Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with Thomas Frank after just under eight months in charge, following a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.
The north London club languishes 16th in the Premier League, only five points clear of the relegation zone, after a troubling run of form. Spurs have now gone eight league games without a win, their longest winless streak since October 2008.
In their last 17 league matches, Tottenham have managed only two victories, collecting a mere 12 points.
A club statement said, “We 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, who took over as head coach in June after Ange Postecoglou’s departure and signed a contract until 2028, struggled to improve the team’s league form despite encouraging European performances.
This season, he recorded seven wins, eight draws, and 11 defeats in the Premier League. However, he guided Spurs to automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16, finishing fourth in their group.
Domestically, the club exited both cup competitions, losing to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup fourth round in October and to 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 added. “We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”
Fan dissatisfaction had been mounting in recent weeks. Spurs were jeered following defeats to Newcastle and fellow strugglers West Ham, while Frank faced chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during the loss to West Ham and a 2-2 draw at Burnley.
Even after being booed off at half-time while 2-0 down to Manchester City, Frank’s side managed to respond and draw 2-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Captain Cristian Romero criticized the club’s management after that result, describing it as “disgraceful” that only 11 senior players were fit against City. Romero later received a straight red card, his second of the season, during the 2-0 loss to Manchester United on 7 February.
In the Champions League, Spurs performed admirably in the group stage, winning five, drawing two, and losing only once, the defeat coming away to holders Paris Saint-Germain.
However, their domestic form has been poor since November, highlighted by a 4-1 loss to north London rivals Arsenal and a 3-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
BBC Sport reported that while Frank claimed he felt trusted by the board, he was already under internal scrutiny, with at least one executive considering ending his tenure.
Tottenham earned just 10 points at home in the league under Frank but fared better away, collecting 19 points from 13 matches.
Before joining Spurs, Frank spent seven years managing Brentford, guiding the club from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021.
His tenure at Tottenham began with a Uefa Super Cup loss on penalties to PSG, having qualified for the match as Europa League winners under Postecoglou.
The team won against Burnley, Manchester City, and West Ham in the opening four league games and also beat Villarreal in the Champions League. Yet, Frank’s style failed to win over fans, and injury issues heavily disrupted his season.
Long-term absences include Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison.
Captain Romero is also suspended for the next three Premier League games, including the crucial north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.
