Frank’s Frustration: Tottenham’s Season of Transition and Turbulence

Thomas Frank’s appointment as Tottenham Hotspur head coach in the summer of 2025 was meant to usher in stability and tactical discipline after a chaotic 2024/25 campaign that ended with a 17th-place finish. Arriving from Brentford with a strong reputation for cohesive team play, set-piece excellence, and pragmatic flexibility, the Danish coach was tasked with restoring order and belief at Tottenham. However, his tenure in North London has quickly descended into a period of severe pressure and inconsistency.

Six months on, Frank’s debut season at Spurs has become a stern test of resilience, patience, and leadership. Pressure is mounting on Frank to turn Spurs' season around quickly or face the sack.

📊 Mid-Table Muddle and Inconsistent Form

The early part of Frank’s tenure offered promise, with Spurs showing glimpses of the attacking aggression he’s known for, highlighted by a strong 2–0 league win over former club Brentford, which Frank called one of their most complete displays. However, the overall campaign has been challenging. As of mid-December 2025, Tottenham sits in a deeply frustrating 11th position in the Premier League table. They have mustered a measly 6 wins in their campaign, equal to their losses, and further complemented by 4 draws. A larger issue is their one win in their last seven league matches, a dismal stat for such a prestigious club. Their recent record is now being compared unfavourably with past managers, a sign of trouble for Thomas Frank.

The slump reached a low point with an “abysmal” 3–0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest, a result that triggered intense fan backlash and renewed comparisons with former manager Ange Postecoglou. For many supporters, expectations of a more structured, progressive Spurs side have yet to materialise.

Certain key fundamental issues have fueled fan frustration. Firstly, their home form has been nothing short of terrible. Their home form is among the worst in the division, ranking alongside sides such as Wolves and Burnley. Their recent form has been equally shocking, winning just one out of their last seven league fixtures. Issues up front are of particular importance with this current Spurs side having a particularly dismal expected goals tally. While their front line is talented, they are struggling to create chances, which is resulting in less final output. On top of systematic issues, individual errors, particularly at the back, have cost them. Vicario has had plenty of errors, which have cost Spurs dearly.

🧠 The Tactical Dilemma

Frank’s footballing philosophy centres on pragmatic, progressive control with a key focus on his formation. He primarily uses a 3-4-3 or a 4-2-3-1 to keep the ball and exploit transitions. These key traits brought success and admiration at his former side, Brentford. Adapting that style to a Spurs squad with higher expectations has been testing.

The team often looks disjointed in possession and blunt in attack, despite boasting attacking talent such as Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus, and Xavi Simons. Critics point to a lack of fluid movement, slow build-up play, and an inability to create high-quality chances from open play. Frank has faced questions over his tactical approach, with some decisions sparking fan ire and comparisons to past managers who stumbled under pressure.

An additional blow to Thomas Frank has been sustained injuries to key players such as Madison and Udogie. Madison was a key creator for Spurs' last season, and his absence has been dearly felt in the final third. At the same time, Destiny Udogie was a stalwart at the back, maintaining defensive rigidity.

🗣️ Pressure, Injuries and Dressing-Room Management

The pressure on Frank is mounting. After the Forest defeat, he admitted there was a “hurricane inside me”, while reiterating that rebuilding Tottenham is “not a quick fix.” This stance aligns with the club’s broader long-term vision, even if results haven’t matched ambition.

Compounding the on-field issues are signs of internal tension. A public incident involving Djed Spence, who reacted angrily after being substituted, highlighted the growing challenge of maintaining unity during a difficult run of results. Managing the dressing room has become as critical as solving the tactical problems on the pitch.

🌍 Glimmers of Hope and the Bigger Picture

Despite league struggles, there have been moments of encouragement, particularly in the Champions League, which has kept them competitive in European group play and offered a temporary morale boost amid domestic frustrations. In the UCL, Spurs have looked more controlled, fluid and cohesive, a far cry from their domestic form. These flashes suggest Frank’s ideas can work, but consistency remains elusive.

The club hierarchy is understood to be weighing patience against performance. Frank was appointed with a long-term vision in mind, but Tottenham’s demanding fanbase and unforgiving league position may mean time may be limited if results do not improve quickly.

🔮 Verdict: A Defining Phase Ahead

Thomas Frank’s first season at Tottenham has reached a critical juncture. He has the pedigree, tactical intelligence, and long-term philosophy to succeed; however, the current trajectory Spurs are on demands urgent attention and correction. If Spurs carry on with this form, they could be set to equal their dismal league campaign that predated Thomas Frank under Big Ange. Ultimately, it is up to the board and upper management to take a decisive step in keeping or firing Thomas Frank. That decision is not only limited to Frank's career but Tottenham's future for years to come.