Thomas Frank’s position as Tottenham Hotspur manager is under significant pressure following a dismal run of form, particularly after the 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United on January 17, 2026. In that match, Spurs conceded a last-gasp winner to Callum Wilson, leading to toxic scenes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where significant sections of fans booed Frank off the pitch and chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning.”
This came after eight defeats in their last 14 Premier League games, leaving the team struggling in the bottom half of the table. One only has to look at the data as displayed here by Sky Sports to see the size of the task ahead of Frank.
Multiple outlets, including the Daily Mail and others, report that the board is weighing up his future following the “toxic atmosphere” against West Ham, with some describing it as a point where the hierarchy is seriously considering dismissal after just seven months in charge.
Sami Mokbel of the BBC posted the morning on X:
“Thomas Frank losing internal support at Tottenham as the club considers calling time on his seven-month reign. At least one club executive has actively recommended his dismissal.”
Transitional period
The ownership (including the Lewis family) and CEO Vinai Venkatesham (who has experience supporting Mikel Arteta through tough times at Arsenal) appear to want to break Tottenham’s cycle of frequent managerial sackings.
There is an internal acknowledgement that Frank inherited a squad far from Champions League-ready, with ongoing cultural and structural changes at the club (e.g., recent appointments like John Heitinga as assistant and shifts in the sporting director role).
Articles from The Telegraph and others emphasise that while pressure is mounting, the board still backs him for now, viewing this as a transitional period.
Frank himself remained defiant in his post-match comments, insisting results will improve and highlighting positive aspects from Venkatesham’s open letter to fans (which called for patience but notably avoided direct mention of the manager).
The mood is dire—fans protested before the West Ham game, and the defeat has amplified calls for change—but no decision has been announced as of today (January 18, 2026). If form doesn’t turn quickly, especially with upcoming fixtures, his seven-month tenure could indeed be nearing its end.
This saga feels all too “Tottenham”, with high expectations, rapid toxicity, and board hesitation.