Thomas Frank has insisted the Tottenham hierarchy are standing by him despite mounting pressure after the home defeat to West Ham. The manager's position is precarious, with fans calling for his dismissal, but he will lead the team against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Frank said he had a friendly lunch with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, sporting director Johan Lange, and Nick Beucher, son-in-law of owner Vivienne Lewis. He described it as a good sign, saying people usually run away when bad weather comes, but they came in for lunch. 'We had a good conversation about life and football, the future of the club, everything normal,' he said.
Frank faces a selection crisis for the Dortmund match, with only 11 outfield players available, three of whom may struggle to last the full game. Ben Davies requires surgery for an ankle fracture, Joao Palhinha remains out, and Micky van de Ven is suspended. Xavi Simons is likely to play despite a swollen ankle from a challenge by Jarrod Bowen.
Frank criticised the tackle by Bowen, suggesting it should have been a red card, especially as Simons was sent off for accidentally stepping on Virgil van Dijk. He stressed that he did not think Bowen was a bad player or intentional, but questioned the inconsistency.
Despite the difficulties, Frank remains defiant, saying 'if your back is against the wall, you fight.' He acknowledged fine margins had gone against his team but said players were giving their all. He noted he had not received assurances about his future, adding that such assurances are rare in football.
