Thomas Frank still feels the backing of the Tottenham Hotspur board for a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund tonight.
The Spurs head coach spoke calmly despite intense pressure following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to West Ham, a result that led to boos at full-time and chants of “sacked in the morning” from sections of the crowd.
Frank revealed he had held positive talks with senior club figures less than 48 hours before facing Dortmund.
“I’ve just been feeling the trust along the way,” Frank said. “I’ve said that every press meeting, that there’s backing and support. I had lunch with Nick Beucher, Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange today, so all good.”
Tottenham confirmed earlier this week that Frank would remain in charge for the Champions League fixture after board-level discussions about his future. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested the situation remained fragile, saying on Monday Night Football: “It hasn’t felt like the right fit so far. I hope it turns around for him, but it doesn’t quite seem like it’s working for anybody.”
Frank, however, was adamant his focus was solely on results. “As long as we win football matches and make sure we win enough of them, then everyone will support us,” he said. “It’s not about me. It’s about supporting the team and the players.”
The Dane will be forced to name a heavily depleted squad, with only 11 senior players available. Those include defenders Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro, midfielders Xavi Simons and Archie Gray, and forwards Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani.
Frank also confirmed Solanke had returned to Tottenham’s Champions League squad in place of Mathys Tel due to UEFA regulations. “That was not a nice decision,” he admitted. “The rules meant it was either Dom or Mathys, and I chose Dom. When it rains, it pours.”
Despite the noise around him, Frank struck a defiant tone. “If your back is against the wall, you fight,” he said. “I’m energetic, I fight. The players are still running, still believing. That gives me confidence we can turn this around.”
