Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, pressure is mounting on Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank. The loss leaves Spurs in a precarious 16th position in the Premier League, a mere five points above the relegation zone. This latest setback has intensified scrutiny on Frank's leadership, with sources suggesting that the club's hierarchy is edging closer to considering a change.
Frank, who took over as Spurs boss last summer after a successful stint with Brentford, has faced a challenging season. Despite his previous achievements, including leading Brentford to the Premier League, he has struggled to replicate that success in North London. Tottenham have only managed to win two of their 13 home league games this season, a concerning statistic that highlights their struggles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The defeat to Newcastle was particularly damaging, with goals from Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey sealing the victory for the visitors. While Archie Gray managed to score for Tottenham, it wasn't enough to prevent another disappointing result, leading to boos from the home crowd at the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, Frank acknowledged the team's current predicament and the growing frustration among supporters. "We understand we are not in a top position and we need to do everything we can to get out," he said. "I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me. That's fair and part of the job, unfortunately". Despite the pressure, Frank remains determined to turn things around, stating, "I will work day and night to do everything to turn it around but it's fair to say it's never only one person".
However, patience appears to be wearing thin among Spurs fans and within the club's leadership. The team's inconsistent performances and lack of a clear attacking identity have drawn criticism. Some observers have pointed out that Tottenham have struggled to rebuild their attack following the departures of key players like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Adding to the challenge, Tottenham face a daunting run of upcoming fixtures, including matches against Liverpool, Aston Villa, Chelsea and a North London derby against Arsenal. The match against Arsenal looms particularly large, with the Gunners currently leading the Premier League.
Despite the external pressure, Frank maintains that he has the support of the Spurs board, revealing that he held talks with them recently. "I spoke to them yesterday, so no," Frank stated when asked if he fears for his job.
The decision now rests with the Tottenham Hotspur board. They must weigh Frank's track record, the team's current form, and the potential impact of a managerial change mid-season. With the threat of relegation looming and a challenging fixture list ahead, the coming days will be crucial in determining Frank's future at the club. A swift decision is anticipated to provide clarity and direction as Tottenham navigate this critical period.