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Spurs vs. Dortmund (21 Jan, 2026) Live Score  ESPN

Dominic Solanke scored on his first start of the season to ease the pressure on Thomas Frank after Tottenham claimed a much-needed 2-0 win over 10-man Borussia Dortmund.

Frank's seven-month tenure looked close to being over after Spurs lost at home to West Ham on Saturday to make it eight defeats in 14 matches.

Spurs supporters chanted Frank was "getting sacked in the morning," but despite talks over the future of the Danish coach he remained in post for the Champions League visit of Dortmund and watched his fortunes change.

Captain Cristian Romero fired Tottenham ahead in the 14th minute from a Wilson Odobert cross before the same man set up Solanke for a fortuitous close-range finish.

Dortmund, who had Daniel Svensson sent off after 26 minutes, attempted to rally in the second half, but depleted and out-of-form Spurs cruised home to put themselves in the driving seat for a top-eight finish and ensure Frank will live to fight another day.

The pressure had mounted on Frank after Spurs conceded in stoppage time against West Ham and the Danish coach was given no assurances over his future in a meeting with key figures at the club on Monday.

Nevertheless, Frank and Tottenham faced an uphill battle with 13 players unavailable against a Dortmund side unbeaten in seven.

Solanke was fit enough to start for the first time since May 25 in a timely boost and Spurs started strongly with Odobert and Pedro Porro able to get in behind before the same duo were involved in a 14th-minute opener.

Porro's corner found Odobert and although he made a mess of his initial volley, the French attacker cut back for Romero to sweep home his fourth goal of the season.

Xavi Simons had a shot deflected wide and then raced back down the other end to crowd out Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi.

A mistake by Guglielmo Vicario soon after went unpunished and then Tottenham's cause got a little easier when Svensson was sent off.

Dortmund wing-back Svensson stretched to win the ball from Odobert, but planted his studs high up on the leg of the Spurs attacker and referee Glenn Nyberg produced a red card after being sent to the monitor by VAR.

Djed Spence almost capitalised when he fired over before Tottenham's second arrived seven minutes before half-time.

Odobert was central to it again after he combined with Porro and crossed for Solanke, who made a mess of his finish with a flick onto his standing leg which rebounded back off his other foot but the ball rolled in for his first goal of an injury-ravaged campaign.

Dortmund made a double change at the break and substitute Julian Ryerson curled a free-kick wide early into the second half before Frank was hit with another injury.

Lucas Bergvall limped off and 17-year-old Jun'ai Byfield was handed a professional debut.

Solanke made way soon after and despite Xavi and Romero going close, it ended 2-0 after Vicario tipped over from Nico Schlotterbeck's stoppage-time header to earn Tottenham a first win of 2026 and extend their unbeaten home record in Europe to 24 matches.

Liverpool and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Tottenham's Micky van de Ven. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

- Liverpool center back Ibrahima Konaté remains a way off signing a new contract, reports Teamtalk. Konate believes he should be among the highest-paid defenders in the Premier League, causing an issue with signing a contract extension. However, Teamtalk also report that Liverpool have a replacement in mind. The club are interested in Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, even though any deal would likely have to invovle a significant transfer fee. Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Netherlands international's situation.

- Chelsea are considering a move for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, according to talkSPORT. The club are interested in a center back -- ESPN sources confirmed that they have held talks with Rennes over Jérémy Jacquet -- and they have added Senesi, whose contract expires in June, to their shortlist of transfer targets. Barcelona and Juventus have also been linked with him.

- Arsenal are willing to part ways with striker Gabriel Jesus. The Daily Mail reports that Palmeiras are interested in the 28-year-old, but it is said that he would prefer to be given until the end of the season to prove himself. Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Arsenal are looking at 19-year-old Real Madrid defender Víctor Valdepeñas. They are reported to be among several top clubs that have sent scouts to watch him after he made his debut in the LaLiga match against Alaves last month. Valdepenas is able to be deployed at center-back as well as full-back.

