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'They all count! - Dominic Solanke doubles Tottenham Hotspur lead with 'triple doink' finish against Borussia Dortmund

Dominic Solanke produced something of an unorthodox finish to make it 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur against Borussia Dortmund.

Tottenham Hotspur - Borussia Dortmund Stats: Football Scores & Results  TNT Sports

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank was in philosophical mood ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League encounter with Borussia Dortmund, accepting that he won't be universally loved, but his sole focus is on securing victories that will ease the tension surrounding his future. Frank is aware of the "noise" at present but vowed: "If you have your back against the wall, you have to fight - and we will."

"As a football coach, you want to win matches - and we're not at the moment," Thomas Frank says with a transparency that cuts straight to the point.

The Tottenham Hotspur manager is not masking what is a very precarious situation, made all the more fraught by last weekend's damaging 2-1 Premier League defeat at home to West Ham.

"Fun is not the right word, but it's not as nice or as easy going as you'd like," Frank said.

"You use more thinking time, about every single little decision, and think about how we can turn things around, how we can improve.

"Sometimes, I have to look at things from a bigger perspective and think of how the performance was - outside of all the noise.

"The only thing I can do is keep focused, calm, and keep going."

This is all a new experience for Frank. At Brentford, he was not used to such scrutiny, such a sustained period of adversity - but it is the territory he accepted when he took on the role of Spurs head coach, were results to make life challenging.

Gone is the sense of plucky underdog, and of being the figurehead of a club punching above their weight. Frank's amiable aura punctuated his time at the GTECH Community Stadium where win, lose or draw, he would always lead a lap of appreciation towards the supporters.

Such a trope of his tenure in west London hasn't scanned north of the capital, where translating promising results on the road back on home soil has proven to be every bit as difficult as under his predecessor.

Remarkably, Spurs have won just four Premier League home games in their last 25 outings - that is in stark contrast to the unblemished UEFA Champions League record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that they will put on the line when Borussia Dortmund are the visitors on Tuesday night - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

"The reality is that we're building a club that wants to compete at the top end of the Premier League whilst also playing in the Champions League," Frank continued in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports.

"Last year, we played in the Europa League and didn't finish where we wanted to in the league, so we know that is the reality in terms of where we need to get to - and we're working really hard to make those changes.

"There are signs that we are moving in the right direction with a lot of new appointments, and I see signs on the pitch. But we just need a few more wins. [In the Champions League], we've definitely been consistent with our performances and have got good results.

"We face a good Dortmund side, but we now have another fantastic opportunity. We need to go for it."

Bournemouth had been without a league win for 11 games before that run was ended earlier this month. West Ham had waited 70 days - a barren 10-match winless run stretching back to early November - before "Dr Tottenham" came and remedied their ailing campaign.

This is clearly a trend that developed at the club before Frank's tenure, but it's one he has failed to address.

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The Dane knows he must come out fighting this week as the storm clouds continue to gather, but he certainly won't hide. It's simply not in his character.

"It's always nicer to be in the good times than in these challenging times," Frank said.

"But I am a guy who is... if not thriving, definitely functioning very well in times like these. I have a mentality where I don't care about all the criticism and all the noise.

"I need to focus on myself, and you need to have resilience. You need to have resilience in life. It's important to have good values, and I'm pretty sure that I've got them.

"I need to know the reality, and the reality is that one in five people won't like you, one in five always love you - probably a bit biased - then three of the five can you turn them by behaving well, showing integrity, and doing your best. That's the reality.

"The last bit is about always having perspective, and I have plenty of that in life."

Spurs will only have 11 senior outfield players available on Tuesday night, Frank confirmed at his press conference, making the objective of turning those "three out of five" reserving judgment into believers even harder.

But the Tottenham head coach will look for solutions in the only way he knows how.

"If you have your back against the wall, you have to fight - and we will," Frank added.

"Of course, I wouldn't be transparent if I said I wasn't aware that there can be some negativity in the stadium if things aren't going the right way.

