Football London

Here's every single word the Tottenham Hotspur head coach said after the draw at Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday

Thomas Frank faced the media following Tottenham's 2-2 draw at Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League.

Spurs forced Martin Dubravka into nine saves during the match but came away with only a point. The Burnley keeper could not keep out Micky van de Ven's rocket of a low finish after a corner was only half-cleared towards the Dutchman in the box.

Tottenham had 10 shots at goal in the first half alone with seven on target, only to concede from Burnley's first real attack before the break. Kyle Walker had all the time in the world to pick out the completely unmarked Axel Tuanzebe to fire home.

The away side had a couple of opportunities in the second half while Guglielmo Vicario denied Armando Broja in a one-vs-one situation. It was the Clarets who scored next on 76 minutes.

Spurs had five defenders on the pitch but still couldn't defend as Lyle Foster's shot rolled over the line after Vicario appeared to save twice as Destiny Udogie helped it on its way.

After Xavi Simons hit the crossbar, there was just enough time for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero to head home a late equaliser, but that could not save head coach Thomas Frank from the away fans' boos as they sang 'We want Frank out' and 'You're getting sacked in the morning' at the Dane.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those putting the questions to Frank after the game. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at Turf Moor.

Martin Dubravka made nine saves in the game, so is it one point saved or two dropped?

Dubravka was man of the match, he was that for a reason. That means we did a lot of things right offensively. I think we came here, took some of the confidence from the game against Dortmund into the game. I think first half we were good. I think actually we were very good, dominating the game, on top of the game, scoring 1-0 goal, creating a lot of chances, opportunities, could have done the 2-0, more or less if not out of sight, then definitely in a very good way to try to win a football match. And we concede a chance... we give nothing away first half, except a goal at the end of the first half, that we can never, ever, ever concede that goal. Because it just changed a little bit the momentum going into half-time.

Then the second half, we're coming out, we're not as dominant. But I still think we are ok on top. We've got a big chance to Dominic Solanke to go 2-1 up. And then we concede another goal that we can never, ever, ever concede. That makes it difficult for us. But big praise to the players for showing the character and running power and will-power to keep going. And we created big chances to match, to Xavi and I think there was one more. And then the goal. So did more than enough to get the equaliser. And over the game I think did more than enough to win it. But unfortunately not.

Romero and Van de Ven scored again, it's good that they can score but the attackers need to weight in don't they?

Yeah, it's fantastic, two defenders scoring again. That is very positive. But of course you need more from your offensive players. They know it. They work very hard on it. It's not that they don't want. But of course we need that. The day we add that together, plus defending a tiny bit better, then we will win.

Are Porro and Romero ok as you took them off?

Romero was cramping in the end. Pedro was physical, played a lot of minutes, we had more running power with Djed to the right and then Destiny in

The fans were booing again and chanting about you, how do you block it out?

First and foremost, I want to thank them for travelling and supporting the team throughout the game, which they do. I'm sure they can recognise and acknowledge especially the first half, and the improvement we've done there, and could and should have put it out of sight. But also acknowledge the will-power and character of the team that keeps running, keep fighting, to the end. We just need to keep going. We do so many things right. But there's no doubt, that when it's not dropping so easy for us, the consistent performances we've done, which I think I said that many times, they actually are in an OK level.

But apparently because of where we are now, we need to do more, to make sure we get the wins over the line. Especially in the Premier League. And one of the bits is to play every third or fourth day, to perform, that demands a lot of mentality. We have a few injuries, that doesn't help, but that's part of it. Never any complaints from me, that's reality. But that's where we need to be strong enough as a team to keep performing every third or fourth day.

In the second half you lost that control, and the game became open and you looked vulnerable, is that a confidence thing?

I think there's definitely something, and I've said it before, the ability to handle setbacks in games. It's something we're working very hard on, which I actually think we've done better and better. This I would say at the 1-1, the first part of the second half is an area we need to do better and the right things.

I think after the 2-1 goal they found extra will power and determination, which is hugely beneficial. I think also it's sometimes margins. If we score 2-1 with Dom's goal then I'm sure we'd be in a fine place.

