Under fire Frank insists on support from Spurs leadership

Under fire Frank insists on support from Spurs leadership

Thomas Frank maintained that he still has the backing of Tottenham's leadership following a meeting with the club's key figures on Monday, despite facing intense criticism.

Reports indicated that Tottenham's executives talked about Frank's position on Sunday, right after a disappointing 2-1 loss at home to a faltering West Ham side.

Supporters at Tottenham voiced their disapproval towards Frank and sang chants about him being dismissed soon during the match against West Ham.

However, Frank led his squad in training sessions in preparation for Borussia Dortmund's arrival in north London for the Champions League fixture on Tuesday, and he is firm in his belief that he will get the opportunity to secure his role.

The Danish manager had a discussion over lunch on Monday with Tottenham's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, sporting director Johan Lange, and Nick Beucher, who is part of the ownership team.

"I've consistently sensed the confidence from them throughout. I've mentioned this in every media session. Today I shared lunch with Nick, Vinai, and Johan, and everything went smoothly," Frank informed the journalists.

"It's all just the usual media frenzy, and my focus is solely on securing a victory over Dortmund."

Only seven months since joining from Brentford to take over from the dismissed Ange Postecoglou, Frank finds himself under severe pressure due to Tottenham's poor performances.

The loss to West Ham marked Tottenham's third straight defeat and their eighth setback in the last 14 outings across all tournaments.

Frank's squad sits in 14th spot in the Premier League table and has already exited both the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Taking ownership of Tottenham's struggles, Frank remarked: "Even the world's top manager, like Pep Guardiola, admits 'I am nothing without my players', and it's true that they have not been fully fit consistently.

"But no issue at all. I'm content to shoulder the responsibility if it means the players receive full support.

"The key is to block out the distractions, remain composed, and press forward."

You require toughness

As the inquiries in his press conference became sharper, Frank pledged to continue striving to reverse the team's fortunes and urged for solidarity amid the club's turmoil.

"When you're cornered, you push back. I'm full of energy and determined," he stated.

"This isn't personal, we must secure wins in our games, and we do that as a unit.

"Regrettably, football is driven by outcomes, and feelings play a role too.

"There are plenty of indicators that progress is happening. We just need to clinch those results, and we're nearer than it seems."

Tottenham supporters have expressed irritation with Frank's straightforward tactics, which emphasise defensive strength and rely on set pieces for scoring chances.

This approach differs greatly from the exciting play style of Postecoglou, who broke the club's 17-year wait for silverware by lifting the Europa League.

"It's not centred on me. It's about rallying behind the squad. In football, resilience is essential. I see myself as someone with strong principles," Frank commented.

"Truth is, regardless of your efforts, one fifth of people will dislike you, and one fifth will adore you, and both groups are likely prejudiced either way."

With Welsh defender Ben Davies out following ankle surgery, Frank's challenges continue to grow.

He can call on just 11 available outfield players for the encounter with Dortmund.

"Our options are somewhat restricted by the current squad fitness," Frank noted.

"From the opening minute, we need full backing from all. With that, we can achieve great things. Remarkable outcomes are possible."