Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has publicly stated he remains "very confident" that he has the unwavering support of the club's ownership, even amidst growing criticism from supporters due to the team's underwhelming performances. The club currently languishes in 12th place in the Premier League, a position far below the expectations that were set at the start of the season.
Home Form Woes
Frank's tenure at Spurs, which began in June after his move from Brentford, has been marred by inconsistency, particularly at home. Their solitary Premier League home victory under his management came on the opening weekend against Burnley. This scarcity of wins at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has fueled discontent among the fanbase, with some questioning Frank's ability to turn the tide.
Boardroom Backing
Despite the on-field struggles and the increasing pressure from the stands, Frank remains optimistic, citing his belief in the intelligence and business acumen of the club's hierarchy. "It seems like they're good guys, intelligent people, know how to run businesses and learning about football," Frank said. "I think when we're dealing with intelligent people, they can see every successful dynasty and every successful club has taken time." He implies that the owners understand the necessity of patience and long-term planning in building a successful team.
Fan Frustration
The frustration of the Tottenham faithful reached a boiling point during the recent 2-1 defeat to Fulham. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario's error, which led to Fulham's second goal, was met with boos from sections of the home crowd. This reaction prompted a strong response from Frank, who deemed the booing of Vicario as "completely unacceptable" and suggested that those involved "can't be true Tottenham fans." He later clarified his position, acknowledging the fans' right to express their disappointment but emphasizing the need for unity during matches.
Frank's Plea for Unity
Ahead of the crucial match against Newcastle United, who sit just below Tottenham in 13th place, Frank reiterated the vital role that fans play in the club's success. "We are nothing without the fans. No club is anything without the fans. Tottenham is nothing without our fantastic fans, nothing. We need each other," he stated. He called for a united front at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, aiming to transform it into a "fortress" where visiting teams find it difficult to play.
Vicario's Apology
Guglielmo Vicario, the Italian goalkeeper at the centre of the storm, has taken responsibility for his mistake and issued an apology to the fans. "The second goal was a mistake of mine, I take responsibility for that," he told Sky Sports. "I'm a big man. What can I say? We cannot be influenced by the situation in the stands. The fans have the right to do what they think." Despite the setback, Frank expressed confidence in Vicario's mental fortitude, stating that he is well-equipped to deal with such setbacks and learn from them.
Looking Ahead
As Tottenham prepares to face Newcastle United, the pressure is on Frank and his team to deliver a positive result. A win at St James' Park could provide a much-needed boost to morale and ease some of the pressure mounting on the manager. However, anything less than victory will likely intensify the scrutiny and further test the patience of the Tottenham faithful. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Frank's long-term future at the club and whether he can indeed turn the tide and lead Tottenham back to where they believe they belong.
