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Thomas Frank: Tottenham fans' boos 'fair'; team leak 'not optimal'

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Thomas Frank: Tottenham fans' boos 'fair'; team leak 'not optimal' - ESPN
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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."

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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."

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2 West Ham (17 Jan, 2026) Game Analysis

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Spurs 1-2 West Ham (17 Jan, 2026) Game Analysis - ESPN
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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.

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

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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."

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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."

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Tottenham confirm Fabio Paratici to leave club after 3½ months

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Tottenham confirm Fabio Paratici to leave role after 3½ months - ESPN
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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."

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Sources: Conor Gallagher set to join Tottenham from Atlético

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Sources: Gallagher set to join Spurs from Atleti - ESPN
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Conor Gallagher is set to join Tottenham Hotspur from Atlético Madrid, sources close to the LaLiga club have told ESPN.

The former Chelsea midfielder is expected to join Spurs on a permanent deal, bringing an end to his 17-month spell in the Spanish capital.

Gallagher, 25, has been unable to cement a regular starting spot in the Atletico side, making just four starts in LaLiga this season.

The England international joined Atlético from Chelsea in August of 2024, ending a protracted transfer saga that summer.

In 2024-25, Atlético finished third in LaLiga, and were eliminated in the Copa del Rey semifinals and the Champions League round of 16.

Gallagher has faced increased competition for minutes this season after Atlético signed midfielders Johnny Cardoso, Álex Baena, Thiago Almada and Nico González last summer.

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Spurs supporters hit out at club, Thomas Frank over 'fall in ambition'

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Spurs supporters hit out at club, Thomas Frank over 'fall in ambition' - ESPN
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Tottenham's tumultuous week has taken another twist after the club and boss Thomas Frank were accused of showing a "dramatic fall in ambition" by fans.

Members of Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust met with senior club representatives on Friday to discuss concerns among fans.

It has been a nightmare week for Spurs, with the contentious sale of last season's leading scorer Brennan Johnson last Friday followed by fellow right winger Mohammed Kudus being injured two days later and ruled out until April.

Frank was again booed after Sunday's 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland, but worse occurred on Wednesday at Bournemouth.

Tottenham conceded in stoppage time to slip to a 3-2 loss and drop to 14th in the Premier League and Frank's misery was compounded when he inadvertently used a coffee cup with the badge of rivals Arsenal on it.

Hours later captain Cristian Romero took aim at unspecified senior figures at the club when he claimed "other people" should be speaking but "they only show up when things are going well."

The supporters' trust has now demanded action, saying in a statement: "The THST board has been engaged with the senior leadership of the football club throughout recent weeks and months and has repeatedly raised supporters' concerns with them.

"Whilst we acknowledge the changes in personnel behind the scenes at the club, this has regrettably not been matched with improvements on the pitch.

"There also appears to be a dramatic fall in ambition for the football club, as evidenced by the transfer window to date and repeated statements by Thomas Frank, reminding supporters that the club finished 17th in the Premier League last season, that the club is only participating in the Champions League through winning the Europa League, and that Bournemouth [a side without a win in 11 games] are 'always a difficult team' and that he is 'not enjoying the job.'

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"Supporters have suffered the embarrassment of players directly confronting them for exercising their right to express themselves, of the club captain publicly calling out 'other people' at the club who do not speak except 'to tell a few lies', and of the manager being photographed drinking from an Arsenal cup apparently unaware that he was doing so.

"Whilst these incidents may have explanations that we could understand and even sympathise with, they demonstrate a lack of understanding and a lack of care about the perception of the football club."

The supporters' trust said fans needed to "hear directly from the club leadership the ambition for the football club for this season, for next season and for the foreseeable future" and stressed "all the stops need to be pulled out" in this month's transfer window to show Tottenham are "a serious football club."

Per ESPN sources, Spurs had an opening bid in the region of €13 million ($15.13m) rejected for Santos defender Souza but have returned with an improved offer.

PA has contacted Tottenham for comment on the supporters' trust statement.

Information from ESPN's James Olley contributed to this report.

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Transfer rumors, news: Man United, Inter eye Serie A defender

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Transfer rumors, news: Man United, Inter eye Serie A center back - ESPN
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Manchester United and Inter Milan are interested in Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, while Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring Brentford forward Kevin Schade. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester United and Inter Milan are interested in Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, says Gazzetta dello Sport. Muharemovic, 22, has impressed in Serie A this season and the Bosnia and Herzegovina international has also attracted attention from Bologna, Aston Villa and Bournemouth. Having signed from Juventus for €3 million in 2025, Muharemovic's next transfer (which is valued at around €30 million) would net Juve 50% of any fee and Sassuolo are keen to wait until the summer before they decide whether to let him go.

- Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring Brentford forward Kevin Schade, as per Sky Germany. The Germany international, 24, is widely expected to be on the move after this summer's World Cup. Brentford value Schade's transfer at around the €50 million, although they still hope to renew his contract beyond 2028, while a host of other clubs retain a long-term interest in signing him.

