Thomas Frank took charge of Tottenham training on Sunday, maintaining a composed, business-as-usual stance ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Borussia Dortmund, despite mounting speculation surrounding his future.
Uncertainty has intensified since Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 home loss to West Ham, a defeat that sparked chants from fans calling for his dismissal. The result left Spurs languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, having managed just two wins from their last 13 league outings.
Although Tottenham remain in contention in the Champions League and still have a genuine chance of progressing to the knockout rounds, the club is bracing for a significantly reduced crowd when Dortmund visit.
In preparation for the match, Spurs added former Ajax boss John Heitinga to Frank’s coaching staff, filling the vacancy left by Matt Wells, who departed before Christmas to join Colorado Rapids. Heitinga ran Sunday’s training session, with Frank overseeing proceedings as usual. The Tottenham boss stressed that he personally pushed for Heitinga’s appointment, dismissing suggestions the Dutchman could be lined up as a caretaker should the club opt for a change.
The situation remains finely balanced. The board has so far been reluctant to part ways with Frank, acknowledging that many of this season’s difficulties were outside his control in what was always expected to be a transitional year.
Prior to the West Ham match, CEO Vinai Venkatesham released an open letter appealing for patience and striking a calm, reassuring tone. That mood evaporated when substitute Callum Wilson struck a stoppage-time winner, prompting loud boos around the stadium. Supporters had already voiced their anger at Frank’s decision to substitute Mathys Tel, whom they wanted to see stay on the pitch. The backlash following Wilson’s goal has left the board facing a decisive moment over Frank’s future.
