Why Tottenham's Shocking Decision to Axe Thomas Frank Was Inevitable
Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur appeared to be an ideal pairing when the Danish manager replaced Ange Postecoglou last summer. However, merely seven months and 29 days following his hiring, Frank has been dismissed with Spurs sitting perilously near the relegation zone.
"Thomas joined us in June 2025, and we remained committed to providing him with the necessary time and resources to develop our future plans together," read Spurs' farewell announcement. "Nevertheless, our results and displays have led the Board to determine that a managerial change is required at this stage of the campaign."
The mood in north London has been unsettled for quite some time, but the tipping point arrived following Spurs' collapse to yet another home Premier League loss on Tuesday, this occasion against Newcastle United. With merely five points keeping the club above 18th-placed West Ham, and facing Arsenal in the upcoming north London derby, Frank's tenure had reached its end.
Why Tottenham Had to Act With Frank
Why Tottenham Had to Act With Frank
Although laboring relentlessly to restore command over results and performance standards, Frank never truly discovered the correct approach to secure his position. The signs had been evident for months, despite some unexpectedly strong Champions League performances leading to direct qualification for the round of 16.
A top-six Premier League placement is entirely beyond reach, so Spurs must now guarantee they avoid being pulled into the relegation battle. The outcomes of Gameweek 26 have positioned them dangerously near trouble, with Leeds United climbing to 15th following a respectable comeback draw at Chelsea.
The worry is that Spurs face demanding fixtures ahead of the international break. Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace present three consecutive London derbies, before Liverpool and Nottingham Forest—who released Sean Dyche one day following Frank's dismissal—feature on the schedule.
Consider also that no Premier League side has a poorer record this calendar year than Spurs and you comprehend why the club may believe they had little option but to remove Frank from his role. Indeed, the Lilywhites' most recent Premier League victory occurred on Dec. 28 against Crystal Palace, and they've surrendered points to Burnley (a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor) and West Ham (a 2–1 home loss). They were also eliminated from the FA Cup by Aston Villa.
Did You Know
Did You Know
What Tottenham Need Next to Move Forward
What Tottenham Need Next to Move Forward
Tottenham appear to be favoring the appointment of a caretaker manager to complete the season, rather than engaging in a new long-term project. This approach seems sensible during a period of significant upheaval, reflecting Manchester United's strategy when they appointed Michael Carrick after parting ways with Ruben Amorim.
Expertise will be crucial, to help stabilize and refocus the players' mentality, but the squad's capabilities must also be respected. Frank was remarkably cautious in his methodology, which didn't seem to suit a Spurs team that possesses considerable attacking potential.
The organization itself must also improve at safeguarding whoever gets appointed. The incident where Frank was permitted to openly walk around Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium carrying a cup featuring Arsenal branding raises serious concerns about attention to detail—that mistake, and the terrible communication surrounding the incident, must not happen again.
Thomas Frank's Premier League stats
Thomas Frank's Premier League stats
Stats | With Tottenham | With Brentford |
|---|---|---|
Games in charge (PL only) | 26 | 152 |
Wins | 7 | 54 |
Draws | 8 | 38 |
Losses | 11 | 60 |
Win Percentage | 26.9% | 35.5% |
Spurs must also address injuries and determine why Frank and his predecessor Postecoglou have been managing a group of players who repeatedly suffer problems—often quite severe ones. The shortage of available squad members has certainly affected results, which is particularly frustrating given the cutting-edge facilities available at the training ground.
More intelligent transfer business is a discussion for later, though Cristian Romero might disagree after publicly criticizing the leadership's actions in January.
Where Does Frank Go From Here?
Where Does Frank Go From Here?
Frank will have opportunity to consider what went awry, but he'll recognize this unsuccessful stint at Tottenham doesn't characterize him as a coach. While the position may have proven too challenging for him to manage on this occasion, his achievements at Brentford previously demonstrate his capabilities.
The 52-year-old also demonstrated that he possesses sufficient tactical knowledge to compete with Europe's elite clubs. Six victories from eight matches in the league phase of the 2025–26 Champions League represents an impressive achievement, and securing automatic qualification for the round of 16 is noteworthy—just consider Real Madrid, who have failed to finish in the top eight in both seasons since the competition's restructuring.
Accepting another Premier League position in the future remains feasible, especially with Crystal Palace having an opening this summer when Oliver Glasner leaves, but Frank's immediate involvement in football will likely be commentary work for the forthcoming 2026 World Cup. He's an eloquent communicator who has previously provided excellent analysis on television—doing so again might even benefit him in future job discussions down the road.