- Uncertainty is growing regarding the future of Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. It is reported that clubs are checking on the 25-year-old's situation, who has recently been linked to Barcelona. The Blaugrana believe that a deal could be difficult to secure for Álvarez given Atleti's expected valuation, but they are prepared to make a move if there is a willingness to negotiate. Fabrizio Romano reports that the LaLiga club are "closely following" Paris Saint-Germain forward Gonçalo Ramos as a signing for the summer, which could see the 24-year-old Portugal international lined up as a potential replacement for Álvarez should he leave the Wanda Metropolitano.

- Al Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves is open to a switch to Manchester United, per Football Insider. The 28-year-old's representatives are said to have made contact with United regarding a potential switch to Old Trafford, and there is a possibility that they make a move for him before the transfer window closes. Elsewhere, manager Michael Carrick is keen to keep hold of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to Fabrizio Romano. Despite previous reports indicating that he could be sent out on loan, he is believed to have earned the "instant trust" of the Man United interim head coach. Mainoo played 90 minutes of the 2-0 Premier League win over Manchester City on Saturday.

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DONE DEALS

To follow...

OTHER RUMORS

- Marseille are trying to sign Arsenal teen Ethan Nwaneri on loan for rest of season. (The Athletic)

- Barcelona are keen on Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro. (Mundo Deportivo)

- Napoli have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling on loan. (Nicolo Schira)

- The €15m permanent option clause in the loan deal of Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is expected to be activated by Internazionale. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Atletico Madrid have identified Atalanta midfielder Ederson as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher, who joined Tottenham Hotspur this month. (Mundo Deportivo)

- Girona are set to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on an initial loan deal. (Marca)

- A switch away from Anfield is expected for Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa in the summer. (The Times)

- Fenerbahce are continuing their pursuit of Al-Ittihad midfielder N'Golo Kanté. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Schalke and Paris FC are battling to sign Fiorentina striker Edin Džeko. (Florian Plettenberg)

- Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds are interested in Fenerbahce defender Jayden Oosterwolde. (The Sun)

- An approach for Al-Ahli midfielder Franck Kessié is under consideration from Juventus. (Calciomercato)

- Wolves and Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. (Ekrem Konur)

- Multiple clubs including Everton and Newcastle are interested in Genoa versatile wing-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy. A deal worth €20m would be enough to land the England youth international. (Ben Jacobs)

- Cruzeiro are demanding an offer worth in the region of €15m for left-back Kaiki, who is on the radar of Como. (Fabrizio Romano)

Michael Carrick has Manchester United DNA and, just one game into the interim head coach role at Old Trafford, is being heralded as the club's savior, while the absence of any Tottenham Hotspur DNA in Thomas Frank's background or football philosophy means he is now fighting to save his job.

OK, it's not quite that simple, but it is heading that way. Coaching a leading football team has now become a zero-sum game whereby you either embrace the club's traditions or do it differently and risk alienating supporters, as well as an increasingly vocal and influential cohort of former players -- worse still, legends.

If you go your own way and ignore the club's so-called DNA, you had better win ... and win quickly.

But what is football DNA? It is a term that seems to be used only when a manager/head coach is struggling and the supporters and former players boil their difficulties down to that one simple, catch-all term for dissatisfaction.

When Man United fired Ruben Amorim earlier this month after a dismal 14-month reign as head coach at Old Trafford, former club captain and now pundit Gary Neville gave a clear statement as to what the club needed to pull itself out of a malaise that extends back to Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in May 2013.

"Man United have got to appoint a manager that fits the DNA of their club," he said on Sky Sports. "Ajax will never change for anybody, Barcelona will never change for anybody. I don't believe Man United should change for anybody."

Whether by accident or design, United heeded Neville's comments by interviewing three former players -- Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy -- for the role of Amorim's successor until the end of the season.

Carrick won the race and masterminded a 2-0 win against Manchester City in his first game in charge. United played fast, attacking and winning football to beat Pep Guardiola's side and revive hopes of a top-four finish. United DNA? Absolutely.

