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Thomas Frank himself may be the reason behind Tottenham’s unwillingness to bring short-term signings through the door in the January window.

Conor Gallagher and Souza have been Tottenham’s only two additions so far this month, much to the disappointment of many supporters.

The club have failed to strengthen their attack despite several reports suggesting at the start of the month that Spurs were eyeing several big-name wingers across Europe.

While Frank has insisted that Tottenham are still in the market, time is now running out, with the transfer deadline now fast approaching.

Thomas Frank has made clear transfer demands at Tottenham

The Daily Mail have now revealed that some inside Tottenham feel that Frank may be responsible for the fact that more players have not arrived through the door at Hotspur Way this month.

The report reveals that despite not being assured of his long-term future at Spurs, Frank has been adamant that he does not want to resort short-term fixes that will not help the club in the long run.

The Dane is only willing to sign off on arrivals that will improve Spurs over the long term, even if he may not be the one who will benefit from those signings.

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It is revealed that Tottenham’s current predicament in the Premier League may have also affected their ability to convince top-class players about a move to N17.

Interestingly, the outlet claims that Spurs explored moves for both Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, but were never in a position to compete with Man City for either player.

Why Spurs have not sacked Frank yet

The Mail also say that while Frank is under pressure at Tottenham, the privately held view among many at the club is that the team’s struggles are down to a lack of quality on the pitch.

Additionally, there is also a belief at the club that the players are still playing for the 52-year-old, as evidenced by their Champions League performances.

The club’s horrendous luck with injuries is also given as a reason that may have bought Frank some time.

Tottenham fans think they have just spotted a good omen after a successful league phase in the Champions League.

Just like last season, Tottenham are floundering in the Premier League but have been dominant in Europe so far.

The Lilywhites managed to breeze into the final 16 of the Champions League, losing just one of their six league phase matches, and winning all their home games without conceding a single goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

There is one stat that the Spurs supporters can take a lot of confidence from heading into the knockout rounds.

Tottenham have an identical record in Europe to last season

Despite their horror show domestically, the Lilywhites went on to win the Europa League last term, and Spurs fans will be hoping that history repeats itself in the Champions League this campaign.

What is astonishing is that Tottenham have an identical record in the league phase of the Champions League to what they did in the Europa League last term.

Spurs secured 17 points on both occasions, winning five, drawing two and losing one of their eight games, while scoring 17 goals.

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When will Spurs find out their R16 opponent?

Tottenham will play one of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray or Club Brugge in the next round, with the Old Lady set to play Gala and Atletico set to take on the Belgian side in the knockout playoffs.

The two legs will be played on February 16 to 18 and February 23 to 25, with Juventus and Atletico set to have home advantage in the second leg since they were seeded.

A big Bundesliga side has now entered the race for Tottenham youngster Luka Vuskovic amid speculation around the youngsters future.

Even before joining Tottenham Hotspur officially last summer, Luka Vuskovic had been making waves as a centre-back with notable goalscoring potential.

In his first game as a Spurs player in pre-season, Vuskovic grabbed a goal and has since continued to build his reputation as a strong all-round centre-back in Germany with Hamburg.

The 18-year-old won the Bundesliga Player of the Month award twice in a row, has won an impressive 69.34 per cent of his duels in the Bundesliga, and remains particularly dominant in the air.

Bundesliga heavyweights join race for Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic

It comes as no surprise that clubs across Europe are beginning to take note of the teenage prospect, with one Bundesliga heavyweight now joining the queue.

According to a report from TZ, as relayed by Absolut Fussball, Bayern Munich now have Luka Vuskovic on their radar.

It is understood that the German champions are closely monitoring the teenager’s development, alongside several other leading clubs across Europe.

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Spurs stance clear amid growing European interest

Spurs signed Vuskovic for £12 million from Hajduk Split and are likely to make a profit should they decide to sell, given the level of interest he is generating.

