By Paul Joseph
Tottenham has dismissed head coach Thomas Frank after less than eight months in charge, following a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.
Currently, Spurs sit in 16th place in the Premier League, only five points above the relegation zone, after a poor streak of performances.
The north London team has not won any of their last eight Premier League matches, marking their longest winless run since October 2008.
In their last 17 league games, they have managed just two victories and accumulated only 12 points.
Tottenham stated that they were “determined to give Frank the time and support needed to build for the future together,” but recent results necessitated “a change at this point.”
Frank took over as head coach in June after the departure of Ange Postecoglou, signing a contract that extended until 2028. However, he was unable to significantly enhance the club’s league performance, despite achieving strong results in European competitions.
This season, with a mixed Premier League record of seven wins, eight draws, and 11 losses, Frank led Spurs to automatic qualification for the Champions League’s last 16 by finishing fourth in the group stage.
However, the team has been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, losing to Newcastle in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October and to Aston Villa in the FA Cup’s third round last month.
“Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has shown unwavering commitment and dedicated himself to advancing the club,” Tottenham said.
“We thank him for his contributions and wish him success in the future.”
Despite the defeat to Newcastle, Frank anticipated remaining in charge for the north London derby against Arsenal on February 22.
When asked by TNT Sports on Tuesday night if his job was in jeopardy, Frank replied, “I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no.”
“I understand the frustration, and it’s easy to point fingers at me. Unfortunately, that’s part of the job.”
“I will work tirelessly to turn this around, but it’s not just one person. We undoubtedly need to improve, and I must be part of that.”
Spurs faced loud boos from fans after recent home defeats to Newcastle and fellow relegation battlers West Ham.
During the loss to West Ham and the subsequent 2-2 draw at Burnley, Frank was taunted by his own supporters with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning.”
After being booed off at halftime while trailing 2-0 to Manchester City, Frank’s team managed to draw 2-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Captain Cristian Romero criticized Tottenham’s board after that match, calling it “disgraceful” that the club only had 11 fit senior players available against City.
The Argentine then received a straight red card—his second of the season—against Manchester United on February 7, who went on to win 2-0.
Spurs achieved five wins, two draws, and only one loss in their eight Champions League group stage matches.
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