What would your message be to the fans who were calling for your head when you've got one foot in the last 16 of the Champions League but this is one more bad performance?

You said one more bad performance? I don't think it was a bad performance. It was maybe not the result we hoped for. I think the performance, if you look at it throughout the game, especially the first half, was good. The way we ended the game, good. Average second half, which you've seen many times.

Then unfortunately it lacked with two moments where we didn't defend it well enough. That's what we are working very, very hard on, to try to get on top of. While we are fighting everything we can to perform in the Champions League and Premier League. That's the way it is.

What would your message be to those fans who were turning on you again at the end?

I think the message to the fans, as I've said the whole time, is that we're working very hard to make sure everything is going in the right direction and we'll keep doing that.

The fixtures in the Premier League recently, with respect to those teams, have been against easier opposition, the fixtures are going to get harder from here. What gives you confidence or belief that the team can do what they need to do against a higher level of team?

I never look ahead to see how the fixtures look. I think in the Premier League every game is incredibly difficult. I think every head coach, every manager I speak to thinks the same. Right now we have the next game ahead of me. That is Frankfurt away. Another difficult one, but we have a great opportunity to finish it in the last 16. That's what we're focusing on.

Can I just ask about Andy Robertson? That's been widely speculated as close to happening. Would he help you today defensively?

Just on that one, in general you don't know me that well, I don't speak about players that are not in the club, except Ronaldo and Messi. So that's no comment.

Thomas Frank is holding his press conference following Tottenham's 2-2 draw at Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League.

Spurs forced Martin Dubravka into a series of first half saves but he could not keep out Micky van de Ven's rocket of a low finish after a corner was only half-cleared towards the Dutchman in the box.

Tottenham had 10 shots at goal in the first half with seven on target, only to concede from Burnley's first real attack before the break. Kyle Walker had all the time in the world to pick out the completely unmarked Axel Tuanzebe to fire home.

The visitors had a couple of chances in the second half while Guglielmo Vicario denied Armando Broja. It was the hosts who took the lead on 76 minutes. Spurs had five defenders on the pitch but still couldn't defend as Lyle Foster's shot rolled over the line after Vicario appeared to save twice as Destiny Udogie helped it on its way.

After Xavi Simons hit the crossbar, there was still time for captain Cristian Romero to head home a late equaliser for Spurs but that could not save Thomas Frank from the away fans' boos as they sack 'We want Frank out' and 'You're getting sacked in the morning' at the Dane.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold is among those putting the question to Frank after the game. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference at Turf Moor.

Here are our Tottenham player ratings after their draw at Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon

Tottenham drew 2-2 at Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League and here are our Spurs player ratings.

Spurs stuck with a back three after that formation helped them get back to winning ways against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek to secure their place in the knockout stages. Kevin Danso and Cristian Romero were joined this time defence by Micky van de Ven, who was suspended in midweek.

Conor Gallagher returned to the midfield with Yves Bissouma making his first start of the season, while Dominic Solanke was handed his first Premier League start of the campaign.

Spurs forced Martin Dubravka into a series of first half saves but he could not keep out Micky van de Ven's rocket of a low finish after a corner was only half-cleared towards the Dutchman in the box.

Tottenham had 10 shots at goal in the first half with seven on target, only to concede from Burnley's first real attack before the break. Kyle Walker had all the time in the world to pick out the completely unmarked Axel Tuanzebe to fire home.

The visitors had a couple of chances in the second half while Guglielmo Vicario denied Armando Broja. It was the hosts who took the lead on 76 minutes. Spurs had five defenders on the pitch but still couldn't defend as Lyle Foster's shot rolled over the line after Vicario appeared to save twice as Destiny Udogie helped it on its way.

There was still time for captain Cristian Romero to head home a late equaliser for Spurs but that could not save Thomas Frank from the away fans' boos as they sack 'We want Frank out' and 'You're getting sacked in the morning' at the Dane.

Here are our Spurs player ratings:

Guglielmo Vicario

His kicking was all over the place in the first half and he had no chance with Tuanzebe's close range goal at the end of the first half. Denied Broja twice in a one-vs-one situation on the hour mark. Made a double save from Foster but the ball still ended up in the net 6.

