The tenure of Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur has encountered early turbulence, creating a significant test for the manager amidst growing fan discontent.
A Rocky Start for the New Boss
Despite a seemingly respectable league position, with Spurs sitting sixth in the Premier League on 17 points and just two points off second place, underlying issues are causing concern. Frank has successfully shored up a defence that was notoriously leaky last season. In fact, only North London rivals Arsenal have conceded fewer goals so far this campaign. The team also remains a potent attacking force on paper, ranking highly for goals scored, and they are well-positioned to advance in the Champions League.
The Core of the Problem: Aesthetic Concerns
The primary issue, however, lies in the style of play. Supporters have been subjected to performances that are, at times, pretty awful to watch. The recent match against Chelsea highlighted this, where the sole genuine chance originated from a Kevin Danso long throw. Furthermore, the need for a last-minute equaliser against Wolves has been cited as a performance indicator that should prompt serious introspection. While an early victory against Manchester City rightly raised expectations, the corrective measures applied to the defence appear to have swung too far in the opposite direction, stifling the attacking flair traditionally associated with the club.
Is Frank's Job Already at Risk?
While it is remarkably early to discuss a potential sacking, the power of discontent should not be underestimated. The sound of 60,000 fans booing the team off the pitch is a potent message for any club's ownership. This sentiment is compounded by flashpoints such as the apparent snub from players Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence, who ignored their manager's handshake after a match. Frank played down the incident, attributing it to player frustration, but such events add fuel to the fire.
The manager has handled most issues adeptly so far, though his request for fans to withhold boos until full-time was perhaps ill-advised. In all likelihood, this represents a bump in the road for a manager who proved his adaptability at Brentford. He possesses a squad capable of qualifying for Europe and making a meaningful Champions League run. However, a stark warning comes from the fact that after ten games last season, Spurs had 16 points and were in seventh place—a precedent that ended poorly.
The midweek victory over Copenhagen provided some relief, but another poor display, especially at home against a resurgent Manchester United, could significantly intensify the pressure on Thomas Frank.
