Tottenham sack manager Thomas Frank after eight months in charge

Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham after just under eight months in charge following their dismal 2-1 defeat at home against Newcastle on Tuesday.

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League and just five points above the relegation zone following a dreadful run of form.

The north London side are winless in their past eight Premier League games – their longest run without a victory since October 2008.

They have won just two of their past 17 league matches and picked up only 12 points in that time.

Tottenham said they had been “determined to give Frank the time and support needed to build for the future together”, but recent results meant “a change at this point is necessary”.

Frank took over as head coach in June after Ange Postecoglou was sacked and signed a deal until 2028, but proved unable to notably improve the club’s league form despite strong results in European competition.

Against a mixed Premier League record of seven wins, eight draws and 11 defeats this season, the Dane led Spurs to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League by finishing fourth in the group stage.

However, they are out of both domestic cup competitions, having been beaten by Newcastle in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October and Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round last month.

“Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward,” Tottenham said.

“We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”

Despite the loss to Newcastle, Frank still expected to be in charge for the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.

Asked by TNT Sports on Tuesday night if his job was under threat, Frank said: “I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no.

“I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me. That’s part of the job unfortunately.

“I will work day and night to turn this around but it is not just one person. There is no doubt we need to improve and I need to be part of that.”

Spurs were loudly booed after the defeats at home by Newcastle and fellow strugglers West Ham in the past few weeks.

Frank was also taunted by his own fans with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during the loss to West Ham and the 2-2 draw at Burnley that followed.

News of his sacking was greeted positively by the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, although it warned that his departure alone will not be enough to turn Spurs’ fortunes around.

“The Trust welcomes the decision to part ways with Thomas Frank,” it said.

“The immediate priority must be appointing a manager who can lift the team out of the relegation battle we are currently in.

“But changing the manager alone won’t solve our problems; ambition, investment and strong leadership must follow.

“The next appointment must bring stability, belief and a clear footballing identity – and it must be backed with the resources needed to succeed.”

After the draw at home to Manchester City at the start of February – when Spurs were booed off at half-time while 2-0 down before fighting back to draw 2-2 – captain Cristian Romero criticised Tottenham’s board, calling it “disgraceful” that the club only had 11 fit senior players available for the match.

The Argentine received a straight red card – his second of the season – in their next match as Manchester United won 2-0.

Spurs won five, drew two and lost just one of their eight Champions League group stage matches – that defeat coming away to holders Paris St-Germain.

However, their Premier League form has been largely poor since November, including a damaging 4-1 defeat by north London rivals Arsenal and a woeful 3-0 loss at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.

Last month Frank said he felt trusted by the board but he was already under significant internal scrutiny and at least one member of the club’s executive had raised the option of ending his reign.

Tottenham took just 10 points at home in the league under Frank, but had a better away record, claiming 19 points from 13 matches on the road.

Tottenham beat Burnley, Manchester City and West Ham in their opening four league games, while also beating Villarreal in the Champions League. But they could not build on that start and Frank’s style of play never won over fans.

Prior to joining Tottenham, Frank spent seven years in charge of Brentford, guiding the Bees from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021.

Speaking before Brentford’s Premier League home game against Arsenal on Thursday, manager Keith Andrews tipped Frank to bounce back.

Andrews was Frank’s set-piece coach at Brentford before replacing the Dane as head coach when joined Tottenham.

“My initial feeling was that of sadness and basically I hope he’s OK, which I’m sure he will be, but today’s obviously a really tough day for him,” said Andrews.

“Of course I have huge empathy for him and feel for him and his staff at the moment.

“Will he bounce back? I don’t think that’s in doubt. I think he’s proved himself as a really good Premier League manager, so yeah, absolutely.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, expressed sympathy for Frank.

“Thomas is an excellent coach. He is an extraordinary man as well and he has proven that in the Premier League,” said Arteta.

“We know our responsibility is beyond just performance. Sometimes results dictate what happens to us. I wish him all the very best for whatever he wants to do next.”