Tottenham Hotspur have relieved Thomas Frank of his duties as head coach, ending a brief but turbulent tenure that saw the club slide down the Premier League table and struggle to replicate past highs. The decision came after Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, a result that left Spurs in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone.
Frank, who was appointed in June 2025 to replace Ange Postecoglou, leaves after less than eight months in charge, with the club deciding that a change was necessary amid fan unrest and poor league form.
From Champions League Nights to Struggling in the League
This season had promised more. Tottenham competed in the UEFA Champions League, having qualified by winning the Europa League last year — a rare achievement that marked one of the club’s last bright moments. Under Frank, Spurs managed to reach the Champions League knockout stages after finishing fourth in their group.
But in the Premier League, results told a very different story. Spurs won only two of their last 17 domestic league matches, endured an eight-game winless streak, and on several occasions saw supporters turn on the team with chants demanding managerial change.
That was a far cry from Spurs’ best era under Mauricio Pochettino, when the club finished second in the Premier League and reached a Champions League final, narrowly losing to a strong Liverpool side. Current struggles represent one of the steepest declines in recent Spurs history.
Injuries and Squad Shortages Hampered Progress
Tottenham’s season was blighted by a long list of injuries that dramatically thinned squad depth — a major factor in their poor run. Key players including James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus and others were sidelined for extended periods. Spurs were periodically forced to field players from the academy due to these shortages.
The situation sparked frustration among players, including captain Cristian Romero, who publicly criticised the club’s squad depth and lack of reinforcements following the winter transfer window — a rare moment of open dissent.
Romero Outspoken; Dressing Room Power Shift?
Romero’s remarks about Spurs’ limited available players, calling the situation “unbelievable” and “disgraceful,” were widely reported and highlighted internal unrest.
Rumours have also circulated that Frank may have lost influence within the dressing room, with some senior players reportedly less aligned with his methods and tactical approach — though club insiders have not officially confirmed a player revolt.
Why It Went Wrong: Frank’s Brief Spurs Timeline
Thomas Frank came to Tottenham with a strong reputation after years of impressive work at Brentford, where he guided the smaller London club to the Premier League and earned plaudits for his management.
But at Spurs, results faltered early and often. Despite moments of promise — notably in European competition — inconsistency and tactical questions dogged his tenure. With just two wins in 17 league games, Spurs’ board ultimately decided a new direction was needed.
Who’s Next and What Spurs Must Do
Tottenham haven’t yet named a permanent replacement, but several names have already surfaced in media speculation, including Roberto De Zerbi, John Heitinga and even a possible return for Mauricio Pochettino when available.
With a crucial North London derby against Arsenal on the horizon and relegation fears creeping in, Spurs face important decisions about their next manager and squad strategy for the rest of the season.
Final Thoughts
Thomas Frank’s departure marks another chapter in Tottenham’s recent managerial revolving door, and underlines deeper structural challenges at the club — from injuries and squad planning to player leadership and fan expectations. For a side used to pushing for top-four and European success, this season has been a sobering reminder that stability at the top doesn’t come easily.
