Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with head coach Thomas Frank following Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle, leaving the club 16th in the Premier League, just five points clear of the relegation zone.
Frank, appointed on 12 June on a three-year contract to replace Ange Postecoglou, departs after eight league games without a win. Tottenham have won only two of their last 17 league matches and were eliminated early from both domestic cup competitions.
Supporters had made their frustration clear, booing Frank throughout the Newcastle game and chanting for his dismissal even before the final whistle. The Dane’s style of play, often criticised for its lack of creativity and cutting edge, left fans increasingly disillusioned. The team relied heavily on predictable crosses and struggled to exploit through-balls or get runners behind the defence. Richarlison scored seven league goals, while Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel, and Randal Kolo Muani combined for just six. Dominic Solanke, returning from injury, contributed two.
The Spurs board had initially resisted sacking Frank, mindful of the challenges he faced: a squad hit by injuries - 11 players were sidelined - Champions League demands, and a transitional season following multiple leadership changes.
Tensions with fans had been evident since a 1-0 home loss to Chelsea in November, escalating during a January defeat to West Ham, when boos and chants for his removal punctuated the game. Players, at times, visibly reacted to crowd hostility, including Pedro Porro cupping his ear toward the West Stand after assisting a goal.
Home form was a major concern, with Tottenham winning just twice in the league at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - better only than Burnley and Wolves.
Frank, who had never been sacked before, took the Spurs job despite the risks. “Only five?” he said of Spurs’ previous managerial dismissals. “I like to challenge myself… That is one of the reasons why I took the job. I get a little bit more risk in my daily life.”
He now becomes the latest coach to fall victim to Tottenham’s high turnover, adding his name to a long list of managerial casualties at the club.
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