However, reports have stated that Tottenham are not looking to sell Vuskovic despite the attention from clubs around Europe.

The teenager’s future has been gathering attention with reports claiming that Vuskovic would extend his loan spell at Hamburg for an additional season so he can play alongside his brother.

A decision has now been reached on Mathys Tel’s immediate future at Tottenham as the winter transfer window enters its final days.

Mathys Tel’s future at Tottenham Hotspur has been in the headlines, especially with interest in the forward coming from several clubs across Europe.

Paris FC were reported to be willing to offer Tel regular gametime in his preferred position ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

However, with days left to go in the winter transfer window, Tel remains a Tottenham Hotspur player, and there is now a fresh update on his transfer saga after reports that the forward’s agent has told Tottenham he wants Tel to leave this winter window.

Tottenham decision on Mathys Tel future

According to RMC Sport, it is understood that Mathys Tel will remain at Tottenham despite numerous offers from clubs across Europe.

Tel received interest from Paris FC, Lille, Marseille, Monaco, AS Roma, Genoa, Sunderland, Real Sociedad, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hamburg, clubs in Turkey, and Atlético Madrid.

The French striker, who has yet to be handed consistent gametime, is believed to have decided to stay in north London following talks with Thomas Frank.

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Those talks were apparently positive. While Mathys Tel expressed doubts, Frank appreciated the talk and gave the Frenchman a run of games to prove himself. He performed well and Spurs decided to keep him, which is said to have been reassuring for Tel who now wants to stay in N17.

Tel has managed just 539 minutes in the Premier League this season, scoring three goals in those games. The forward is now said to be determined to earn his place in the side as he vies for a starting spot.

Spurs handed timely boost amid attacking injuries

This is a major boost for Tottenham, given the injury crisis that has severely affected their attack.

At present, Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall are all sidelined, leaving Spurs desperate for additional depth.

The 20-year-old offers versatility and something different for Frank, with the ability to operate on either wing or through the middle.

However, it is understandable if there is frustration, given he was left out of the Champions League squad again and is still not receiving consistent starts on the left despite the absence of several injured stars.

Tottenham loanee Luka Vuskovic was the hero for Hamburg, netting yet another crucial goal to ensure that his side salvaged a point against giants Bayern Munich.

Vuskovic was voted the best player in the Bundesliga for the first-half of the season, which shows the kind of impact the Tottenham youngster has made at HSV.

The centre-back has not only shown maturity beyond his years defensively, but he has also popped up with crucial goals for his side through the season.

He netted his fourth of the season on Saturday against league leaders Bayern, ensuring that his side salvaged a point at Volksparkstadion.

Watch Tottenham youngster Luka Vuskovic’s header against Bayern Munich

The home side took the lead through a Fabio Vieira penalty on 34 minutes, but Bayern hit back through goals from Harry Kane and Luis Diaz either side of half-time.

The on-loan Spurs defender then popped up in the box and got on the end of a cross to plant an authoritative header into the side-netting on 53 minutes.

Vuskovic’s goal denied Bayern a victory for just the fourth time in their 20 Bundesliga matches this season.

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Watch the 18-year-old’s goal below:

Spurs have clear plans for Vuskovic

The Tottenham teenager has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe due to his impressive showing in Germany this season.

It was reported by journalist Florian Plettenberg last week that Spurs have decided to recall Vuskovic in the summer, even though HSV are desperate to extend his loan spell.

Plettenberg revealed that several top clubs in England are also interested in the teenager, which potentially raises the possibility of the defender being loaned out to a Premier League club next term.

There are plenty of Tottenham fans who will want Luka Vuskovic in the starting XI next season, let alone back at the club.

Joao Palhinha has reflected on Tottenham’s contrasting form this season, addressing the pressure on Thomas Frank before offering a telling reaction when asked about Spurs Champions League ambitions.

It does feel like an all too familiar story for Tottenham Hotspur as, once again, just like last term, they look formidable in Europe and very stoppable in the Premier League.

