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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has defended captain Cristian Romero after a social media post where he accused people at the club of telling "lies."

The post, in which he apologised to fans and has since been amended, came after Tottenham's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Wednesday.

"At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't -- as has been happening for several years now," Romero said on Instagram.

"They only show up when things are going well."

The initial post had said: "They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies."

Ahead of Tottenham's FA Cup clash with Aston Villa on Saturday, Frank defended his captain but admitted the post was a "mistake."

"I think after [Romero] became the captain he's done a lot of good things right. I said it when I named him the captain that even though he's an experienced player, he's tried a lot, he's still a young leader," Frank said.

"I'm actually very happy with his performance last night, I think he was a true captain in many ways throughout the game.

"Speaking at half-time when we were 2-1 down, keep believing, keep doing the right things. But also when you're a young leader sometimes you make a mistake, of course it's good to keep it internally.

"[Sporting director] Johan [Lange] and I had a good conversation with him this morning about everything, which we of course keep internally.

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Meanwhile, Frank said they are still waiting to learn the severity of several injuries in the squad including Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, who were injured against Bournemouth.

"Lucas is being assessed today. We'll know more later today with him. Same with Rodri. Rodri is a hamstring injury, looks like a bigger one. We don't know the extent yet," Frank said.

"Mohammed Kudus is a bigger one, to the tendon and quad, and don't expect him back until after the March international break.

"With Dejan Kulusevski, we know it's a complicated injury. If anyone can come back quicker it's Deki.

"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 3-4 weeks whether that has settled and then he can get back on the grass."

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has said he didn't notice he was drinking out of an Arsenal cup ahead of the clash at Bournemouth, adding that it would have been "absolutely stupid" for him to do so.

Frank was pictured drinking out of a coffee cup that had the logo of Spurs' arch-rivals Arsenal emblazoned on it ahead of their game on Wednesday.

The image was widely shared on social media, and when Frank was asked about it post-match he said: "It's fair to say that not winning every single football match, it would be absolutely stupid of me to take a cup with Arsenal on it. Anyone thinking I've done that or the staff has done it ...

"They've been in the changing room the game before us [on Saturday]. It's normal to say 'give me a cup of espresso' before every game.

"I think it's a little bit sad in football that I need to be asked a question like that. We are definitely going in the wrong direction if we are worrying about me having a cup of another club. Of course I wouldn't do that. That would be really stupid."

Arsenal were the last visitors at the Vitality Stadium, registering a 3-2 win on the weekend. Nevertheless, the image of Frank with an Arsenal cup was poor optics for a Spurs manager who is facing scrutiny for his side's performances.

Frank's side's 3-2 loss at Bournemouth courtesy of a late Antoine Semenyo strike means they've won just one of their last five Premier League games and languish in 14th in the table.

"I think it's fair to say everyone involved in Tottenham, it's a tough one to take today," said Frank. "Hopefully everyone can see how hard we worked to get everything in the right direction.

"Overall the performance was good, especially 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 -- that's natural.

"It's very tough to sit here right now and we haven't got anything out of overall a good performance."

Bournemouth vs. Spurs (8 Jan, 2026) Live Score  ESPN

Under-pressure Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has insisted the key figures at the club are "completely aligned" about the future and hailed the importance of "calm" chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.

Frank was already under scrutiny after a difficult start at Spurs, but the shock departures this month of Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim at Chelsea and Manchester United respectively will place a magnified lens on the work of the Danish coach.

Tottenham travel to Bournemouth on Wednesday unbeaten in three matches, but they have won just two of their last 11 in the Premier League and not scored from open play since Dec. 6, which has resulted in sections of a disgruntled fanbase losing faith in Frank.

However, the 52-year-old has stayed steadfast about his long-term prospects in N17 and detailed the key role of ex-Arsenal chief Venkatesham this week alongside co-sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici.