But here's where the theory breaks down. No manager has won more trophies in United's illustrious history than Ferguson's 48, but when he arrived from Aberdeen to take charge in November 1986, he had no connections to United whatsoever. He had spent his entire playing career in Scotland and the only "United" on his résumé was a year with Ayr United in 1973-74.

Similar stories apply to Arsene Wenger, who had no Arsenal DNA before arriving at the club from Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight in September 1996, and Jose Mourinho before his move to Chelsea from FC Porto in the summer of 2004.

Until Wenger took charge, Arsenal's DNA was one of defensive organization and little flair -- opposition fans would sing "Boring, Boring Arsenal" when facing the Gunners -- but the Frenchman ripped up the Arsenal playbook and turned them into serial winners that played jaw-dropping attacking football.

Chelsea were regarded as entertainers without a winning mentality when Mourinho arrived, but he imposed his own brand of power, organization and direct football to spark an era of success at Stamford Bridge with a style of play that had not a single root in Chelsea's DNA.

Meanwhile, Manchester City arguably bought Barcelona's DNA by hiring Guardiola in the summer of 2016. The club's owners wanted City to win everything by playing Barcelona-style football and Guardiola duly delivered. So what kind of DNA will their fans and legends call for when Guardiola vacates his post?

One thing is certain: No Arsenal, Chelsea or City fan will ever complain about Wenger, Mourinho or Guardiola changing their club's DNA and turning them into winners.

Football DNA is ultimately nothing more than a code word for nostalgia; a comfort blanket in times of struggle when the warm glow of the past makes everything in the present day appear to be wrong and misjudged. And if you are Man United and the embodiment of the club's DNA -- Ferguson -- is a constant presence at games in the directors' box, the temptation to measure today's team and head coach against the feats of the 84-year-old is impossible to resist.

Spurs coach Frank doesn't have an army of successful former players and managers to worry about because his club has become a byword for overpromising and underdelivering. If Spurs have a DNA, the code is recurring failure, yet the supporters still hark back the traditions of the 1950s and 1960s when the club won league titles and played an exciting brand of possession-based attacking football.

If a modern-day coach is expected to honor the traditions of the past, especially those from almost 80 years ago, they have no chance of success unless they are bold enough to face forward and do the job their way. As Ferguson, Wenger and Mourinho did.

But having some connection to a club's DNA does give coaches the benefit of a longer honeymoon period than those who don't.

Spurs supporters embraced the appointment of Frank last summer after several impressive seasons at Brentford, but as soon as they saw goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario taking free kicks from inside the center circle and defender Kevin Danso hurling long throw-ins into the penalty area during the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the season, alarm bells began to ring.

Such direct football is definitely not part of Tottenham's DNA, so Frank had to win to avoid his style of play becoming a problem. But, six months on, Spurs aren't winning and Frank's football has become a lightning rod that could, as early as this week, lead to him losing his job.

Carrick has no such concerns; United beat City by playing Ferguson-style football -- the same that Carrick played in a United shirt -- so not only does he have plenty of credit in the bank, his United DNA means there will soon be a clamor for him to get the job permanently if performances and results continue to reflect the great teams of the past.

It is nothing to do with DNA, though. It is all about winning. Nobody complains about the wrong DNA when a team is winning.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu while Liverpool are looking to bolster their defensive options by signing Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's winter grades | Women's grades

TRANSFERS TO WATCH

TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are all eyeing a deal for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, according to Calciomercato. The France international made a permanent move to Juve last summer, having enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club from Serie A rivals AC Milan the previous season. Calciomercato reports that the 25-year-old could be signed for a fee of €30 million, although he unlikely to move until the end of the season.

- Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as a top target for Liverpool after the club missed out on signing Manchester City-bound Marc Guéhi, TEAMtalk reports. The 26-year-old Italy international, who has two-and-a-half years of his contract, is reportedly very keen on the idea of testing himself abroad. Another name high on Liverpool's centre-back shortlist is Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, who is widely expected to be on the move after this summer's FIFA World Cup.