Kevin Danso

The Austria international's passing was off at times and he didn't particularly stand out with his defending. 5

Cristian Romero

Helped cause problems in the build-up to Van de Ven's goal. Made a mess of controlling Vicario's quick pass in the lead up to Burnley's first half leveller. Came up with a great diving header to take a point from the game at the end of the game. 8

Micky van de Ven

Rocketed home his seventh goal of the season in the first half. Made a great challenge to stop Broja getting a shot at goal early in the second half. 7

Pedro Porro

Made a number of sloppy early passes that put Spurs in danger. Curled a free-kick into the side-netting at the other end 20 minutes in and then forced Dubravka into a flying save with his next one. Did not reappear for the second half. 5

Conor Gallagher

Pressed all around the pitch but didn't offer much beyond that. 5

Yves Bissouma

One of Spurs' better players in the first half with his tenacity around the pitch. Tired in the second period. 7

Wilson Odobert

Had some bright first half moments going forward with a curling shot saved and another central effort at the keeper. Went on a few big late runs, including one that led to Xavi hitting the woodwork and then curled in the cross that Romero headed home. 7

Xavi Simons

Wildly inconsistent passing with some lovely balls, including one that Solanke headed at Dubravka, to awful underhit passes that didn't reach a team-mate a few yards away. Stuck the crossbar later in the game. 5

Djed Spence

Stole on to a loose ball within 15 seconds but couldn't find Solanke in the box. Then sent an early shot at the keeper in his advanced role on the left. Put in the cross that led eventually to Van de Ven's goal via a few Burnley heads. Switched to the right for the second half and had a low effort saved by Dubravka. Made an important challenge with 20 minutes to go as Burnley broke towards the Spurs box. 7

Dominic Solanke

Showed some really good hold-up play but showed his rust at times, including a close-range header that he sent straight at Dubravka in the second half. Appeared to lose Tuanzebe for the first half Burnley leveller. 6

Subs

Destiny Udogie

Replaced Porro for the second half but didn't really bring any more to the party. 5

Mathys Tel

Plenty of energy without anything at the end of it. 5

Archie Gray

Had plenty to do as the sole midfielder in the game's final minutes. 5

Dane Scarlett

Tried to make things happen in the final minutes. N/A

Radu Dragusin

Here's every single word the Tottenham Hotspur head coach said after the Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday

Thomas Frank was a happy man in his press conference after the 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in the Champions League.

Despite having 13 players unavailable, Spurs opened the scoring 14 minutes in. Wilson Odobert swung and missed a volley but the ball fell for the Frenchman to run on and hit a low cross that Spurs captain Cristian Romero turned in with a deft flick of his foot.

Then 25 minutes in, referee Glenn Nyberg was advised to go over to his pitch-side monitor to look at Daniel Svensson's high challenge on Odobert and he duly upgraded the booking he had initially dished out to a red card.

Dominic Solanke, making his first start in eight months, then scored a second for Spurs. It came through a second assist for Odobert who played a one-two with Pedro Porro before hitting a low cross that Solanke managed to strike both of his feet before it rolled into the net.

The hosts had the better chances in the second half with both Randal Kolo Muani and Porro wasting one-vs-one opportunities and Xavi Simons creating plenty throughout. It was a much-needed victory for Tottenham and Frank, making it 24 consecutive games unbeaten now at home in Europe for the club.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those putting the questions to Frank after the game. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It's clearly been a tough few days. How much did you enjoy that performance and that win tonight?

