Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has expressed confidence that the club's new ownership will afford him the necessary time to construct a successful team, despite a turbulent period that saw fans boo their own players.
Frank Stands by Criticism of 'Not True Fans'
The comments follow a fractious 2-1 home defeat to Fulham on Saturday, Spurs' third loss in just six days. Frank was openly critical of supporters who jeered goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after his error led to Fulham's second goal, scored by Harry Wilson. The manager labelled those who booed as "not true fans".
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's trip to Newcastle United, Frank refused to retract his statement but acknowledged the path to reconciliation. "The only way is to perform and keep connected," he stated, emphasising the need for results starting at St James' Park, a ground where Tottenham have lost their last four visits, conceding 14 goals.
Backing for Porro and Belief in 'Intelligent' Owners
Frank also defended defender Pedro Porro, who took to social media after the Fulham match to address "the true Spurs fans". Porro explained he left the pitch angrily due to hearing "disrespect from the fans to my teammates". Frank said of the posts: "What he put out there was fair in every aspect."
Amid growing pressure, the Danish manager insisted he retains the backing of the new Spurs management group led by chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, following Daniel Levy's September departure. "It seems like they're good guys, intelligent people," Frank said. "They know how to run businesses and are learning about football... When you're dealing with intelligent people they can see every successful dynasty has taken time."
Appeal for Unity Ahead of Crucial Fixtures
With Tottenham having won only three of their last 13 matches in all competitions, Frank rejected the notion he has lost a significant portion of the fanbase. He called for unity ahead of a critical week featuring Newcastle away and a home game against his former club Brentford on Saturday.
"I'm pretty sure every fan wants to win and wants to support," he said. "If you're not going to plan, then maybe some get more frustrated than others... When you say you lose the fans, how many is that? Five per cent, 10%? We would like to get all 100% on board."
