Tottenham Fires Coach Thomas Frank as Team Nears Relegation

Tottenham Hotspur has decided to let go of their head coach, Thomas Frank. The team has not been winning many games in the league, and they were getting close to being moved down to a lower division. The club hopes a new coach can help them win more games.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

The decision to dismiss Thomas Frank as Tottenham Hotspur's head coach followed a sustained period of poor performance in the Premier League, placing the club precariously close to the relegation zone. The defeat against Newcastle United on Tuesday night served as the culmination of mounting pressure, leading to the club's board taking action after less than eight months of Frank's tenure.

Context: A Brief Tenure Marked by Struggle

Thomas Frank was appointed as Tottenham's head coach in June, succeeding Ange Postecoglou. His arrival followed a period of relative success under Postecoglou, who secured Europa League qualification. However, Frank's time at the helm has been characterized by a stark contrast in fortunes between domestic and European competitions.

  • Premier League Performance: Frank's side has struggled significantly in the league, failing to secure a victory in 2026 and winning only two of their last 17 league matches. This run has seen them accumulate a mere 12 points in that period.

  • League Standing: Following the defeat to Newcastle, Tottenham dropped to 16th place in the Premier League table, just five points above the relegation zone.

  • European Success: In contrast, the team achieved a top-eight finish in the Champions League, automatically qualifying for the last 16 after winning five of their eight group stage matches.

  • Managerial Turnover: Frank's departure marks the sixth permanent manager change for Tottenham in the last seven years.

  • Fan Sentiment: Reports indicate significant discontent among Tottenham supporters, with chants for the return of former manager Mauricio Pochettino heard during recent matches, including the decisive game against Newcastle.

Evidence of Decline

A review of available data highlights a consistent downward trend in Tottenham's Premier League performance under Thomas Frank:

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  • Points Per Game: Frank's average of 1.12 points per game in the Premier League is the lowest of any Tottenham manager with at least five games in charge.

  • Home Form: The club has recorded only two league wins in 13 home matches under Frank, with a total of just 10 points collected at home.

  • Winless Run: Tottenham's current winless streak in the Premier League extends to eight matches, a stark statistic that places them among teams with the longest active winless runs in the top flight.

  • Goals and Productivity: The team has been unable to consistently generate offensive output, with a perceived lack of productivity from attacking players.

Tactical and Stylistic Considerations

Frank's tactical approach has drawn scrutiny, particularly in comparison to his successful spell at Brentford.

Emphasis on Long Passes and Aerial Play

Frank aimed to replicate his Brentford style at Tottenham, emphasizing long passes and aerial duels.

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  • Reports suggest that Frank sought to instill a similar tactical identity at Spurs as he did with Brentford, focusing on longer passes and aerial contests.

  • This stylistic shift has been noted by observers, with some questioning its effectiveness in generating consistent results.

Vulnerability in Defense

Concerns were raised about defensive frailties, particularly after tactical changes.

  • When Frank experimented with a back five formation against Arsenal in November, the team suffered a significant defeat, reinforcing fan anxieties about his tactical approach and understanding of the club's expectations.

  • The team has been described as "painfully vulnerable at the back" when attempting to play a more adventurous style.

Missed Signings and Player Availability

Key player absences and perceived missed recruitment opportunities have impacted the team.

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  • There are indications of missed opportunities in the transfer market, with reports mentioning a player Frank believed Tottenham had signed who later performed well against them.

  • A considerable number of key players, including Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison, have been unavailable due to injury or suspension, compounding Frank's challenges.

Fan Discontent and Calls for Return

The dissatisfaction of the Tottenham fanbase appears to have been a significant factor contributing to the pressure on Frank.

Chants for Pochettino

Supporters vocally expressed their desire for the return of former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Read More: Pochettino Might Come Back to Tottenham, But Will Fans Wait?

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  • Chants of "He's magic you know, Mauricio Pochettino" were audible during the Newcastle match, signaling a clear preference for the previous manager.

  • Frank himself had acknowledged understanding why fans might chant for Pochettino, having met him on several occasions.

Booing and Frustration

The team's performance has led to audible expressions of displeasure from the stands.

  • Fans booed the team off at half-time during the Newcastle game, reflecting deep frustration with the team's performance.

  • The general sentiment among a section of the supporters appears to be one of disillusionment with Frank's tenure.

Expert and Club Perspectives

While direct quotes from the club board regarding the decision are not extensively detailed, the reported rationale points towards performance metrics and league standing.

The Board's Decision

  • Reports indicate that Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange recommended Frank's dismissal to the board late on Tuesday night.

  • The decision was made due to the need for a change, with the team hovering just above the relegation zone.

Frank's Own Beliefs

  • Prior to his dismissal, Frank had expressed a strong conviction in his ability to turn the team's fortunes around.

  • In his final post-match interview, he stated he was "1,000%" certain he would remain in charge, a belief that ultimately did not align with the club's decision.

  • He had also previously insisted his job was not under threat, despite an eight-match winless run in the Premier League.

Conclusion: A Failed Project

Thomas Frank's tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has concluded after less than eight months, a period marked by a significant underperformance in the Premier League that pushed the club into a relegation battle. Despite a comparatively strong showing in the Champions League, the dire domestic form, coupled with apparent fan dissatisfaction and a statistically poor record, led to the club's hierarchy making the decision to seek a new head coach. The club now faces the immediate challenge of securing a manager who can steer them away from relegation and rebuild confidence, with several high-profile names reportedly being considered.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Thomas Frank fired as Tottenham's coach?
He was fired because the team lost too many games in the Premier League and was close to being relegated.
Q: How long was Thomas Frank the coach?
He was the coach for less than eight months.
Q: Did the team play well in Europe?
Yes, the team did well in the Champions League, reaching the next stage.
Q: Are fans happy with the team's performance?
No, many fans were unhappy with the team's poor results in the league.
Q: What happens now for Tottenham?
The club will look for a new coach to help them avoid relegation and win more games.