"It would be optimal if it were not like that, as it means we would be a little bit more free-flowing, but there are a lot of fans who are doing all they can to support the team throughout the 90 minutes.

"I understand the frustration, but the more support and energy we can give the team, the better."

Simons: We must all stick together

A player who is still finding his feet in England following a big-money switch from RB Leipzig last summer is Xavi Simons.

His modest return of one Premier League goal from 11 starts since his £52 million move from the Bundesliga is only one of the many tasks facing Frank as he looks to win over the doubters - and Simons accepts he must offer more.

"I can understand the fans," Simons told TNT Sports. "With Thomas [Frank], the communication is really good between us. As a group, we are all together even when in a situation like this, it is hard.

"We know there is going to be a lot of media and a lot of attention, but the most important thing is to stick together.

"He's our manager, and it's our duty to win games and back the manager in situations like this. It's the price everyone is willing to pay."

The ongoing absence of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison has placed a greater burden of creative responsibility on the Netherlands international to make an immediate impression, and the 22-year-old scored on his last Champions League outing - the 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague last month.

Encouragingly for Tottenham, Simons has a fine personal record against Dortmund, having scored once and provided three assists in his three Bundesliga appearances against them for Leipzig.

Reflecting on his time so far at the club, Simons added: "Obviously, at the start it was challenging. Whenever I've changed clubs previously, I had the direct impact I wanted to have.

"But I'm feeling very happy to be with the group. Whenever you come into something new, the feeling is a little bit different.

"Every culture and every club is different, so you have to adapt as fast as possible. I've felt the support of the guys around me."

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Tottenham Hotspur - Borussia Dortmund Line-up: Champions League Football  TNT Sports

How to watch and live stream Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on TNT Sports and discovery+ - date, kick-off time

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Tottenham Hotspur welcome Borussia Dortmund to north London in what is a must-win game if they want to qualify for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League directly by finishing in the top eight of the League Phase. They are currently on the outside looking in but do have a good chance of qualifying as long as they win this match. The game will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Tottenham Hotspur take on Borussia Dortmund in a fascinating UEFA Champions League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Spurs head coach Thomas Frank is under pressure with the club going through a tough run of form, with the latest result being a 2-1 loss at home against West Ham, but he is expected to carry on in his role for now.

The team has been performing better in Europe, with the club sitting 11th in the Champions League League Phase and still possessing a very good chance of qualifying for the last 16 directly.

Champions League fixtures and results

Champions League table

To do that they are going to have to beat Dortmund, who sit one place directly above them in the table, also on 11 points.

A defeat to the German outfit would be detrimental to Spurs' hopes but a win would give them a massive boost in the right direction.

Here is everything you need to know about how to watch Tottenham's game against Dortmund, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

When is Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund?

Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund takes place on Tuesday January 20 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+ starting from 19:00.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund

Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund will be live on TNT Sport 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+.

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Tottenham Hotspur have announced the departure of joint sporting director Fabio Paratici less than four months after his return to north London. The 53-year-old is joining Fiorentina in his home country, hoping to transform the fortunes of the Serie A strugglers. Paratici previously held the managing director's role at Spurs from June 2021 to April 2023 before resigning after a FIFA ban.

Joint sporting director Fabio Paratici will leave Tottenham Hotspur in February to join Serie A strugglers Fiorentina - less than four months after returning to the Premier League club.

The Italian returned to his role at Spurs in October, working alongside Johan Lange. Paratici had previously spent just under two years as the club’s managing director of football from June 2021 to April 2023 before stepping back after a 30-month FIFA ban for alleged financial malpractice during his time at Juventus.

Paratici will leave at the conclusion of the winter transfer window for Fiorentina, who are in the relegation zone in Serie A.

"I want to thank Vinai [Venkatesham] and the board of Tottenham Hotspur for accommodating my desire to return to Italy and join Fiorentina," said Paratici.

"I have loved my time at the club, however this opportunity, together with the need to be based in my homeland, has led me to this decision.