- Chelsea are prepared to pay €50m for 20-year-old defender Jérémy Jacquet, according to RMC Sport. The Rennes youngster has been linked with several clubs this month, although Chelsea's interest has emerged as the most concrete. It's believed that his club would seek a transfer fee in excess of €60m, as he is under contract until 2029 with no release clause. Jacquet, who is a France under-21 international, has been a regular in Ligue 1 this season, featuring in all but two of Rennes's games in the competition to date.

- Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson is on Napoli's winter shortlist, Corriere dello Sport reports. The 21-year-old, who is on loan at AS Roma from Brighton & Hove Albion this season, may be on the move again, with Napoli looking to sign a new forward this month. Ferguson has five goal involvements in 16 league games this season. Meanwhile, Nicolo Schira reports that Chelsea have offered Napoli the chance to sign Raheem Sterling, who is not in the club's plans having been frozen out all season.

- The Tottenham Hotspur board are debating whether to give manager Thomas Frank one more game to try and save his job, according to The Independent. Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United sparked chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" from Spurs fans, However, the team still have a chance of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League league phase with two games remaining, starting with Tuesday's visit of Borussia Dortmund, leaving little time between games to make a change in the dugout.

EXPERT TAKE

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Mark Ogden talks about Arne Slot's future at Liverpool with Mohamed Salah's return from AFCON imminent.

OTHER RUMORS

- Manchester United are keen on signing Portugal midfielder Rúben Neves, is out of contract at Al Hilal at the end of the season, in the final weeks of the winter window. (Football Insider)

- Chelsea are set to recall Celtic target David Datro Fofana from his loan spell with Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk, as they look to move on the Ivory Coast striker permanently this month. (Football Insider)

- Newcastle United have registered their interest in veteran Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij. (Football Insider)

- Girona and Valencia are showing an interest in signing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Diego Coppola on loan. (Matteo Moretto)

- There is a full agreement in place for Beşiktaş to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Emmanuel Agbadou. The transfer fee is expected to be around the €11.5m mark. (Footmercato)

- Schalke 04 are exploring a winter move for Fiorentina striker Edin Dzeko. Concrete talks are underway, as the former Manchester City striker is ready to leave Italy. (Sky Germany)

- Mainz, FC Köln and FC Augsburg are all pushing to sign Como defender Stefan Posch. (Sky Germany)

- Hoffenheim are in advanced talks to sign Irish wonderkid Michael Noonan from Shamrock Rovers. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Rennes are in advanced negotiations with Fenerbahçe over the signing of Polish winger Sebastian Szymanski. (Footmercato)

- Bournemouth are closing in on the loan signing of Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas until the end of the season. (Sky Sports)

Just over seven months after being named as Ange Postecoglou's successor at Tottenham Hotspur, Thomas Frank could be about to share his fate.

After the glory of Bilbao and the Europa League final triumph in May, Frank's arrival was met with a mixed response from the Spurs fanbase. But after an impressive start to his tenure, a slide down the table prompted by a shocking home record has many predicting the end of the Dane's time in charge.

Frank's reign has been nothing if not uneventful. He came within minutes of lifting a trophy in his first match as head coach but on Saturday left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to the tune of "You're getting sacked in the morning" after a woeful home defeat to relegation-threatened West Ham.

Where has it all gone wrong?

Winless Wolves come within minutes of victory in north London

Sept. 27: Tottenham 1-1 Wolves

After an encouraging start to the season highlighted by a win over Manchester City, Frank's wings were clipped by a lacklustre draw with Wolves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs would have gone second with a victory and yet struggled to create chances against a Wolves side that had lost their opening five Premier League matches.

Santiago Bueno's 54th-minute goal had the visitors on the brink of a shock away win that would have relieved some of the pressure on then-head coach Vitor Pereira, but summer recruit João Palhinha rescued a point for Spurs in stoppage time.

It was the first sign of two of the most prominent issues plaguing Frank's team: a woeful home record and an inability to implement the attractive style of play with which Spurs have long been associated. -- Tom Chambers

Blunt attacking display raises eyebrows

Nov. 1: Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea

With fan opinion on Frank starting to sour, Spurs picked the worst time possible to put in one of their worst attacking displays in their modern history.