Yeah, I really enjoyed the performance and the win, of course. I think especially the first half, I felt we were very good. I think we started exceptionally well. On top of them, pressed them, calm on the ball, produced chances, created opportunities, scored a good goal, and kept going. And then scored the second goal, which of course is also super important. So, everything about the first half, I was extremely happy with. I think it's definitely some of the best we've done. Second half, I would have loved us to keep the ball a bit better. I would have loved to have killed it with some of the big chances, just the 3-0. But we know in football it's never easy, even if you play 11 against 10. Also because the momentum is they have to push a bit. And then of course, we all knew it was an important win to get. And especially at home, of course, we haven't been as confident. So the performance and the win can we build on? And then I asked for the fans to help everyone, especially the team and the players. And they were exceptional, especially the first half. You felt it was that one of these, how can you say, a little bit special European nights. You felt the energy was quite unique. So that was very nice. Everyone felt it from minute one, that urgency. What changed for you? Was there a different message? With Dom coming back for example, has that helped?

I don't know. It was just extremely nice to experience. And as I say, the way they pushed us forward and that energy between the fans and the players was magic. And that's what we need to create more of. And luckily, we've been good to do it in the Champions League with four wins and four clean sheets at home.

It felt like your players gave everything tonight? Destiny was back in the team and played 95 minutes, Dom 70 minutes after eight months without a start, you must be so pleased with those players leaving it all out there?

I said it from the beginning, the players are giving everything. I think that's an extremely good sign about the culture. Extremely good sign that they want to do everything. That they are together, that we are together. Very impressive and we were a little bit down to the bare bones with the available players.

And the way Destiny, he was definitely one of the ones I was talking about yesterday. We were constantly talking about, should we swap him in or not? But he was sometimes bombarding forward. I was thinking 'Oh no, Dest, please, come on, calm now. Be a little bit clever.' But very nice. Dom is the one that is normally a physical beast, but he's been out for so long. It means something. He gave everything, and I think he gave so much to the team.

And of course also scored a great goal with a triple contact to get it over the line. But very good to have the two of them on the pitch.

A difference creative hub today with Xavi, Odobert and also Djed Spence, what did you make of the three of them?

I think they did very well. So we played that, how can you say? It was a little bit of a 3-4-3, both to match it up, but also to do it a little bit, taking care of it. And Djed, I think, did exceptionally well, especially first half.

Xavi produced a lot of good moments and found good positions, and I think Wilson was electric at times. So I'm happy with that.

Jun'ai Byfield is just 17-years-old, but he didn't look out of place, did he?

No, no, not at all. Jun'ai has impressed throughout the training. The players trust him. Clearly they rate him highly. I rate him highly. One thing is to get your debut for Tottenham, the last five minutes, 4-0 up and everything is smooth. Another thing is to get your debut in the Champions League, a big night against Dortmund and we needed to win the game. And he just came in, composed, calm, on top of this. Wow. I hope his parents are very proud. They should be.

How do you translate this Champions League form into the Premier League?

I think the big thing is to build on this with a performance and a win against Burnley on Saturday. What I would say is that it's a big skill to be able to produce Premier League, Champions League, Premier League, Champions League every week from the team and players. That we're working very hard on and I actually think and I keep saying it because I mean it, this is the eighth game in a row where I think we consistently performed quite well.

Not everything has been through the roof, but overall good in all games, but we haven't been able to get over the line, get a little bit of the margins with us. Today you can say the little margins was maybe a red card that helped a little bit instead of the one we had against Liverpool go the other way. And of course the triple contract of Dom inside the post, goal, boom and down where we didn’t get that against Sunderland, West Ham and Bournemouth where all three we should have won with the performance we put in. So, we just need to do the same thing, keep believing and then we just know that things will turn.

How important is the top eight?“No, I think it's important that of course it's always the next game that is the most important one, so we need to perform and win against Burnley on Saturday. After that of course I know we have Frankfurt and we need to do everything we can to make sure we finish top-eight because that will mean that you have two games less. Also I think it's fair to say we have a few injuries, so to not only to have a little more rest, but mainly also to be able to train with the players and try to implement more principles and ideas."

I know you didn’t want to make this about you but it was a big night, a lot of the ownership were here, do you think your team proved you are worth sticking with?I think it's about the team and everything, but of course I understand the question. What I feel the whole time is that I feel the staff is with us, I think the players are with us, the ownership, everyone wants the same thing and we're on the same page. We do a lot of things in the right direction and today was a big performance and a big win. Of course, I'm very aware of that, but I’m also very aware that this we have done and we need to keep that consistency and of course turn that a little bit.

