Thomas Frank was already feeling the strain before Tottenham Hotspur’s crushing 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and the defeat only intensified calls from supporters for him to be shown the door — along with three members of his squad.
Spurs travelled to the City Ground buoyed by back-to-back victories over Brentford in the league and Slavia Prague in the Champions League, results that had briefly eased the pressure. However, Frank’s challenging start in charge of the Lilywhites took another hit as Sean Dyche’s Forest side outclassed them with ease.
Callum Hudson-Odoi struck twice either side of half-time, while Ibrahim Sangare added a late third to condemn Tottenham to their sixth defeat in 16 Premier League matches. While Frank was firmly in the firing line after the final whistle, he was not the only target of supporter frustration, with three players singled out for heavy criticism.
Spurs’ dismal showing left fans furious, and much of the blame was directed at Guglielmo Vicario, whose error for Hudson-Odoi’s second goal summed up a miserable afternoon. The Italian goalkeeper was caught out by a routine cross that drifted beyond him and into the far corner.
Vicario’s struggles have become a recurring theme this season, continuing a run of shaky performances since his return from a fractured ankle. His form has already cost Spurs in previous matches, including last month’s defeat to Fulham.
Rodrigo Bentancur was another player to come under fire, with supporters lamenting his inability to rediscover the level he showed earlier in his Tottenham career. Richarlison also faced strong criticism after another ineffective display, with fans growing increasingly frustrated by his inconsistency and lack of impact in attack.
Supporters were vocal on social media, with many demanding sweeping changes. Several called for Frank, Vicario, Bentancur and Richarlison to be “removed,” while others listed the trio of players alongside additional squad members as needing to leave immediately.
Although offloading all three players would send a clear message, such drastic action appears unlikely given their roles in Frank’s side. Still, there is a growing sense that a rebuild is unavoidable, despite an already busy summer transfer window that failed to deliver the desired progress.
Vicario’s position as first-choice goalkeeper is now under serious scrutiny. He has looked nervous and unreliable since returning from injury, raising doubts about whether he can continue as Spurs’ number one. Frank could turn to January signing Antonin Kinsky, who impressed in limited opportunities last season, including a standout performance against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. However, the 22-year-old’s lack of experience makes him a risky option, prompting suggestions that Spurs may target an established, top-level goalkeeper in the next transfer window.
Richarlison’s situation is also uncertain. While he appeared destined for an exit under former boss Ange Postecoglou, Frank has backed the Brazilian and regularly named him as his preferred striker. Although six goals in 16 league games is a respectable return, his overall performances have disappointed, with concerns over his hold-up play and inability to dominate matches.
With just one year remaining on his contract next summer, Tottenham may view that as the ideal moment to cash in. Previous links to the Saudi Pro League suggest a potential move abroad could benefit both player and club financially as Spurs consider their next steps.