Against a Chelsea team considered to be their second biggest rivals, Spurs managed three shots during the match (one on target), amassing a pitiful xG of 0.1.

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea, meanwhile, posted 3.68 xG with only Guglielmo Vicario's creditable display between the sticks saving Spurs from a thrashing.

"That hurts massively," Frank said after the game. "I have never been in charge of a team that has created that little in one game." -- Tom Chambers

Spurs no-show in north London derby

Nov. 23: Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

A positive north London derby result would have made Frank an instant hero in N17, but instead of an inspiring display, Spurs were thrashed 4-1 by their biggest rivals.

Even with numerous key players out injured, Arsenal proved far too strong for Spurs with Richarlison's audacious 40-yeard lob ending up as a footnote on a painful day for the Spurs faithful.

The fact that three of Arsenal's four goals were scored by Eberechi Eze -- he had dramatically opted to join the Gunners over Frank's side in the summer -- only served to rub more salt into the wound.

Spurs' domestic miseries in recent years have played out in the shadow of Arsenal's return to title-challenging form and the unfavourable comparisons with Arteta's team have not helped a succession of Spurs head coaches. -- Tom Chambers

Frank's Spurs outclassed by Forest

Dec. 14: Nottingham Forest 3-0 Tottenham

After saving Spurs against Chelsea one month earlier, Vicario had a game to forget as his side were outclassed at the City Ground.

Vicario was partly at fault for Callum Hudson-Odoi's opener and was later caught out by an overhit cross from the winger that put the game beyond Spurs' reach.

Ibrahim Sangaré's sumptuous strike later put some gloss on the scoreline for Sean Dyche's men.

Spurs' lacklustre performance came after confidence-building wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague but the manner of the defeat brought Frank under fresh scrutiny. -- Tom Chambers

- Tottenham chief: Team 'fallen short', more quality and leadership needed

- Cristian Romero calls for togetherness amid 'disaster' Spurs run

- Premier League table

Dr. Tottenham comes to Bournemouth's aid

Jan. 7: Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham

Spurs headed to the Vitality Stadium with just one win in their last five, including two draws to start the new year against Brentford and Sunderland.

Their hosts, however, had not won in the league since the end of October -- and sat in 15th, having slumped from from their highest of second two months prior.

Trailing in the second half, João Palhinha's superb overhead kick seemed to have rescued Frank's side a point. Antoine Semenyo, however, was not closed down in the 95th minute, and his strike from outside the area condemned Spurs to another defeat.

As if Frank thought his day couldn't have been made any worse, a photo of him mistakenly sipping from an Arsenal-branded cup before kick-off spread like wildfire on social media.

Bournemouth's three points ended an 11-match winless run, adding further proof for the appropriateness of Spurs' 'Dr. Tottenham' moniker, such is their liking for treating their opponents' ailments. -- Shivam Pathak

West Ham put Frank on the brink

Jan. 17: Tottenham 1-2 West Ham

Ten days later, booing from the Spurs faithful reached its most deafening and calls for Frank's departure grew impossible to ignore.

This time, they faced 19th-placed West Ham who, similarly to Bournemouth, had not won in 10 Premier League matches. Earlier in the day, an open letter from Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham told fans that the "men's first team has fallen short of where we want to be so far this season." Their performance did little to disprove that.

Frank first felt the fans' displeasure when the half-time whistle blew. However, a second-half equaliser from Cristian Romero sparked belief that they could grab a winner but instead of a rousing comeback victory, the Spurs fans were treated to the sight of Callum Wilson bundling in from a corner in stoppage time.

If Frank thought he had been through the worst of it at half-time, the referee's final whistle brought a chorus of boos and chants of "You're getting sacked in the morning" echoing down from the south stand. -- Shivam Pathak

Thomas Frank has said he had no problem with Tottenham fans chanting he will be sacked and feels the "trust from everyone" despite a damaging 2-1 home loss to West Ham.