Venkatesham joined Spurs in April after a lengthy and successful spell at Arsenal, where he was one of the most influential figures during the early troubling days of Mikel Arteta, who is currently the second-longest serving top-flight manager.

"I think the biggest thing, which we are, is that we are completely aligned, so the biggest thing is that let's say Johan, Fabio, Vinai and I are aligned. That's the biggest thing and then we also aligned with the ownership," Frank said.

"Vinai is one of the best communicators I ever met, as a CEO, leader or whatever, he is absolutely excellent in that. I think I'm OK, but he is way superior, which I think is crucial internally and externally.

"He's calm and he takes sensible decisions -- two rare abilities in football, but also two absolutely crucial abilities if you want to have success long term. For me, Vinai is crucial for Tottenham to have success in many ways.

"Then, of course, we have known each other for six months, so we are getting closer and closer and know each other better and better.

"Vinai is good and, besides being smart and taking sensible decisions, he also has got huge experience of 10 years at Arsenal, with how they built and experienced how they built it."

Asked if Venkatesham's decision to stick with Arteta during a rocky first 12 months had influenced his approach, Frank agreed: "Yeah, definitely, no doubt about that, plus he also knows what good looks like and also knows how unfortunately it can take time to get up to where good should look like.

"That's definitely beneficial because also he understands the journey we're on."

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While Venkatesham and Frank appear aligned, Paratici has continuously been linked with a move back to Italy with Fiorentina during recent weeks, which made the recent decision to send Manor Solomon on loan to the Serie A club particularly eye-catching.

However, Frank pointed out of Paratici: "We're paying his wage, he's working very hard.

"The last time I spoke to him? I spoke to him in the morning before the [Sunderland] game."

Frank was candid about several topics in Monday's press conference, but declined to reveal if Dejan Kulusevski had suffered a setback in his recovery from a serious knee injury after a rough return of December had previously been set.

"It just takes time," he said. "They are working very hard and he is working very hard to come back on the pitch."

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed Dominic Solanke will not be ready for Wednesday's trip to Bournemouth and will need time to return to his best.

Solanke last played for Spurs on Aug. 23 at Manchester City, with a troublesome ankle issue restricting him to only three appearances during the first half of the season.

The England forward had minor ankle surgery on Oct. 1 and Tottenham have been careful with his rehabilitation since then. Solanke returned to training last week but Frank revealed the 28-year-old will not face old club Bournemouth.

"Nope, he will not, but positive going forward," Frank said when asked if Solanke would make the trip to the Vitality Stadium.

"[Monday] you could see in training that he's nice and composed on the ball, good decisions, good touches and then when we're a little bit more competitive in the small-sided [games], he is of course lacking [sharpness] and he looked a little rusty, which is completely normal.

"Now he's unfortunately been out for at least six months, right? Yeah, six months, a little bit more than that, so, of course, it will take a little bit of time.

"So, even if he's ready for whatever time in the near future, hopefully [soon], then I think you will be surprised to just see him hit the ground running. Very few players do that."

With Solanke still not available and last season's leading scorer Brennan Johnson sold to Crystal Palace on Friday, Tottenham are short on attacking firepower.

Mohammed Kudus appears unlikely to recover in time to face Bournemouth after he suffered a left leg injury in the early exchanges of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

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"He's going for a scan. Yeah, most likely ruled out for Bournemouth," Frank said,

Destiny Udogie has returned to training after a hamstring injury and could be an option, while captain Cristian Romero will play even though Tottenham did not appeal against a recent Football Association charge for his conduct after his red card against Liverpool on Dec. 20.

The FA claimed Romero "acted in an improper manner by failing to promptly leave the field of play and/or behaving in a confrontational and/or aggressive manner towards the match referee after being sent off."

Spurs responded to the FA but accepted the charge and, asked when to expect news of a potential ban, Frank said: "I honestly don't know. He's available for Bournemouth. That's the game ahead for me."