Spurs secured automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night, January 28, also banking a windfall of roughly £43 million.

However, in the Premier League, they run the risk of being dragged into a relegation scrap, with just eight points separating them from the drop zone.

That poor league form has increased pressure on Spurs boss Thomas Frank, whose domestic results do not mirror his European record, with Tottenham managing just two wins from their last 14 league games.

Joao Palhinha addresses Tottenham’s Champions League form and Premier League struggles

Speaking to football.london, Joao Palhinha discussed the pressure surrounding Frank and stressed that the responsibility for Tottenham’s domestic struggles must lie with the players if results are to improve.

On the need to translate European performances into league form, the Portugal international said: “That is the Tottenham we all wish for, to beat top teams.

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“We need to take this victory and this important qualification to give a big jump in everything that has passed in the last couple of months and start a new phase, hopefully.”

Palhinha then expanded on where he believes accountability sits within the squad, adding: “It is a lot of things. Of course the injuries do not help the team, but the responsibility is mainly with the players, in my opinion, because we should do much better in some key moments.

“We conceded some goals we should not concede in important games. Since Brentford, we lost some important points that for me would have put us in a different position in the table right now.

“But it is football. The main thing is to try to, with this game and this qualification, make something different from right now.

“Do not think too much about the past, but look more to the future and what we want to do. We have top players and top staff as well. We all want to change the momentum in the Premier League.”

Palhinha on Thomas Frank pressure and Champions League expectations

Palhinha, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, also spoke about the scrutiny Frank has faced, acknowledging the realities of management at a club of Tottenham’s stature.

Discussing the pressure on the head coach, he said: “We are all with our hands together. The responsibility is not with the coach, although of course the coach will receive all the responsibility because of results.

“We know how it is in football. Sometimes it is not easy to be a coach, but the responsibility is also with the players and some things need to improve. The main thing is we recognise where we need to be better and, as a top club, this pressure will come and we knew that.”

When asked about whether Spurs could go all the way in the Champions League, Palhinha reacted cautiously, laughing before addressing expectations.

On Tottenham’s prospects, he added: “It is not about winning the Champions League. I think in life it needs to be with steps. I know what you want to hear from me.

“But the main thing is we did our qualification responsibly, with a lot of respect, and we deserve to complete this qualification. Now let us see who we find in the next round. The focus right now will be on the Premier League and then after we will look again at the Champions League.”

Tottenham have taken another step towards reinforcing their academy pathway, with a fresh deal agreed for a West Ham starlet.

Tottenham Hotspur’s chief executive officer, Vinai Venkatesham, has openly addressed the club’s desire to place greater focus on the academy in the coming years.

The Spurs academy has produced a few standout players in the past, with Harry Kane one of the most notable examples in recent times.

However, the influx of youth into the first team has been far from frequent, with Spurs currently lacking academy graduates in their main eleven vying for a starting role, even though several remain on the fringes.

Tottenham agree deal for West Ham United forward Elisha Sowunmi

In a bid to continue nurturing some of the brightest prospects in England, Tottenham Hotspur have now agreed a deal for West Ham United academy forward Elisha Sowunmi, according to Pete O’Rourke.

It is understood that Spurs have been tracking him for over a year and have beaten Club Brugge to secure his signature.

The 18-year-old forward has featured seven times for the Hammers in the Premier League 2 division and has managed one goal in that period.

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Last season, he netted an impressive 16 goals and five assists in all competitions in the U18s, playing anywhere across the front line.

Spurs academy depth continues to grow

Spurs can be excited about the next crop of youngsters currently on their roster.

Juani Byfield has been praised by Thomas Frank following his appearance off the bench against Dortmund in the Champions League, with the young centre-back producing a calm display.

Thomas Frank has delivered a timely fitness update on two key Tottenham players, as Spurs continue to battle through a difficult period on the injury front.

