Thomas Frank maintains that his position at Tottenham Hotspur is not in danger, even after his team extended their Premier League winless streak to eight matches.
Spurs recorded their 11th defeat of the campaign following a 2-1 home loss to Newcastle on Tuesday evening.
The result leaves Tottenham — one of only six clubs to have competed in every Premier League season — sitting five points clear of the relegation zone.
However, Frank says he has been reassured that his role as head coach remains secure.
When asked by TNT Sports whether he feared for his job, Frank replied: “I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no.
“I understand the frustration and it’s easiest to look at me. That comes with the job unfortunately. I will work day and night to fix this, but it’s not just one person. We clearly need to improve and I must be part of that.”
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about the boos from supporters at full-time, Frank said: “I understand their frustration. It has been growing — last season was similar when we were balancing Europe and the Premier League.
“We have to stay strong mentally and physically. I am completely convinced this is a collective responsibility, not just one individual. We are united and we know what must change.”
After collecting 10 points from their opening five Premier League games under Frank, Spurs have taken only 19 points from their following 21 fixtures.
Their current eight-game run without a victory is their worst since a nine-match drought in 2008 under Juande Ramos, who was dismissed with the club bottom of the table.
“You have to call it what it is — they are in a relegation battle,” Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle told TNT Sports.
“The players must accept that, and the fans must too.
“That’s the reality, and every point now has to be fought for.”
Boos echoed around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the final whistle, and there were noticeable empty seats when the match kicked off.
“Many fans have lost belief in what Thomas Frank is trying to do here,” added former Spurs striker Les Ferdinand.
“These are desperate moments, and desperate moments demand desperate actions.”
‘Loss of support towards Frank’
The Tottenham board now face a major decision.
Thomas Frank’s future at the club remains unclear. That has been the situation for several weeks.
Large sections of the fanbase want him removed. The boos heard around the stadium at full-time reflected the growing dissatisfaction among supporters.
More importantly, internal backing for the Danish coach has weakened.
As a result, Frank’s difficult first season in charge reached another low point with the defeat to Newcastle, which could bring serious consequences.
If Nottingham Forest, currently in 17th place, defeat Wolves on Wednesday night, they will draw level on points with Tottenham.
Frank has been reluctant to publicly acknowledge that his team are battling relegation, but the statistics tell a different story.
Even so, this may soon become someone else’s issue. Tottenham’s latest setback has pushed the struggling manager closer to what many see as an unavoidable departure.
The level of discussion surrounding Frank’s future in recent weeks suggests this defeat will prompt further reflection from the club’s leadership.
The fact that Spurs have continued to back Frank during such a difficult spell shows they want the appointment to succeed.
The simpler option would have been to dismiss him already.
However, the club’s hierarchy feel Frank has faced difficult circumstances.
There is recognition that the campaign has been badly affected by injuries to key players.
There is also an understanding that the squad requires rebuilding, especially after losing their two main goal scorers, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Behind the scenes, there is also a belief that the team lacks leadership. This was one reason behind the signing of England international Conor Gallagher and their attempt to recruit Andy Robertson from Liverpool — both experienced Premier League figures.
There is also a view within the club’s executive team that Tottenham need a period of managerial stability.
At the same time, BBC Sport sources say contingency plans are already being prepared in case a decision the club hopes to avoid becomes unavoidable, underlining how fragile Frank’s position has become.
If Spurs decide to part ways with Frank following the Newcastle defeat, they will have 12 days before their next match against Arsenal on 22 February.
That would give the club time to implement a replacement strategy and allow a new manager to prepare for the north London derby.
The pressure on Frank has reached a critical level. Now it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will finally act.
