Tottenham’s board has not made a final decision on head coach Thomas Frank’s departure, but is considering alternatives.
Following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to West Ham, it is believed that discussions were held at board level as to whether Frank should continue as manager.
Leaders are taking their time in making decisions, considering potential short-term successors in case Frank steps down.
As things stand, the 52-year-old is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund.
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Thomas Frank admits he is ‘very hurt’ after Spurs’ 2-1 home defeat to West Ham
The Spurs board wants to stick to a long-term plan that includes Frank, and this has always been the plan, but Saturday’s defeat could reach a new level of toxicity at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and reach the point of no return.
There were also reports of clashes between fans outside the ground, and a video was published on social media of a fan approaching co-owner Vivian Lewis in the hospitality department and confessing his feelings about Frank’s future.
Unlike the majority of managers who have lost their jobs this season, Frank recognizes this is a difficult time for the club and has tried to remain positive.
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Free to watch: Highlights of the Premier League win between West Ham and Tottenham
He described it as an attempt to turn around a “supertanker” and start moving in the right direction. However, Saturday’s result did not reflect that, with relegation-threatened rivals West Ham now without a win in 10 league games.
Not all the blame lies with Frank. The club is in a period of transition following the post-Daniel Levy era, with a new captain at the helm of the ship and new staff still finding their feet in multiple areas.
But either way, this feels like an important moment for Tottenham and they will carefully consider their next steps ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League home game against Borussia Dortmund.
Despite boos and dismissal chants from his own fans, Frank remained defiant.
Under pressure, Frank remained defiant despite the fans booing him loudly after the team lost 2-1 to West Ham at home.
Callum Wilson’s last-gasp winner sparked toxic scenes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the South Stand demanded the Dane’s sending off following eight defeats in 14 games.
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Tottenham fans boo Thomas Frank at full-time as Spurs slump to three consecutive defeats
On Sunday morning, Spurs chief executive Vinay Venkatesham arrived at the training ground with Frank and the players.
In the post-game press conference, Frank said of the boos and chants: “Of course there were better times. I understand, but I’m in charge, so I’m responsible. That’s fair, in that sense I’m fine.”
“As long as they’re rooting for the players and supporting them and doing everything they can to move them forward, we’re going to keep moving forward.”
Frank was in surprisingly good spirits at the post-match press conference, likening his job to turning Spurs’ “super tankers” around in 14th place, 10 points above the drop zone.
Ahead of kick-off, Ben Keisham published an open letter in the matchday program addressing a number of issues, including relations with fans and player trades.
“I looked at the letter,” Frank said, “and I took six to eight positive things out of it, not negative things.
“What I take from that letter is that the club, the management, with Vinay at the top, are united and recognize that this is a big transition, a super tanker, and we are moving in the right direction.”
“And behind the scenes there are a lot of positive signs in some performances as well.
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Tim Sherwood doubts whether Tottenham can sack Frank after defeat against West Ham
“But of course when you lose at the last minute to one of your rivals, it’s very emotional in football and there’s going to be a lot of noise.
“And we need to take that noise out of there and keep our heads down and keep walking and do the right thing.”
Frank also faced questions about the team’s leak on Friday, but insisted he was not concerned.
The Dane also believes the team is “approaching very good form” despite a winless start to 2026.
Asked why it’s taking more time, Frank said: “We know if we’re not winning enough then we’re not getting enough support from the fans.
“But when we’re winning, things will change if we start winning again and we’re going to do that. There’s no doubt about that. I also think it’s good to see a little bit of the performance.”
“If you think about Bournemouth and Villa and this game here, if the players stopped running, stopped doing anything, didn’t try as hard, and we weren’t the team closest to winning, that would be fine. But I think the team is working extremely hard.”
“And I still think, as crazy as it may sound, we are not far away, but closer to something very good.
He added, “I can sit here and promise you that I’m going to give it my all every day.
“I feel everyone’s trust in me and there is only one way forward and that is to keep moving forward.”
What did Sky Sports report on Tottenham fans’ reaction to Frank?
Thomas Frank to manage Spurs for seven months
Oliver Yu on Sky Sports at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
After West Ham’s late goal: “Home fans sing ‘Sacked for the morning’ to Thomas Frank. Some fans are left in their seats. There is a mass exodus at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as West Ham fans celebrate.”
Full-time: “The boos died down before the restart. The fans who lined up by the press box also made their feelings known.
“Frank then heads into the tunnel to applause. He gets another round of boos and another chorus of ‘You’re fired in the morning’. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that.”
Tottenham matches in January and February
Tuesday: Borussia Dortmund (h), Champions League – 8pm kick-off
Saturday: Burnley (a), Premier League – 3pm kick-off
January 28: Eintracht Frankfurt (a), Champions League – 8pm kick-off
1 February: Man City (h), Premier League – Kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
February 7: Man United (a), Premier League – Kick-off 12:30pm
February 10: Newcastle (h), Premier League – Kick-off 7.30pm
February 22: Arsenal (h), Premier League – Kick-off 4:30pm, live on Sky Sports
