Thomas Frank stood firm ahead of Tottenham’s upcoming Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, asserting, “if your back is against the wall, you fight,” amidst rumors surrounding his job security.
A 2-1 defeat to West Ham has heightened speculation regarding Frank’s position, with Spurs fans chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during their eighth loss in 14 games.
Speaking in the post-match press conference on Saturday, Frank maintained he has “the trust of everyone,” but there were discussions among the executive team at 14th-placed Tottenham on whether he would remain in charge for Tuesday’s clash with Dortmund, as reported by Press Association.
On Sunday, Frank oversaw training at the club’s Hotspur Way complex, even as no definitive resolution regarding his future had been made amid deliberations between chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and other board members.
In a Monday news conference, Frank, who joined Tottenham from Brentford last June, expressed his determination to earn back the fans’ support.
He stated, “If your back is against the wall, you fight. I am energetic and I fight. It’s not about me; we need to win football matches, and we must do that together. We are focused on the game, and the players look promising.”
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“I have no doubts that I can win back the supporters; resilience is crucial in this game. The three main elements of resilience stem from having good values, and I believe I possess strong values. Secondly, one must acknowledge reality—about one in five people may not like you regardless of your actions, and the same applies to those who love you. Both perspectives tend to be biased. But if you carry yourself with respect and integrity, the majority will appreciate you. Not everyone will be a fan, and that’s the reality.”
While Frank has faced challenges in connecting with Tottenham fans during his brief tenure, he insists he has consistently maintained a good rapport with the club’s board.
He reiterated, “I’ve felt the trust throughout my time here. I had lunch with Nick, Vinai, and Johan today, and everything was great. It’s all part of the media frenzy; my focus remains on securing a win against Dortmund.”
Despite their shaky Premier League form, Tottenham is only one point below the top eight in the Champions League standings, maintaining hope for a favorable outcome against Dortmund to avoid the playoff stage.
Ben Davies to Undergo Ankle Surgery
Tottenham announced that defender Ben Davies will require surgery on his ankle following an injury sustained early in the defeat to West Ham.
“We can confirm that Ben Davies will undergo surgery today for a fracture of his left ankle,” Spurs noted in a post on X.
Post-surgery, Davies will begin rehabilitation with the team’s medical staff. “We’re all supporting you, Ben!”
This injury is a significant setback for Wales, especially with their World Cup playoff semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina scheduled for March.
The 32-year-old has been leading his national team in the absence of Aaron Ramsey and recently earned his 100th cap against Belgium in October.