Tottenham Hotspur remain without eight first-team players, leaving Thomas Frank short of several key options across the pitch.

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have been on the treatment table for some time, with both players having picked up their injuries towards the end of last year.

Meanwhile, injuries to Rodrigo Bentancur, Pedro Porro, Richarlison, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Bergvall are more recent, with all setbacks occurring in 2026.

Frank has been forced to get creative with his team selections in recent weeks due to the growing injury list, but he has now offered a positive update on the fitness of two senior players, providing a boost for Tottenham.

Speaking ahead of the weekend fixture, the Spurs head coach was asked whether Pedro Porro and Richarlison could return in time for the north London derby later this month.

Addressing that possibility during his pre-Manchester City press conference at Hotspur Way on Friday, Frank told the official Tottenham channels: “That could be a dream scenario, and it just could happen. We will know a little bit more when we get closer, but it is in that bracket.”

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With this update Spurs could be expecting the return of these stars in the next three weeks as the north London derby is set to take place on February 22.

Spurs face defining run as injury picture slowly improves

The next few fixtures are crucial for Tottenham as they continue to hover uncomfortably close to the relegation zone, and Frank will need as many players available as possible.

Spurs’ elimination from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup has eased the schedule slightly, particularly with the Champions League not returning until March.

However, with matches against Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Arsenal, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Liverpool on the horizon, Spurs must begin picking up points quickly, making it crucial for their key players to return from injury.

Tottenham Hotspur will hope to carry their Champions League momentum into the Premier League this Sunday, when they host Man City, looking to climb up the table.

Under huge pressure for several weeks, Thomas Frank finally received some breathing space after Spurs’ impressive 2-0 win away at Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday. That result secured qualification to the Champions League round of 16, with Tottenham finishing fourth in the table, and it earned the manager plenty of praise from supporters.

What continues to frustrate many fans, however, is how different this Tottenham side looks in the Premier League compared to Europe. Spurs currently sit 14th in the table with just 28 points from 23 matches, having let another win slip away in last weekend’s late 2-2 draw against Burnley.

Manchester City, meanwhile, also scraped through to the Champions League knockout stages after a 2-0 victory over Galatasaray, finishing eighth in the Champions League table. In the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s side remain right in the title race, sitting second and just four points behind Tottenham’s north London rivals, a fact that will not be lost on Spurs supporters this weekend.

City responded well domestically after a disappointing run that included a 2-0 Manchester derby defeat and a 3-1 Champions League loss to Bodo/Glimt, beating Wolves 2-0 in their last league outing.

What time does Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City kick off?

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Tottenham vs Man City: head-to-head record

The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Tottenham run out comfortable 2-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium. Across the last five meetings between the two sides, Spurs hold a slight edge, having won three and lost two.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was once a venue where Manchester City struggled, failing to win there for several years, but they have managed victories on both of their Premier League visits since 2024.

Tottenham team news

Tottenham were dealt two major injury blows this week, with Pedro Porro and Micky Van de Ven both missing the trip to Frankfurt.

Porro is set to be sidelined for around four weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, having been forced off at half-time against Burnley. Thomas Frank confirmed that Van de Ven’s issue is less serious, though he declined to specify the exact problem and did not rule him out entirely, making the Dutchman a major doubt for this fixture.

There was some good news in midweek, as Joao Palhinha and Pape Sarr both returned to the starting XI against Frankfurt after brief spells on the sidelines.

Other confirmed absentees include Ben Davies, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus.

Manchester City team news

Jeremy Doku became City’s latest injury concern after being withdrawn in the first half against Galatasaray with a calf injury, having assisted both of City’s goals in that match.

Pep Guardiola will also be without Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Savinho.

Oscar Bobb is expected to complete a permanent move to Fulham this week and will not be part of the City squad.

