Pressure is intensifying on Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank following a disastrous 3-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest, which has laid bare the team's alarming struggles this season.
A Season Stumbling from the Start
The loss at the City Ground on Sunday, 15th December, marked a new low, with home fans taunting the under-fire boss with chants of "You're getting sacked in the morning." This result means Spurs have managed to secure victory in just six of their opening 16 Premier League fixtures, amassing a mere 22 points.
This represents the club's worst start to a campaign since 2008, a statistic that deeply concerns the hierarchy. The dismal run has included defeats in key London derbies against Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as an embarrassing loss to Fulham. Further disappointment came with an early exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle United.
Divided Loyalties and Dressing Room Doubts
Frank, who was appointed by former chairman Daniel Levy, finds himself one point worse off than his predecessor Ange Postecoglou at the same stage last season. The fanbase is reportedly split on the former Brentford manager's suitability, and there are growing signs of discontent within the playing squad.
Players are said to be unconvinced by Frank's tactical approach, which has yet to deliver consistent performances. This was hinted at last month when defenders Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven appeared to snub Frank's instructions to acknowledge travelling supporters after the Chelsea loss. Spence's visible frustration, throwing his coat after being substituted at Forest, has done little to dispel rumours of a fractured dressing room.
Off the pitch, concerns are mounting as fewer than 48,000 fans attended the recent Champions League victory over Slavia Prague at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite the prestige of Europe's elite competition and the festive period, expensive tickets and underwhelming home displays are keeping supporters away.
The Board's Backing and a Crucial Festive Period
Despite the turmoil, Frank retains some support from within the club, including from the new hierarchy following the Lewis family's takeover. The Danish coach has publicly stated that turning Spurs' fortunes around will "not be a quick fix" and believes he will be granted the time to implement his ideas.
However, that time may be running short. The spotlight will burn brightly on Frank during the hectic festive schedule. A daunting home clash with Liverpool on Saturday, 21st December, is followed by a trip to Crystal Palace on the 28th. These fixtures are now critical, with fans demanding an immediate improvement in both results and the quality of football.
The coming days will test whether the players are truly behind their manager and if Frank can find a solution to halt Tottenham's alarming slide down the Premier League table.