LONDON -- A late Brian Brobbey strike snatched a point for Sunderland at Tottenham as Thomas Frank's side started the New Year at home in all too familiar fashion.

Spurs started the game on the front foot and dominated a first 45 minutes where Sunderland struggled to make it out of their own half for periods, passages of play that delighted a crowd that had seen their side labour to a dire 0-0 draw at Brentford on New Year's Day.

It was then Ben Davies who put the home side in front on his first start of the season as he got his foot on a ball heading towards goal from a Spurs corner.

Sunderland started the second half much sharper but were still unable to create any sustained pressure with Spurs unfortunate not to be further ahead going into the final 15.

Spurs were ultimately left to rue not making the most of their chances as when Brobbey found himself through on goal with 10 minutes remaining, he powered a vicious effort home to earn Sunderland an equaliser that stunned the home faithful into silence, a feeling never too far away at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham failed to find a winner in the dying stages and remain in 13th while Sunderland's dream season rolls on with Regis Le Bris' side sitting in eighth.

Pressure ramps up on Frank as boos return

It can be argued that Frank and Tottenham supporters have already reached a breaking point, multiple times. Whether it was the defeat to Fulham at home, thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest, or the goalless draw at Brentford, to name a few.

Well, here we are again.

A 1-1 draw with Sunderland at home in a game they should've put to bed early in the second-half. Not good enough for the 60,000 in N17.

After a bright start, it was the latter stages of the game fresh in the minds of a home support that rarely see their side perform and it was that frustration after Brian Brobbey snatched a late point that led to Frank's side being booed off their own ground once again.

For a club of Tottenham's stature, ambition and after a year that saw their first major trophy in 18 years, there remains a sense of unfulfilled promise.

Frank admitted he showed his players 25 video clips of unforced errors after their draw at Brentford and while they put in a much improved showing on Sunday, it wasn't enough for a group of supporters that don't just demand success, but excitement, a team to get behind and fall in love with. Frank's Spurs remain a far cry away from all of these things.

"Boring, boring Tottenham" was the chant from Spurs' own supporters during their goalless stalemate at Brentford and Frank admitted they were right in the build up to this one, promising an "attacking, front-foot performance" in their first home game of 2026. And his side delivered just that in a first 45 where they registered more successful passes in the final third and goalscoring chances than in the entirety of their last two combined.

Despite losing talisman Mohammed Kudus to injury after just 20 minutes, it didn't affect a Spurs attack under scrutiny with a front three of Richarlison, Mathys Tel and the oncoming Randall Kolo Muani looking as threatening as ever.

It helped that they were up against a Sunderland side that looked devoid of any sort of attacking ambition in north London -- it took them until just before the break to get a first shot on target -- and despite a stronger second 45, they looked content to sit back and invite pressure for large parts.

Spurs were allowed to get on the ball in dangerous areas far too easily, make forward runs and were faced with legitimate one on one situations out wide, far too often, with Tel mightily unlucky not to double Spurs' lead before the break as he cut inside for a curling effort that went just wide of the far post.

Frank was visibly frustrated on the sideline in the second half as Spurs continued to find attacking opportunities without finding a second, but for many inside N17 just seeing their side create was enough after a festive period of football that failed to excite.

One of the club's greatest ever goalscorers Jermain Defoe was the guest on the pitch at half-time, he would've backed himself to get on the scoresheet in a game where Spurs' faltering attack showed signs of revival.

Frank maintains Tottenham are in transition -- but whether he will be around for the end of it is far from clear.

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New Year, same Spurs at home

Won four, lost 11, drawn three was Spurs' record at home in a terrible 2025 that saw them lose the most home games in a calendar year in the club's history -- grim reading for a side with the third most expensive season ticket in the Premier League and arguably the most impressive stadium.

"It's crucial we get the year off to a good start," Frank said in his programme notes pre-game and failing to win a game that they were dominant in for such large periods in front of a home crowd starved of success was not what Frank had in mind.