As I say, some of the other games we easily could have won, now we need to build on this. And I just see a team that is running very, very hard and I think that's a very, very good sign. That's a healthy sign of a culture and we are building something a little bit step by step. We can easily have got better results the last three games, we just didn't, but we're running hard.

Will you allow yourself a wine or beer tonight?

I think two big glasses of red will be necessary, I will enjoy that.

Dominic Solanke has been speaking

Solanke, speaking to TNT Sports about his goal: "I would have preferred it to be a bit cleaner but a goal's a goal. And I got to enjoy watching it go in in slow motion so it was nice in the end.

"I'm so happy to be back out here, it's my first start since the last game of last season so to be back out here and get the win meant the world."

On his first Champions League goal: "The Champions League is the competition that everyone wants to play in, it's the biggest club competition in the world.

"To get my first goal in it is something that you dream about."

Is this is a turning point for Spurs? "I hope so. We've done quite well in the Champions League and if you look back to last season and how well we did in the Europa League, it definitely gave the team confidence.

"We know we haven't been good enough in Premier League this year so hopefully this gives us the extra boost, we can improve in the league and continue in the Champions League."

Here are our Tottenham Hotspur player ratings after their Champions League victory against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening

Tottenham won 2-0 against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday night and here are our Spurs player ratings.

Thomas Frank had to get creative with his line-up as he had 13 missing players and only 11 senior outfield ones available. He named a side that contained all three of his fit full-backs with Spurs playing with a back five out of possession and a 4-2-3-1 in possession with Djed Spence pushing up on to the left wing.

In all the matchday squad contained eight teenagers, with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall in the centre of the pitch, and a flurry of academy youngsters on the bench.

The reshuffled Spurs side started brightly and opened the scoring 14 minutes into the contest. Wilson Odobert missed a volley but the ball fell perfectly for the Frenchman to hit a low cross that Spurs captain Cristian Romero turned home with a deft flick of his foot.

Matters then became even more difficult for the visitors 25 minutes in when the referee Glenn Nyberg was advised to go over to his pitch-side monitor to look at Daniel Svensson's high challenge on Odobert. The official duly upgraded the booking he had initially dished out to a red card.

Dominic Solanke then scored a second for Spurs. It came through a second assist for Odobert who played a one-two with Pedro Porro before hitting a low cross that Solanke managed to hit off both feet before it rolled into the net.

Spurs did not take advantage of their extra man in the second half but did have the better chances with both Randal Kolo Muani and Pedro Porro wasting one-vs-one opportunities and Xavi Simons creating plenty throughout.

In the end though it was all about a much-needed victory for Tottenham and Frank. It made it 24 consecutive games unbeaten at home in Europe for the club.

Here are our Spurs player ratings after the win:

Guglielmo Vicario

Had one scary moment when turning with the ball at his feet in the first half. Didn't have anything else to do until the 90th minute when he tipped over Schlotterbeck. 7

Pedro Porro

Involved in both first half goals and made some good interceptions. Moved into midfield after Bergvall went off and had a great chance to score after Xavi put him through only to run out of steam at the last moment. Gave everything he had. 8

Kevin Danso

Imperious throughout at the back with plenty of great headers and played some nice balls over the top to the forwards. 9

Cristian Romero

Opened proceedings with deft flick from Odobert's low cross and defended well throughout. 8

Destiny Udogie

Back after around seven weeks out and he put in a really solid performance for 95 minutes. 7

Archie Gray

Got better and better as the game wore on and was warring with Ryerson at one point. Really impressive discipline throughout from the 19-year-old. 8

Lucas Bergvall

Worked hard in the teenage midfield duo before succumbing to what looked like an ankle injury an hour in. 7

Wilson Odobert

The best player in the first half with two assists for Romero and Solanke and he took the high studs from Svensson for the red card. Kept going in the second half with plenty of runs forward while tackling back. 8

Xavi Simons

The Dutchman has enjoyed playing Dortmund in recent seasons and he played through the pain to be the creative hub for most of Spurs' attacks. Everything good they did started with him. 9

