The post-match scenes were ugly from a Tottenham perspective and Thomas Frank must act quickly
Thomas Frank walked over to a chorus of boos once again as he applauded the Tottenham supporters after they had just watched their side lose for the eighth time in the Premier League this season.
It's not the first time the Dane has had this reception and, most probably, will not be the last. The travelling fans, packed in at the Vitality Stadium, had only moments earlier witnessed Antoine Semenyo net a last-gasp winner to secure a 3-2 win for the Cherries.
Mathys Tel had put Spurs ahead but Evanilson and Junior Kroupi ensured the lead did not last beyond half-time. Joao Palhinha’s bicycle kick looked set to earn Spurs head coach Frank a reprieve but lax defending once again cost the Lilywhites.
Micky van de Ven, who was enraged during the game after seeing the penalty he was awarded get overturned by VAR, angrily went over to the away end after the full-time whistle. The Dutchman appeared to exchange words with a number of supporters before he was ushered away.
Pedro Porro also went over and was a little more animated, with Guglielmo Vicario coming over to calm down the right-back. Joao Palhinha was then spotted speaking to supporters before all headed back into the dressing room.
Afterwards, Palhinha told Sky Sports: “It was just the supporters sharing their frustration. We of course understand, we respect, first of all. And I just said that we are fighting for all the same. We want to win, not just the players, the staff, the supporters.
“We are trying to get the victories that, in my opinion, we should deserve the last games. I just want to say, like I said to our fans, keep supporting us, because we will change that momentum. The victories will come, I don't have any doubt about that. And yeah, it's frustrating.”
Frank was asked about the matter in his post-match press conference. "I haven't seen that situation, that's one thing. I think it's fair to say everyone involved in Tottenham, players, staff, fans, everyone is a tough one to take today," the Dane said.
"I think hopefully everyone can see how hard we worked to get everything in the right direction. And I think overall the performance was good, especially in the second half, in a game where we deserved to get more. That is extremely painful to be part of, so of course people are frustrated, I'm frustrated, so that's natural."
The scenes in recent weeks have been a fry cry from those seen in north London in May after the Europa League triumph. Frank has a momentous challenge on his hands and getting the players and supporters to sing from the same hymn sheet is just one of many.