at me, but it’s never just the head coach, or ownership, or the directors, or the players, or the staff. It’s everyone.
“If we do things right, we can establish something sustainable. Obviously, we’re not in a favorable position right now. Directors, ownership, and I all recognize our situation and what needs improvement. That’s what we’re diligently working on.
“I’m 1,000% sure [I’m the right man for Tottenham]. I’m also 1,000% sure that I never anticipated being in this situation with 11 or 12 injuries affecting us and what we’ve been tackling.
“Building something requires exceptional resilience. … We can only overcome this together.”
Keep in mind, this is all happening against a Newcastle team grappling with its own crisis, and a manager in Howe who has been reflecting deeply in recent days. “A bit is an understatement,” he admitted afterward.
Spurs began the match sluggishly, effectively allowing Newcastle to recover their confidence. Joe Willock had a goal disallowed just before halftime following a VAR review for offside, but Tottenham still failed to reach the break on level terms. Malick Thiaw scored in stoppage time, a reflection of the home side’s lethargy, as they failed to close down the cross or react to Guglielmo Vicario’s save of Thiaw’s initial shot. Archie Gray netted against the run of play in the 64th minute, but Newcastle quickly answered just four minutes later when Jacob Ramsey tapped in following good work from Anthony Gordon.
Frank had to defend not only the club’s poor injury record—with Wilson Odobert’s exit adding to their woes—but also the misguided belief that firing a head coach in tough situations is a cure-all.
“I understand the dynamics in football, absolutely. But there are numerous studies showing that this isn’t always the best approach,” Frank remarked.
“I know that it feels like the only option, but there are many cases where it’s not the solution. My focus will solely be on fighting and doing what’s right alongside everyone else.”
in the end, it was Howe who stood up for Frank. “They’re missing an incredible list of players, and that complicates things,” Howe commented.
“I believe he is an exceptional manager. I’ve competed against him many times. He possesses all the qualities to be a top manager for this football club, and I hope he receives the opportunity to prove that.”
Frank now faces an anxious wait to determine if his time is running out.