Djed Spence

Enjoyed himself in an advanced left wing role and had the beating of his full-back throughout but lacked the quality at the end on most occasions. 7

Dominic Solanke

His first start since May last year and it came with his first goal since then as the ball bounced off both feet and rolled into the net but he would not have cared one bit. Worked his socks off for 70 minutes before coming off. 7

Subs

Jun'ai Byfield

The 17-year-old centre-back came on for his debut at right-back and looked at home in a Champions League game. Very assured and had a back and forth with Ryerson at one point. 7

Randal Kolo Muani

TOTTENHAM 2-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND: Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke were on target for Spurs, who recorded a much-needed Champions League victory to ease the pressure on Thomas Frank

Say what you like about Spurs but they are now unbeaten in 24 European matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

That is some record and however bad the Europa League winners have been at various stages of Thomas Frank's debut season, they deserve credit for their Champions League exploits thus far.

They have lost just once, winning four and drawing twice and this front-foot, energetic display was definitely something to build upon.

Beat Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, just as they did last season and they could well force their way into the top-eight, bypassing the play-off round.

Victory against 10-man Borussia Dortmund must now be backed up on Saturday when Tottenham travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.

Regardless, here are five talking points as Spurs finally got back to winning ways in their penultimate Champions League group phase match.

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Solanke the difference-maker

This was Dominic Solanke's first start since last May when Spurs were beaten 4-1 by Brighton on the final day of the Premier League season.

He's been to hell and back with his ankle injury but tonight, all the hard work during his rehabilitation would have felt worth it.

Solanke scored Spurs' second and also appeared to announce that his partner was pregnant in what felt like a rare heartfelt moment at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

There hasn't been much to shout about in N17 this season but Solanke provided a timely reminder that he brings so much to the party.

His physical presence, pressing, threat and all-round hold-up play has been sorely missed this season.

Everyone has been super critical of Frank but maybe, just maybe, he deserves some leeway because he's been without his best striker since August.

Hopefully, Solanke's struggles are now behind him because there is also a place as Harry Kane's understudy in the England squad up for grabs.

Romero leads by example

Despite being captain, Cuti Romero does not always address his Tottenham colleagues during their pre-match huddle.

Here - given the magnitude of this game - perhaps it was not surprising to see him barking orders before kick-off.

In fairness, it seemed to work because Spurs flew out of the traps with real purpose and were ahead through Romero inside 14 minutes.

The Argentine was fired up and he led by example, setting the tone for his team-mates to follow.

It was a cunning finish from the centre-back for his second goal in as many matches.

Porro's red card delight

As referee Glenn Nyberg reached for his pocket and showed compatriot Daniel Svensson a red card, Pedro Porro could not contain his delight.

He paced over towards the sideline and revved up the crowd with his arms, urging them to provide even more noise.

The atmosphere was already rocking but for once, there was a sense that Tottenham smelt blood.

There has not been many occasions this season where that has been the case.

Just a matter of months ago, Porro took to social media to address supporters following the 2-1 home defeat to Fulham.

The players' relationship with the home crowd has been a rollercoaster ride all season but here, there was clear chemistry between Porro and the fans as they cranked up the volume to spur their team on.

This shouldn't be a one off because tonight, it was clear that Tottenham fed off the warmth and energy provided from the stands.

Bergvall injury frustration

It wasn't quite clear what exactly Lucas Bergvall injured but what is for certain is that he should have come off the field a lot sooner than he did.

The problem seemed to start when he clashed knees with Emre Can, though initially he did not appear to be in any pain.

But after continuing, he then hit the deck and required treatment on his lower leg.

Bergvall tried to soldier on but he was in a world of pain and grimaced after every action.

Eventually Jun'ai Byfield was summoned for his Tottenham debut and that definitely lifted the crowd.

What's concerning, however, is that Bergvall has endured an injury-hit campaign and cannot seem to stay fit.

We'll have to wait to hear how he recovers but Spurs could do without another fitness problem as they finally bid to turn the corner.

Reliable Danso

You'll struggle to find a more reliable 'third-choice' centre-back than Kevin Danso.

