Tottenham Hotspur have sacked head coach Thomas Frank after just eight months in charge, following Tuesday night’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United.
In a statement released after the loss, Spurs said they had been “determined to give Frank the time and support needed to build for the future together,” but admitted that recent results had forced a rethink.
“Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward,” the statement read. “We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”
Frank, 52, was appointed in June on a contract running until 2028 after Ange Postecoglou was dismissed. Despite overseeing a strong Champions League campaign, the Dane struggled to turn around Tottenham’s inconsistent domestic form.
In the Premier League, Spurs managed seven wins, eight draws and 11 defeats under Frank this season, leaving them well short of expectations. Their home form was particularly concerning, with just 10 points taken at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham’s European campaign offered a brighter note. Frank guided the team to automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 after finishing fourth in the group stage. Spurs won five, drew two and lost just one of their eight group matches, the only defeat coming away to holders Paris Saint-Germain.
READ ALSO: Guardiola hints Manchester City-Arsenal clash could decide Premier League title race
However, domestic cup competitions proved disappointing. Newcastle eliminated Spurs in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October, while Aston Villa knocked them out of the FA Cup in the third round last month.
The defeat to Newcastle intensified pressure on Frank, with supporters voicing their frustration in recent weeks. Spurs were loudly booed following home losses to Newcastle and West Ham, and chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” were directed at the manager during the West Ham defeat and a subsequent 2-2 draw at Burnley.
Although Tottenham staged a spirited comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Manchester City after being booed at half-time, internal tensions were evident. Captain Cristian Romero publicly criticised the board after that match, describing it as “disgraceful” that only 11 fit senior players were available.
Romero’s subsequent straight red card against Manchester United on 7 February — his second of the season — compounded Spurs’ difficulties, as United went on to win 2-0. The Argentine defender is now suspended for the next three Premier League matches.
Ironically, despite reports of his dismissal, Frank had earlier insisted his position was secure. Speaking to TNT Sports on Tuesday night when asked if his job was under threat, he said: “I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no.
“I understand the frustration, and the easiest thing is to point at me. That’s part of the job, unfortunately.
“I will work day and night to turn this around, but it is not just one person. There is no doubt we need to improve, and I need to be part of that.”
He had also been expected to lead the team into the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.
Frank’s tenure was hampered by significant injury problems. Key players including Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have all been sidelined with long-term injuries.
Before joining Spurs, Frank spent seven years at Brentford, leading the club from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021 and earning praise for his progressive approach.