Confidence in Crisis
As Tottenham Hotspur navigates what can only be described as a tumultuous season, manager Thomas Frank stands firm. After a disappointing stretch that has left Spurs languishing in mid-table, Frank publicly declared his confidence in securing the support of the club's owners. He stated, "I'm very confident. It seems like they're good guys, intelligent people, know how to run businesses and learning about football."
Currently, the club sits 12th in the Premier League with only 18 points from 13 games. Frank's tenure began in June, and though the team's performance has elicited criticism, he believes in the long-term vision necessary to transform fortunes.
“Every successful dynasty has taken time.”
Defending His Players
Frank's defensive instincts extend to his players as well. In the heat of the moment following a disheartening 2-1 defeat to Fulham, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario found himself at the center of fan frustration after a costly error led to an easy goal for Fulham's Harry Wilson. Fans booed Vicario during the match, a reaction Frank described as “completely unacceptable.”
Frank emphasized the need for solidarity, especially in difficult times: “We are nothing without the fans. No club is anything without the fans. Tottenham is nothing without our fantastic fans, nothing.” As he prepares for the upcoming clash against Newcastle, Frank remains resolute about his team needing the fans just as much as the fans need the team.
A Hard Look at Home Form
Tothenham's home record has been less than ideal, with this match marking the club's tenth home league loss this year. Frank acknowledged these frustrations but urged that Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp faced similar challenges during their respective coaching journeys.
He continued, “If you don't win, there will always be a frustration. That is normal, especially as we haven't won as much as we would have wanted to.” Yet amidst the challenges, there lies the potential for resilience. Frank believes that success requires building a defensive fortress: “If you want to create a fortress, it can only be together - fans, team, me.”
Vicario's Response to Criticism
After the match, Vicario himself addressed the fans, stating, “The second goal was a mistake of mine, I take responsibility for that.” He conveyed an understanding of fan disappointment yet maintained that players must stay mentally agile amidst criticism: “We cannot be influenced by the situation in the stands.”
The Road Ahead
The upcoming fixtures won't make Frank's job any easier. As they face Newcastle, he knows that the match could be pivotal for both the team and his managerial future. A successful strategy and tactical adjustments are crucial. With the potential for a turnaround still lingering, we can only wait to see whether Frank's confidence translates into tangible results on the pitch.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c157v44x22zo