He is the ultimate professional, he rarely moans about his lack of minutes and always does a top job whenever he fills in for either Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven.

That was no different tonight when he flourished at the heart of defence, turning in a warrior-like display full of grit.

The Austrian made five recoveries and five clearances and also helped Jun'ai Byfield settle once entering the field.

Players of Danso's character are worth their weight in gold, particularly in the midst of a crisis - he deserves immense credit.

Thomas Frank is under huge amounts of pressure at Tottenham Hotspur having struggled in the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur legend Gareth Bale says it's on the players to go out and do a job amid ongoing pressure on Thomas Frank's shoulders. The former Spurs winger says the players will be feeling the pressure themselves after being booed off the pitch in recent weeks.

Frank finds himself under pressure just seven months into his Spurs tenure, with his side 14th in the Premier League. They've won just seven of their 22 games in the top-flight so far this season.

Large sections of the Spurs fanbase made their feelings clear about the head coach following the 2-1 defeat to relegation-battling West Ham United at the weekend.

Frank was taunted with chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" by his own fans, but believes he can get supporters back on side.

He said: "As long as we win football matches and make sure we win enough of them, everyone will support us. It is not about me. It is about supporting the team, the players."

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Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the clash with Dortmund, Bale said: "The players still have to go out and do a job. Obviously, the manager sets up a system, a tactic, a style of play that they want to do, which hasn't been working of late.

"Also, the players do need to take responsibility. Obviously, they're getting booed as well.

"They're struggling more at home than anywhere else. I think that comes with the pressure at the stadium. The fans are letting them know.

"As players, when you're getting booed, you do feel it. You do lose that bit of confidence. When you're playing at such a high level, if you do lose that little bit of confidence you'll get punished.

"Especially playing in the Premier League and the Champions League at high levels against opposition who will take advantage of those situations that are going on."

Frank held a meeting with the Spurs board prior to the game against Borussia Dortmund, claiming it was 'all good' despite their recent struggles.

The Spurs boss met with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, and board members Nick Beucher and Johan Lange before telling reporters: "We had a good conversation about life and football and the future of the club.

"It is an extremely good sign because normally people run away if there is bad news or bad weather coming, they are normally not coming in and being friendly for lunch."

Here's the Tottenham team that Thomas Frank has chosen to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday night

Thomas Frank has had to get creative with his Tottenham line-up for the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.

The under-fire Spurs boss needs a positive performance but Frank goes into the game without 13 missing players. The Dane is without the injured Joao Palhinha, Richarlison, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur as well as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Micky van de Ven is suspended for the game while Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma and Radu Dragusin are ineligible, as is Mathys Tel now after being taken back out of the squad for Dominic Solanke. Pape Matar Sarr has been at the Africa Cup of Nations as Senegal won the competition and was discharged from hospital in Morocco on Monday after falling ill during the final against the host side along with other players and staff.

The available senior outfield players are, in defence, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie, Kevin Danso, in midfield Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and up front Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert.

It is Kolo Muani who is on the bench for this game and with three full-backs in the team, either it's Spence in a winger role or a back three with Udogie, Gray or Porro as a centre-back.

The bench is packed with academy starlets including Luca Williams-Barnett, Tynan Thompson, Malachi Hardy, Callum Olusesi and Jun'ai Byfield among others.

Here's the Tottenham team Frank has selected:

Tottenham Hotspur and Thomas Frank face a huge Champions League night against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday and we've got all the latest updates from N17.

Spurs go into their seventh league phase clash with major availability issues as Frank will be without 13 players for the game, including the suspended Micky van de Ven, against a Dortmund side that has only lost one Bundesliga match this season and just two more in other competitions. In contrast Tottenham have lost eight of their past 14 matches under their Danish head coach.

That has left Frank in a perilous situation with his job even after what he claimed was a positive lunch with the powers-that-be on Monday following the derby defeat to West Ham. Now the 52-year-old must somehow pull off a positive result against Dortmund despite so many absences and likely have to play two 19-year-olds in the centre of midfield in Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold is at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will be providing live updates throughout the match.