Spurs' fast start -- capped off by a rare Davies goal -- did quieten a buoyant Sunderland away end and gave those inside the stadium hope of seeing just a fifth home win in the last 12 months, an incredible statistic for a side competing in the Champions League this term.

But it wasn't to be as Brobbey struck home with venom before a passionate celebration in front of the Spurs fans rather than his away support in the other corner, as if they haven't been through enough this past year.

A João Palhinha header late on was just wide and as Spurs saw the last opportunity of the game pass them by there was a collective sigh around the ground before the standard emptying of seats that turned into loud boos at full-time, as Spurs' 2026 started much like how 2025 ended at home.

There were some dark days at home under Ange Postecoglou and times where Spurs have looked like they couldn't buy a goal under Frank, and although they looked by far the better side here, Spurs and Frank have failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity to show that 2026 may just be different at N17.

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Sunderland have been the story of the Premier League season so far and notched another impressive point to their outstanding league tally on Sunday.

Despite six key players missing at AFCON, Sunderland have performed admirably without the key clogs of Noah Sadiki, Reinildo, Chemsedine Talbi and co.

The double pivot Granit Xhaka and Sadiki that has been so crucial to their success was on show again this afternoon with Geertruida slotting in excellently for the DR Congo international.

Their cautious approach has paid dividends and despite sitting in the bottom three of the league for xG, big chances created, accurate passes per 90 and touches in opposition box, they've found a way to grind out results.

None more so than at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in a game where they were under the pump for large parts, and fortunate not to be further behind, they stayed in the game and were rewarded with a late equaliser.

"We are playing against the best in Europe and we showed it's possible to be competitive," Le Bris said ahead of this trip. His side are more than competitive now, results against Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and now Tottenham are proving that they are a team to be reckoned with, and their point today will go some way to amending an away record that had left a lot to be desired.

They stay in eighth, just a point behind Manchester United in fifth and a season that began with an outside hope of Premier League survival could now turn into an extraordinary European charge in North East.

Spurs vs. Sunderland (5 Jan, 2026) Live Score  ESPN

Thomas Frank has acknowledged his current challenge at Tottenham is not enjoyable, but will have his "head down and keep going" to get the project back on track.

Frank received the adulation of the Brentford supporters on Thursday night when he made his first return to Gtech Community Stadium since his summer departure.

However, it ended on a sour note as Tottenham's disgruntled fanbase turned on their head coach following another dour attacking display with in-game "boring" chants followed by loud boos for the 52-year-old at full-time.

Ahead of Sunday's visit of Sunderland, Frank was asked if he was enjoying this challenge and laughed: "That's a good question!

"Let me put it this way. When you need to put in a big, big shift and it's not smooth and it's tough, it's probably difficult to enjoy it.

"If I run hard, I don't enjoy that moment, but I know I need to keep my head down and run hard to get through it to get my fitness up, or win a race, or whatever.

"We are in a situation where you need to run hard, to stay in it, to get through it.

"On the other side, when we look back on this spell or maybe this first year when it was tough, you'll think what a learning, what an experience, it made us so much better for the future.

"So the short answer is no, but the reality is you can't (enjoy), but when I put myself out of it and look down, I think what a learning, what a privilege to be in charge of this fantastic club in a period where it's a big transition.

"Someone told me we have changed eight leadership guys at the top of the club. The transformation of 2025 has never happened as much in 140 years. There's a lot of changes but the potential is huge.

"I'm looking forward to looking back and thinking, 'hmm, a big learning, but now I'm enjoying it'.

"It's definitely a marathon. It definitely seems like it's one of the more heavy miles I'm on now, but head down and keep going."

A goalless draw at Brentford made it four clean sheets in six matches, but Frank's biggest current issue is a string of toothless showings.

The absence of influential attackers like Dominic Solanke and James Maddison has hampered Frank's cause, whilst recently chief playmaker Xavi Simons is suspended, but even when the Dutchman was available, Spurs have rarely produced captivating displays.

