Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has declared he still feels the full trust of the club's hierarchy, despite mounting pressure following a dismal run of form. This comes as his squad faces a crippling injury crisis ahead of a pivotal Champions League encounter with Borussia Dortmund at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Lunch Amid the Storm: Frank's Show of Board Support
Frank's position looked increasingly precarious after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United, which prompted sections of the Spurs support to chant for his immediate dismissal. The loss marked just two wins in Tottenham's last 13 Premier League outings, deepening the sense of crisis.
However, the manager struck a defiant note on Monday, revealing he had enjoyed a cordial lunch with key club figures. Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, sporting director Johan Lange, and Nick Beucher, a representative of the ownership, shared the meal.
"I've just been feeling the trust," Frank stated. "I had lunch with Nick and Vinai and Johan today, so all good. We had a good conversation about life and football, the future of the club, everything normal." He interpreted their presence as a significant gesture of solidarity, adding, "normally people are running away if there's bad news or bad weather coming."
A Squad Stretched to Breaking Point
Frank's immediate challenge is navigating a severe selection headache for the visit of the Bundesliga giants. The situation worsened on Monday with confirmation that defender Ben Davies requires surgery on an ankle fracture.
He will be among a staggering 13 players unavailable, including the suspended Micky van de Ven and the ineligible new signing Conor Gallagher. Frank revealed he has only 11 fit outfield players, with three of those unlikely to last a full match.
"When it rains, it pours," Frank lamented. Key midfielder João Palhinha remains sidelined, while Xavi Simons is battling to be fit after an ankle injury from a tackle by West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, which Frank felt should have been a red card.
Solanke's Return and Tel's Surprise Omission
In a notable squad decision, Frank has reinstated the fit-again Dominic Solanke to his Champions League list, replacing Mathys Tel. This reversal, permitted under competition rules, has reportedly surprised Tel, who had started the last four matches.
The substitution of Tel for Solanke during the West Ham match was met with loud boos from the home crowd, highlighting the fractious mood. Frank, however, is banking on Solanke's experience for the European challenge.
Fighting Talk Before a Defining Night
Acknowledging the daunting task against a strong Dortmund side, Frank called for unity. "If your back is against the wall, you fight," he said. "And that's what I do." He urged players and fans to generate a special atmosphere, suggesting "magic can happen" with full support.
When asked if the board had offered assurances regarding his future should Spurs lose, Frank dismissed the notion. "It's a nice question," he replied. "I haven't heard any situation like that in football."
For now, Thomas Frank remains in post, preparing for a match that could define Tottenham's season and his own tenure. The storm clouds are gathering, but the manager insists he is not standing alone.