"Spurs is a club that is very close to my heart. It has great people working for it, who are as passionate about the project as I am and want to bring sustained success. I have no doubt that they will achieve that and I will be watching closely from Italy."

Tottenham made several significant signings under Paratici, including the £60 million acquisition of Richarlison, club captain Cristian Romero in a £42m deal, and England international Djed Spence for £12m.

Spurs made their first signing of the January transfer window on Wednesday, bringing Conor Gallagher to north London on a long-term contract. They are also reportedly close to signing Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos.

His departure comes during a difficult period of the season for Tottenham and head coach Thomas Frank, who has overseen just three wins out of their last 14 matches in all competitions.

The club's season deteriorated further last weekend with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup. Tottenham host West Ham on Saturday as they look to climb towards the top half of the Premier League table.

Venkatesham, Spurs' chief executive officer, said: "We have agreed that Fabio will return to Italy following the conclusion of the January transfer window, in line with his wish to move back home. We thank Fabio for his contribution to the club and wish him well for the future.

"Our management structure is designed to be resilient to personnel changes, and it will be business as usual moving forward."

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Paratici faces the challenge of improving the fortunes of troubled Fiorentina, who have managed just two league victories so far this season.

Stefano Pioli was dismissed in November following the club’s worst-ever start to a campaign, while his successor Paolo Vanoli also came under pressure before overseeing a recent upturn in results.

Few would have predicted Fiorentina to find themselves in such a precarious position at this stage of the season.

A sixth-place finish last term secured a return to the UEFA Conference League, but three defeats in six matches have left them facing a play-off to progress in a competition they lost in the final in both 2023 and 2024.

Paratici will reunite with Manor Solomon, who left Spurs earlier this month to join La Viola on loan.

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Tottenham Hotspur ready to let Mathys Tel and Radu Dragusin leave as they search for new striker - Paper Round

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Tottenham Hotspur are considering letting both Mathys Tel and Radu Dragusin leave but could first look for attacking reinforcements, particularly after Richarlison’s substitution against Aston Villa in the FA Cup. Elsewhere, Manchester United could send Toby Collyer out on loan to Hull City, while Arsenal are leading the way to sign Georgian Stanway when she leaves Bayern Munich.

Tel could leave on loan

Mathys Tel could leave Tottenham Hotspur on loan as he looks to get minutes on the pitch ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The 20-year-old has made little headway in north London this season, but an exit may depend on Spurs finding a replacement, particularly after Richarlison’s injury against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

The Daily Mail explains: "Tottenham may allow forward Mathys Tel to go out on loan this month as he pushes to make France's World Cup squad.

"The 20-year-old made his loan move from Bayern Munich permanent in the summer for £30 million but has started just five matches under Thomas Frank, though has scored three goals.

"Tel was left out of Spurs' Champions League squad in September but brought back in following [an] injury to Dominic Solanke in December.

"Much will depend if Spurs can find a new forward this month having already sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace.

"Spurs are finalising terms with Santos for left wing-back Souza."

Dragusin faces Spurs exit

Radu Dragusin has been struggling to get back into the Tottenham side after injury and he could leave this January.

Serie A outfit AS Roma are said to have made an offer of an initial loan which could become permanent.

The Sun reports: "The Serie A side Roma are eyeing up a move for Spurs centre-back Dragusin, with Italian reports even suggesting a loan-to-buy offer has been made.

"Spurs beat Bayern Munich to the signing of Dragusin in January 2024.

"SunSport understands Dragusin could also be moved on if the north Londoners receive an acceptable bid."

Collyer poised for Hull loan

Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer could go back out on loan for the second half of the season.

He started the campaign with West Bromwich Albion but failed to properly kick on after a series of injuries, but the Mirror believes he will spend the rest of the season with Hull City.

The paper writes: "Manchester United star Toby Collyer is set to complete a loan move to Hull City despite being recalled earlier this month. The young midfielder spent the first half of the season with second-tier side West Bromwich Albion.