Frank added: "I knew it would be a big challenge. Of course when I walked in the door I didn't expect Solanke and Maddison to be out for seven months, or for (Dejan) Kulusevski not to be ready.

"I knew it would be a big challenge, that it would be a transitional season and that we are building something that I am convinced will be very good in the future. I know there are a few things to improve, but I am very aware of what they are."

Crystal Palace have announced the signing of striker Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur.

ESPN reported that the two clubs had agreed a deal worth £35 million ($47.2m) earlier this week, with a successful medical on Thursday.

Sources told ESPN that Johnson took time to decide on his future -- with AFC Bournemouth also an option as they aim to replace Antoine Semenyo, who is expected to join Manchester City.

However, talks between the 24-year-old and Palace boss Oliver Glasner were positive and saw the Welshman decide to head to south London. He will wear the No. 11 shirt.

Glasner has been keen to bolster his squad, as Palace handle the requirements of playing in their first ever European competition, sitting tenth in the Europa Conference League. Johnson will be a welcome addition to the Austrian's options, with Daichi Kamada injured and Ismaïla Sarr playing at the African Cup of Nations.

Jean-Philippe Mateta currently leads the line at Selhurst Park, with Yéremy Pino, Eddie Nketiah and Justin Devenny among the attacking unit.

"I'm really delighted that Brennan has joined the club," Glasner, who had frequently called on Palace to make signings, said. "He arrives very early in the window, so credit to the club for making this happen so quickly.

"Brennan will give us options in our attacking play with his pace and goalscoring ability and with all the upcoming games he will be a valuable addition to the squad."

Johnson was Spurs' leading goalscorer last season, with 18 goals in all competitions -- including the winner in Spurs' 1-0 Europa League final victory over Manchester United.

Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson has agreed to join Crystal Palace in a deal worth £35 million ($47.2m), sources have told ESPN.

ESPN reported earlier this week that the two clubs had agreed a fee but that Johnson had yet to decide on his next club amid interest from Bournemouth, who are looking for a replacement for the Manchester City-bound Antoine Semenyo.

But after talks with Palace boss Oliver Glasner, sources said Johnson has agreed on a move to Selhurst Park. He will start his medical later on Thursday.

Johnson wanted to assess his options before committing to a switch to Palace, with Glasner keen for reinforcements as they try to meet the additional demands of European football for the first time in their history, currently sitting 10th in the UEFA Conference League after six matches.

The Wales international finished last season as Spurs' top goalscorer after netting 18 times in all competitions including the only goal in May's historic Europa League final win over Manchester United, securing Tottenham's first trophy in 17 years.

However, that success was not enough to keep manager Ange Postecoglou in his job and Frank has used Johnson far less, starting just six league games to date.

Johnson joined Spurs from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m (now $64m) in September 2023.

Frank -- as has been his season-long tactic -- was eager to not be drawn into speaking about the reports but did confirm that Johnson had trained ahead of his return to Brentford on Thursday.

"Again, this is the third time I think I've got this question. There's rumours out there, in general I'll not comment on that, no matter if we want to sign or sell a player, or get a staff member in or out. I've no interest in commenting either way," Frank said.

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"He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace. He trained very well [Tuesday]. I expect him fully to be available and able to play against Brentford.

"Brennan is a very important player for us. Sometimes things change if another player comes in. Unfortunately, [Mohammed] Kudus came in for him and played on the right side and has done well," he said.

"So, it's been a little bit more tricky to get enough starts. Brennan started the season also quite well from the left.

"I think Brennan has a lot of attributes, very good running in behind, very good scoring goals.

"That's a good quality, so some of those key things is fantastic, also working hard for the team, but you need more than just 11 players -- that's the way it is.

"I think Brennan has been a top professional, is a top professional, trained well today. He's ready for two days' time."