Thomas Frank’s spell at Tottenham had been going badly long before Liverpool inflicted another defeat on Saturday night.
The former Brentford manager started well in North London and had initially looked like a smart choice to replace Ange Postecoglou.
However, the wheels have fallen off somewhat, with supporters growing in their belief that Frank is not the right man.
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Whatever his abilities as a coach, though, the Dane has always come across as a thoroughly decent human being.
Frank may have underlined that for Liverpool fans on Saturday as he praised the quality of Arne Slot and the job he has done at Anfield.
Thomas Frank in awe of Arne Slot and Liverpool
When Jurgen Klopp announced that he was stepping away in January 2024, reports at the time suggested that Liverpool had Frank on their shortlist.
The 52-year-old was even reportedly interviewed by the Reds as a back-up in case something went wrong with Slot’s appointment.
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After watching Slot win them the Premier League last season, Liverpool absolutely made the right choice. And according to Frank himself, his opposite number on Saturday is a truly ‘excellent’ coach.
“Of course the current champions and an excellent team, an, excellent coach, Arne Slot,” the Spurs boss told Sky Sports. “I think he’s done a top job there in every aspect and I think they as you say they they’re finding form again.
“And they have some excellent players. I think they said before I think the their midfield three they had last year and Mac Allister Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were maybe the best in the league. Adding Wirtz, Ekitike, Isak, it is top team.”
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Is Frank heading for the sack at Spurs?
Despite things taking a turn for the worse under his leadership at Tottenham, there is no denying that Frank is a very good Premier League coach.
Nevertheless, Spurs would hope to be far higher than 13th in the table at Christmas, and just like at Liverpool, there have been times when it has felt as though the wheels are truly coming off.
On Saturday, Tottenham did not look like a team who had given up on the manager, though. Although they were poor with 11 men, they rallied with 10 and could have taken something from the game.
That may not be enough to save Frank his job, but it feels likely that he will be given a little more time to turn things around.