Spurs manager Thomas Frank remains steadfast in his job despite the mounting pressure, with some questioning whether his position has become untenable following a dismal home defeat against West Ham that further entrenched Tottenham's worrying Premier League form.
Frank has defied expectations by staying put amidst the chorus of criticism and demands for his dismissal, instead choosing to focus on the upcoming Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund where he will be managing with an arsenal of just 11 outfield players - three of whom could struggle to complete 90 minutes.
While there were concerns about Frank's future employment, after having lunch with key executives Vinai Venkatesham, Johan Lange and Nick Beucher in a move described by the manager as 'all good', which has been interpreted as an extraordinary show of faith.
Despite this, questions still linger around his tenure, particularly whether he remains in the job due to the unavailability of a suitable replacement for such a critical match against Dortmund's formidable German side. "If your back is against the wall, you fight," Frank said in a defiant statement.
For Spurs' battered squad, injuries have piled up with key player Ben Davies set to undergo surgery on his ankle after suffering an injury during the West Ham defeat and another youngster, João Palhinha, ruled out of the match due to concerns over his fitness. In contrast Xavi Simons will be able to play against Dortmund having suffered an ankle injury while being tackled by Jarrod Bowen.
Frank also revealed that Spurs are set to drop Mathys Tel in favour of Dominic Solanke for the upcoming Champions League tie, a decision that was met with disapproval from fans after Tel started his last four matches.
Frank has defied expectations by staying put amidst the chorus of criticism and demands for his dismissal, instead choosing to focus on the upcoming Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund where he will be managing with an arsenal of just 11 outfield players - three of whom could struggle to complete 90 minutes.
While there were concerns about Frank's future employment, after having lunch with key executives Vinai Venkatesham, Johan Lange and Nick Beucher in a move described by the manager as 'all good', which has been interpreted as an extraordinary show of faith.
Despite this, questions still linger around his tenure, particularly whether he remains in the job due to the unavailability of a suitable replacement for such a critical match against Dortmund's formidable German side. "If your back is against the wall, you fight," Frank said in a defiant statement.
For Spurs' battered squad, injuries have piled up with key player Ben Davies set to undergo surgery on his ankle after suffering an injury during the West Ham defeat and another youngster, João Palhinha, ruled out of the match due to concerns over his fitness. In contrast Xavi Simons will be able to play against Dortmund having suffered an ankle injury while being tackled by Jarrod Bowen.
Frank also revealed that Spurs are set to drop Mathys Tel in favour of Dominic Solanke for the upcoming Champions League tie, a decision that was met with disapproval from fans after Tel started his last four matches.
Like, he knows the squad is struggling and we just got beat by West Ham but instead of saying 'alright, let's make a change', he's all like 'oh yeah, I've got this'. 
The thing is, what if not making any changes is just gonna lead to more problems? 
And now with the Dortmund game coming up and only 11 outfield players available... that's some serious risk-taking. 
I mean, I get it, he wants to show faith in his team but can't he just say 'alright guys, let's regroup' for once? 
! They're really struggling and it's not just about Frank's job, it's about the team's performance too...I mean, 11 outfield players against Dortmund? That's a recipe for disaster 
. And what's with dropping Tel for Solanke? Fans are gonna be salty about that one 
. But I guess you've got to give credit where credit is due - Frank's staying put despite all the criticism, so he must have some faith in himself and the team 
. Still, it's hard not to wonder what a different approach would bring... maybe some fresh blood would do them some good? 
. I get it, Dortmund is a tough match and you need all hands on deck, but swapping Tel out for Solanke? That's a bold move, especially with the fans not happy about it 
. And what's up with Davies' ankle injury? Hope he recovers quickly 
. At this point I'm just curious to see how Frank's gonna spin this all 
.
despite all those doubters 
He's like "if you're gonna knock me down, I'll get back up 
" and now he's got a meeting with key people that made him feel good 
so fingers crossed for Spurs in that Dortmund match 
️ it's gonna be tough though... they need to get their squad sorted out 
Ben Davies is having major ankle drama 
and João Palhinha is out too... 
did that lunch with execs really calm his nerves tho or was it just a clever move to keep the fans from riotin' 
I mean, I know he started only 4 games in a row but still... 11 outfield players is just crazy! 
Can they even do that?!
. I mean, he's got some big match coming up and they really need a win to boost morale. The squad's not exactly firing on all cylinders right now, what with all the injuries and whatnot. And let's be real, the fans are getting a bit restless 
. Still, it'll be interesting to see how he adapts for the Dortmund game... 10/10 would love to see Spurs come out on top 
what's going on with that guy? He started four games straight and now he's benched for Dominic Solanke? I don't get it. The fans seem pretty upset about it too, so something's gotta give... 
On the bright side, Xavi Simons getting back in will be huge for them. And dropping Tel for Solanke is weird... fans were loving him last four matches 
. I think Frank's decision to stay put is more about stability than anything else 
. It's not often you see a manager go out of their way to reassure fans and investors at the same time 
.
. Maybe Frank's not as done for as everyone thinks... 
.