Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has once again risked the wrath of the club's supporters by insisting they have not earned the right to harbour significant expectations this season. The comments come amid a dismal run of form that has seen patience wear thin at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Frank's Controversial Comparison and Expectations Claim
The under-pressure boss compared his current challenge at Spurs to his first managerial job at Danish side Brondby, albeit on a much larger scale. He then delivered a stark assessment of the club's recent history to justify his view on expectations. "There's no problem with big expectations if you've also earned the right to truly compete for those big expectations, which I think it's fair to say we haven't done," Frank stated.
He pointed to the team's record over the past six years, highlighting a failure to compete for major domestic cups, in Europe, or for the Premier League title. This is despite the club's sixth-highest wage bill in the English top flight and last season's Europa League triumph under previous manager Ange Postecoglou.
Frank's current side are struggling, sitting 12th in the Premier League and having failed to win a league match since a 26th October victory over Everton. Their winless home run extended to six games after a 2-1 defeat to Fulham last Saturday, a result that piled more pressure on the Danish coach.
Furious Fan Backlash and Booing Criticism
The manager's latest remarks have ignited fury among an already frustrated fanbase. Supporters took to social media to vent, with one labelling Frank "out of his element" and suggesting the club would be in a relegation battle if he remained in charge by May.
Another criticised what they called Frank's "inferiority complex," demanding he focus on what the team can achieve rather than what they cannot. A third fan angrily cited a single point from four league games, "embarrassing" derby performances, and an early League Cup exit as evidence of the team's decline.
Frank also stood by his previous criticism of fans who booed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario during the Fulham defeat, calling such behaviour "unacceptable" and questioning whether those responsible were "true Tottenham fans." He clarified that his issue was with mocking their own player during the match, arguing support is needed most during the 90 minutes.
Frank's Plea for Patience and Faith in the Hierarchy
Despite the growing discontent, Thomas Frank remains confident that the club's ownership, the Lewis family, will maintain faith in his long-term project. The family assumed control after Daniel Levy was removed as chairman in September.
"I am very confident," Frank said ahead of Tuesday night's match at Newcastle. "I think the owners... they seem like good guys, smart people." He appealed for time, stating that all successful football dynasties require a period of sustainable building, not just short-term gains.
He acknowledged the team's current position is a result of finishing 17th last season before winning the Europa League, and that competing on both fronts this term would take time, especially with attacking injuries. "We will get there. I have no doubt," he concluded, but for many Spurs fans, that doubt is now palpable as the pressure continues to mount.