The Spurs faithful fully turned on Frank with the south stand singing "you're getting sacked in the morning" after Callum Wilson bundled home a stoppage-time winner to earn the Hammers a first Premier League victory in 11 matches.

Frank's future had already been in the spotlight after an FA Cup exit to Aston Villa and even though Cristian Romero's 64th-minute bullet header cancelled out a Crysencio Summerville early opener, Tottenham slipped to an eighth defeat in 14 matches and have won only two of their last 13 league fixtures.

Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has so far kept faith in Frank with this viewed as a transitional season, but the former Arsenal executive acknowledged this campaign had "fallen short" of where they wanted to be in an open letter to fans on Saturday.

After loud boos serenaded Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for yet another occasion this season, Frank remained defiant.

Asked about the south stand chants, Frank admitted: "Of course, I've probably had better times. It's probably not the best time of course, but I understand, I'm the man in charge, so the blame will go to me. That's fair.

"No problem in that sense. As long as they are backing the players, doing everything they can to support them and drive them forward, that's what we do and we will keep going forward.

"If you're not winning enough, we know you will not get enough support from the fans, but when we're winning, it will change. When we start winning again, which we will do. I'm not in doubt of that.

"I think you all saw the game today, we could easily have won this one 2-1. I think it's no excuses, but also the reason we're a little bit down to the bare bones with players and we also need some of the offensive players to score a goal or two.

"All that is difficult for me to do like that and click with a finger, but I can promise that I'm sitting here, giving everything, every single day. I feel the trust from everyone and there's only one way, we need to keep going."

Frank was quizzed on his team selection being leaked on Friday night but brushed it off as "not optimal" and again reiterated the backing of Venkatesham.

"What I take out of that letter is that a club and an executive team with Vinai on top that are aligned and know this is a big transitional phase. It's a super-tanker we're turning in the right direction," Frank insisted.

"There are a lot of good signs behind the scenes and also in some of the performances, but of course when you lose last-minute to one of your rivals, it is very emotional football and there will be noise.

"That noise we need to keep out there [away] and get our head down and keep walking, keep doing the right thing."

- Tottenham chief: Team 'fallen short', more quality and leadership needed

- Premier League table

Nuno Espírito Santo was delighted West Ham rewarded their supporters with a first away victory since August.

He said: "It feels good to win it in the end, especially in front of our fans in the last minute.

"We have been so many times on the other side and today it was for us. Delighted and really happy for the players, really happy for Callum that scored a goal and happy for our fans. It means a lot.

"We are still in the fight and what we have to do is believe."

Tottenham fans turned on Thomas Frank and chanted "you're getting sacked in the morning" after Callum Wilson struck a stoppage-time winner for relegation-threatened West Ham.

The pressure on Frank had cranked up after an FA Cup exit to Aston Villa extended their terrible run of form, but the midweek arrival of Conor Gallagher offered a much-needed lift for the under-fire Danish coach.

West Ham arrived in north London without a Premier League win in 10 matches, but held a deserved half-time lead thanks to Crysencio Summerville's 15th-minute opener.

Spurs looked short of ideas but after being booed off at half-time, Cristian Romero's bullet header offered hope.

Both team's pushed for a winner and it went the way of West Ham after Wilson bundled home from a corner in the third-minute of stoppage-time to spark Tottenham's South Stand to call for Frank's dismissal after an eighth defeat in 14 matches.

Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham has admitted the men's team has "fallen short of where we want to be so far this season" and said the club "must add more quality, experience, and leadership to compete consistently at the highest level."

The Spurs hierarchy have faced growing calls from the fanbase -- and also within the first team -- to be more communicative with their plans for the club amid a run of poor performances and results that have seen Thomas Frank's team slide down to 14th place in the Premier League table.

Venkatesham, 44, joined Spurs in April 2025 and has grown in authority since the shock exit of Daniel Levy in September which came amid an almost unprecedented period of personnel changes at the top of the club.

"Opportunities for a genuine reset are rare in clubs of our size, and we have been determined not to waste this moment as we make the changes needed behind the scenes to compete consistently at the highest level," Venkatesham said in a lengthy statement addressed to supporters.