Predicted line-ups

Tottenham: Vicario; Spence, Romero, Danso, Udogie; Bissouma, Gallagher, Simons; Odobert, Solanke, Tel

Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O Reilly; Rodri; Semenyo, Silva, Cherki; Foden, Haaland

Our prediction

Keep an eye on Tottenham’s captain Cristian Romero. With three goals and an assist in his last four appearances, the Argentine is arguably the most in-form defender in Europe right now. His battle with Erling Haaland will be one to watch, especially after how effectively Romero dealt with the Norwegian in the reverse fixture.

Despite Thomas Frank still being under pressure, many Tottenham supporters would be more forgiving of a defeat here since it dents Arsenal’s title hopes.

The players, however, will be far more focused on getting three points themselves, knowing a positive result could finally spark a climb up the table.

Thomas Frank has reflected on a difficult domestic run at Tottenham, admitting he is aware of supporter frustration and chants calling for his dismissal, while insisting he never feared for his job after the defeat to West Ham.

It has certainly been a topsy-turvy last seven months for Thomas Frank in the Tottenham Hotspur dugout.

The Dane has had to deal with injuries to several key players and has also endured struggles on the pitch, with results faltering for long periods.

Spurs currently sit 14th in the Premier League table and are just eight points above the relegation zone, running the risk of slipping further given a difficult run of fixtures in February.

That domestic form, however, has not affected Frank’s European campaign, with the Dane guiding Tottenham to the Champions League last 16 after securing a top-four finish in the league phase in his debut season.

Tottenham pressure and sack chants addressed by Thomas Frank

The poor run of results has seen Frank receive criticism from sections of the Tottenham support, with calls for his sacking growing louder in recent weeks.

Despite that outside noise, Frank has remained calm, repeatedly insisting that he retains the backing of the board and the club hierarchy.

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Speaking to Sky Sports after Tottenham’s Champions League qualification, Frank was asked about the reaction following defeats to West Ham and Burnley, and whether European progress could quieten the criticism.

Addressing the pressure that comes with the role, he said, “I think when you are in a big club like Tottenham, with huge ambitions and a fantastic, massive fan base, and you are not where you want to be, there will always be noise. That I expect, and it should be noise.

“What I know is that we will get there in the end, and we will pull through this. Then we will be in a better place, and then there will be less noise.”

He was also asked whether he could have foreseen a Champions League top-four finish alongside a 14th-place Premier League position. Reflecting on the campaign as a whole, Frank added:

“That definitely would not have been my guess or prediction, if I look back at it. I knew this season would be a transitional season. I knew that we had big ambitions. We really want to do well.

“We all know where we want to get to. But where the club and the teams come from to where we want to go, I knew there would be a transition. There would be ups and downs. I fully expected us to be higher. The ambition is to be higher in the Premier League table, have done even better.

“That is the disappointment. That is what we are working hard on. I think we look more consistent, more competitive, especially the last 10 games. Before, there was a bit of up and down, but it looks the right direction. The last three games, definitely, we are going there, and that is what we need to keep doing.”

Spurs supporters and momentum in focus

Frank was also asked about the message to supporters who have grown tired of explanations and want change in the dugout.

Speaking about his relationship with the fanbase and Tottenham’s long-term direction, he said: “First and foremost, we are here for the supporters. I am here. The players want the supporters to be happy and proud of the team.

“I am working very hard to make sure they will be proud of the team. There have still been magic moments this season and good performances, and over time I am not in doubt that we will get where we will. I am very aware of where we need to go, and very aware of what we need to work on.

“We are completely aligned, the leadership in this club, on what we need to do and where we want to go. Then we just need a little bit of momentum, a little bit of margins with us, and we will get there.”

He was also asked about the reaction from the travelling support following Wednesday’s win in Frankfurt, when around 3,500 Spurs fans applauded the team at full-time.

On how quickly results can shift sentiment, Frank added: “That is the beauty of football. A couple of wins, a couple of good performances, then everyone is a little bit happier because we all want the same. We want success for Spurs. We want success for this fantastic football club. That was a nice feeling, to see the happy faces on the fans,”