"But his spell at the Hawthorns was hampered by injuries, with the 22-year-old making just 12 appearances, only three of which were starts. The Red Devils announced earlier this month that Collyer was returning to Old Trafford.

"The Tigers sit seventh in the standings after an impressive start to the campaign. Hull take on Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers on Sunday in the FA Cup third round on Sunday - a game that is likely set to come too soon for Collyer."

Arsenal lead race for Stanway

Georgia Stanway confirmed that she would leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season, and she is set to return to England.

The Athletic reports that Arsenal are heading the chase to sign the England international midfielder and can now sign a pre-contract agreement.

The website states: "Arsenal are expected to be the leading candidate to sign midfielder Georgia Stanway in the summer after the England international confirmed that she will leave Bayern Munich when her contract expires at the end of the season.

"As Stanway, 27, is entering the final six months of her current deal with Bayern, from January 1 she can sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign teams. The north London side have shown significant interest and are in a strong position to fend off other suitors although nothing has been signed yet.

"Having taken the leap to leave Manchester City and play abroad in 2022, Stanway has made Munich home for the last four seasons. In her 94 appearances for Bayern, she has won three Bundesliga titles. This campaign Bayern are six points clear and unbeaten at the top of the table after 14 games."

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Tottenham Hotspur - Aston Villa  TNT Sports

‘Frank will get a lot of flak for this’ - Tottenham Hotspur brawl with Aston Villa as ‘pain deepens’ after FA Cup defeat

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Tottenham Hotspur were defeated 2-1 at home by Aston Villa on Saturday evening in the Emirates FA Cup third round, and while that loss put more pressure on boss Thomas Frank, there were hints of deeper problems when supporters booed the performance following the final whistle, which coincided with a brawl between Villa and Tottenham players near the home side's goal.

Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Aston Villa compounded a difficult time for the club, while a brawl broke out after the final whistle.

The pressure piled onto manager Thomas Frank with another home defeat, meaning they had just three wins out of their last 14 matches in all competitions, and left them with just the UEFA Champions League as the only tournament remaining where they have a faintly credible chance of success.

Captain Cristian Romero hit out at the club’s hierarchy in a now-deleted social media post, and Frank confirmed that the player would remain as the team’s skipper, though he was not in the squad for the cup tie in north London on Saturday.

Tottenham’s fans booed the players at the end of the defeat, which meant that the club were no longer in either domestic cup competition, and with Frank under pressure from the supporters, the loss only made the situation worse for the Dane.

An injury in the first half to striker Richarlison will not have helped matters, either, after the club sold forward Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace earlier in the transfer window.

There were further signs of serious disquiet when Tottenham's fans appeared to walk out in the first half, following Morgan Rogers' goal, which put Unai Emery's side 2-0 up.

Emi Buendia had scored the first goal of the game, with Wilson Odobert pulling one back in the second half for Tottenham, though they could not find a way through for an equaliser.

The atmosphere then boiled over after the game had ended, when players from both sides confronted each other close to the home side’s goalmouth.

Micky van de Ven, Joao Palhnha, Kevin Danso and Archie Gray of Tottenham, and Aston Villa’s Lamare Bogarde, Rogers and Ollie Watkins appeared to engage in a heated argument, accompanied by some jostling with one another.

Wrapping up the result on commentary for TNT Sports, Sam Matterface reflected on the tension at the club.

"Tottenham's pain deepens," he announced. "Out of both domestic cup competitions before the end of January. Home wins as scarce as unity between the club and supporters."

The commentator then noticed the argument that was spilling over into physical confrontation, with a majority of players joining the ruckus, along with stewards and members of club staff.

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He continued: "There's a brawl breaking out in the far corner. More indiscipline involving Tottenham Hotspur players, right at the end of this game. Thomas Frank will get a lot of flak for this.

"Tottenham will get a lot of flak for this too, but the problems might just run a little deeper than just the man in the dugout."

Tottenham are next in action against West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday, January 17.

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