Thomas Frank has firmly defended his role at Tottenham Hotspur, expressing unwavering belief in his ability to revitalize the club and steer it toward success. The manager finds himself under increasing pressure following a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal last Sunday, a result that exacerbated a troubling trend for the team.
Since late September, Tottenham has managed to secure just three wins in eleven matches across all competitions, with many performances lacking both spark and identity. The derby loss against Arsenal was particularly notable; Frank deployed a 5-4-1 formation that failed to provide any significant threat to their rivals.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Frank remains resolute, vowing to confront the issues head-on as the team prepares for a tough Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. He has meticulously reviewed the game footage in search of uncomfortable truths and solutions, asserting that now is not the time for self-doubt. He emphasized the importance of a strong response as Spurs brace for a pivotal stretch of games, including upcoming matches against Fulham, Newcastle, and former club Brentford.
“Part of taking this job was to have the challenges,” Frank stated. “Managing setbacks is crucial. I’m confident in my ability to build a team and a club, and we will achieve that.”
Frank highlighted the need for learning from difficult periods, particularly in how the team reacts after conceding a goal. He noted that the best teams adapt quickly and continue pushing forward, regardless of setbacks.
The manager also acknowledged Arsenal’s advantage over Spurs, attributing it to years of continuity under Mikel Arteta. He drew parallels with PSG and their coach, Luis Enrique, who had faced difficulties in his first season but ultimately succeeded in creating a competitive team. “Success often comes from enduring initial hardships,” Frank observed.
A significant focus upon taking over Spurs in the summer was improving the team’s defensive capabilities, emphasizing that “no team wins anything if they can’t defend.” Criticism regarding a lack of offensive creation has been valid, he noted, but he insisted that the issues against Arsenal stemmed more from an absence of aggression and competitiveness rather than tactical formation.
Frank expressed disappointment at the team’s failure to compete effectively, citing statistics that reveal they won only 17 out of 53 crucial duel situations in the contest. “If you can’t win those battles, it becomes incredibly difficult to claim victory in a match,” he remarked.
Moving forward, Frank reported no new injury concerns following the Arsenal match, though Brennan Johnson will be serving a suspension after receiving a red card in a previous match against Copenhagen. As Tottenham navigates this tumultuous phase, the focus remains firmly on bouncing back and cultivating a more competitive spirit within the team.