- Real Madrid remain frontrunners in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, Bild reports. While Bayern Munich are also keen on signing the Germany international, their preference is to wait until 2027, by which time he could be a free agent. Dortmund will demand a fee of at least €50 million from any interested clubs this summer, wjhich isn't expected to put off Real Madrid as they are looking for a new defensive leader with veterans Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba expected to depart.

- Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old forward Brian Madjo from Metz, according to Fabrizio Romano. A €12 million fee has been agreed to sign the England Under-17 international, who recently switched allegiance from Luxembourg. Madjo's medical has already been booked and he is set to sign a five-year deal at Villa Park once the move is finalized. Madjo has already had a taste of senior football, having played five times for Metz in Ligue 1 this season.

- Leeds United are set to accelerate their pursuit of Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi, so says TEAMtalk. The Dutch defender is "very keen" to make the switch to Elland Road, after impressing in the Bundesliga this season with six goals in 18 appearances. While Doekhi is eager to make the switch this month, Leeds are prepared to play a "waiting game" in hopes of securing a better deal further down the line.

DONE DEALS

To follow...

EXPERT TAKE

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OTHER RUMORS

- Arsenal and AC Milan have enquired about the availability of Borussia Dortmund center back Roméo Ritter, 17, who is under contract until 2027. (Sky Germany)

- Brentford right back Michael Kayode, 21, who has caught the eye for his long throws this season, is on the radar of Manchester City. (Caught Offside)

- Tottenham won't decide Palhinha's long-term future until the summer. The Premier League side have an option to make his loan move permanent from Bayern Munich for €25 million. (Sky Germany)

- Wolves are determined to keep hold of England youth international Mateus Mané this month, with the club insisting the 18-year-old is not going to leave for any price. (Daily Mail)

- Celtic are exploring the possibility of bringing Birmingham City striker Kyōgo Furuhashi back to the club. (Sky Sports)

- Striker Patrick Bamford is expected to accept Sheffield United's contract offer, which will keep him at the club until the end of the season. (Football Insider)

- Galatasaray have established contact with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for midfielder Fabián Ruiz. (Ekrem Konur)

- Torino are targeting a move for Lazio goalkeeper Chrīstos Mandas, and are expected to make contact over a deal in the coming days. (Matteo Moretto)

- Talks between Nice and Fiorentina over the proposed transfer of midfielder Amir Richardson have stalled. (Nicolo Schira)

- Genoa are on the verge of signing Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento and fought off competition from West Ham United to secure a deal. (Fabrizio Romano)

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Cristian Romero to stay Tottenham captain after Instagram outburst

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Cristian Romero to stay Tottenham captain after Instagram outburst - ESPN
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Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed Cristian Romero remains captain and has not been fined after his explosive social-media post.

Romero apologised to Spurs fans in an Instagram post after Wednesday's 3-2 loss at Bournemouth and appeared to take aim at key figures at the club when he said "at times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't."

World Cup-winner Romero went on to state "they only show up when things are going well" and "we are responsible, there's no doubt about that. I am the first. But we will keep facing up to it and trying to turn the situation around."

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Romero is no stranger to a controversial social media post and notably pointed out "the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist" when he paid tribute to sacked Ange Postecoglou on his Instagram page in June.

However, the 27-year-old will not face any further disciplinary measure for his comments which sparked debate over the target of Romero's frustration given Daniel Levy left his role in September and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was only appointed in April.

Frank, who spoke with Romero on Thursday morning along with co-sporting director Johan Lange, said "He is our captain, he's not been fined.

"That's an internal thing, but we haven't done that.

"I think there's a lot of ways to deal with different situations. We've chose to have a good conversation with him, understand where he stands, handle it internally and that's everything I have to say."

Frank has repeated claimed the key figures at the club are aligned in recent media sessions, but was quizzed on if Romero shared that alignment given his social-media post.

He added: "That I can't and you probably need to ask him. It is not that often he does do the press, so you need to wait until you speak to him, but what I know he has been here for five years, that's one thing.

"And what I know is I look at where I have been here for seven months and I see a very aligned club, so it's just up to us to prove that."

Pushed on if Romero's remarks may put off potential signings in January, Frank disagreed.

"I'm pretty sure that clever players and agents can look through if there's a little bit of noise. I think it's very important to stress that even though there's noise, the club is very aligned," Frank pointed out.

"Johan, Vinai and I are very aligned. Ownership is very aligned. We know it's a tough spell that we need to get through."

Spurs begin their FA Cup campaign on Saturday at home to Aston Villa, but will be without up to nine players after Lucas Bergvall (groin) and Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring) suffered problems at Bournemouth.

Frank also confirmed Mohammed Kudus is unlikely to feature until after the March international break and Dejan Kulusevski will not return before February.

"If anyone can come back quicker it's Deki [Kulusevski]. The most important thing is to remove the pain in the knee and he got an injection 10 days ago and we'll know in three to four weeks whether that has settled.

"And when it's settled, hopefully he'll be on the grass and from there we'll see what's happening."

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