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Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham after spending just eight months in charge following their dismal 2-1 defeat at home against Newcastle on Tuesday.
Tottenham said they had been “determined to give Frank the time and support needed to build for the future together“, but recent results meant “a change at this point is necessary”.
Recall that Frank took over as head coach in June after Ange Postecoglou was sacked and signed a deal until 2028, but proved unable to notably improve the club’s league form despite strong results in European competition.
Against a mixed Premier League record of seven wins, eight draws, and 11 defeats this season, the Dane led Spurs to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League by finishing fourth in the group stage.
However, they are out of both domestic cup competitions, having been beaten by Newcastle in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October and Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round last month.
“Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward,” Tottenham said.
“We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”
Despite the loss to Newcastle, Frank is still expected to be in charge for the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.
Meanwhile, when asked by TNT Sports on Tuesday night if his job was under threat, Frank said: “I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no.
“I understand the frustration, and the easiest thing is to point at me. That’s part of the job, unfortunately.
“I will work day and night to turn this around, but it is not just one person. There is no doubt we need to improve, and I need to be part of that.”
Spurs were loudly booed after the defeats at home by Newcastle and fellow strugglers West Ham in the past few weeks.
Frank was also taunted by his own fans with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during the loss to West Ham and the 2-2 draw at Burnley that followed.
After being booed off at half-time while 2-0 down to Manchester City, Frank’s side responded to draw 2-2 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Captain Cristian Romero was critical of Tottenham’s board after that result, calling it “disgraceful” that the club only had 11 fit senior players available against City.
The Argentine then received a straight red card – his second of the season – against Manchester United on 7 February, who went on to win 2-0.
Spurs won five, drew two, and lost just one of their eight Champions League group stage matches – that defeat coming away to holders Paris St-Germain.
However, their Premier League form has been largely poor since November, including a damaging 4-1 defeat by north London rivals Arsenal and a woeful 3-0 loss at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
Last month, Frank said he felt trusted by the board, but as it is, he was already under significant internal scrutiny, and at least one member of the club’s executive had raised the option of ending his reign.
Tottenham took just 10 points at home in the league under Frank, but had a better away record, claiming 19 points from 13 matches on the road.
Before joining Tottenham, Frank spent seven years in charge of Brentford, guiding the Bees from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021.
The 52-year-old’s tenure at Spurs started with a Uefa Super Cup defeat on penalties by PSG, with Spurs having booked their place in the match courtesy of winning the Europa League under Australian Postecoglou last season.
Tottenham beat Burnley, Manchester City, and West Ham in their opening four league games, while also beating Villarreal in the Champions League. But they could not build on that star,t and Frank’s style of play never won over fans.
He was hampered by extensive injury issues this season, though.
They have a number of players absent through long-term injuries, including Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison.
Spurs are also without suspended captain Romero for the next three Premier League matches.
AFP