"Football has changed significantly in recent years, and while the club has evolved and achieved incredible things, we recognise that in some key areas we have not always kept pace.

"We all feel the gap between where we are and where we want to be, and while we know progress takes time, we share your impatience to close it. Our supporters want wins and performances to be proud of, and we know the men's first team has fallen short of where we want to be so far this season."

Venkatesham's comments touched on a series of topics including the academy and player services. His comments on transfers appeared particularly notable given Spurs' activity in the ongoing January transfer window in which Spurs have been one of the Premier League's most active clubs, moving Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace and signing Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid.

"We believe in our current squad, but must add more quality, experience, and leadership to compete consistently at the highest level," he said. "Doing so requires a more proactive approach to recruitment, alongside a wage structure that supports our ambition.

"We are fully focused on strengthening the squad in January where the right opportunities exist, while recognising that the most significant player trading activity typically comes in summer windows. Our priority is to make signings that genuinely move us forward, and we will be disciplined against that aim.

"Player trading is also about knowing when to sell and being decisive about moving players on who are not part of our future. Doing so is essential to maximising value and managing our financial fair play obligations. Despite common belief, we are not immune to these rules and must carefully manage our squad development plans against them."

Head coach Frank has seen his popularity with the Spurs fanbase nosedive in recent weeks following comprehensive defeats to rivals Arsenal and Chelsea as well as a series of blunt attacking displays. Spurs announced the arrival of former Everton defender John Heitinga as the Dane's new assistant this week.

Frank's task has been made harder by Spurs' lengthy interest list which has seen long-term absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski being joined in the treatment room by the likes of Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur.

"Whilst coaching is of course critical, and we have strengthened Thomas Frank's coaching staff with the appointment of John Heitinga, maximising performance is about more than coaching alone," Venkatesham continued. "We must be world class in performance services, including medical care, sports science, nutrition, and psychology, to ensure players are available and primed to compete at the highest level."

- Tottenham injuries this weekend: Updates and FPL latest

- Heitinga joins Thomas Frank's Tottenham staff as assistant

- Premier League table

The team's late defeat away at Bournemouth saw defender Micky van de Ven appear to get in an argument with some of the travelling Spurs supporters as João Palhinha and Pedro Porro were also pulled away from the travelling fans. It was the latest sign of what appears to be a growing rift between the team and the fanbase.

"Perhaps most importantly, we know there is distance between the club and our supporters, and we are committed to rebuilding that connection," Venkatesham said. "With your input, we have introduced initiatives such as the new Sonny mural, ticketing changes, and a trial singing section, and we will continue to work closely with the Fan Advisory Board."

The biggest section of Venkatesham's statement was dedicated to the supporters and his acknowledgement of the need to repair relationships.

"Tottenham Hotspur cannot exist without you, our supporters. We are built on the loyalty, passion, and commitment of those who follow us, and we do not underestimate what supporting our club means," Venkatesham, who also descibed the women's team as a "key focus", added.

"Your dedication matters deeply. Thank you for your ongoing support. We are determined to deliver a future that reflects it."

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that sporting director Fabio Paratici has left the club to join Serie A club Fiorentina in his native Italy.

Paratici will leave Spurs after the conclusion of the summer transfer window -- 3½ months after being appointed to the role.

The 53-year-old has had two spells in prominent roles within the Spurs hierarchy. He spent just under two years as managing director of football from June 2021 to April 2023 before being banned from football by the Italian FA -- and subsequently also FIFA -- for alleged financial malpractice during his time at Juventus.

After serving his ban, Paratici officially returned to Spurs as co-sporting director, alongside Johan Lange, following Daniel Levy's shock exit from the club.

"I want to thank Vinai and the Board of Tottenham Hotspur for accommodating my desire to return to Italy and join Fiorentina," Paratici said in a statement.

"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."

Paratici's exit comes amid growing pressure on head coach Thomas Frank, with the team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table and fans making clear their disdain for the style of football on show in north London.

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"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," Spurs' chief executive officer Vinai Venkatesham said.

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