Thomas Frank enjoys big week behind the scenes but Tottenham job still not safe | OneFootball

A new signing and a new assistant, but Spurs pressure remains ahead of two must-win games

While supporter frustration is set to reach fever pitch, with a planned protest to take place ahead of Saturday’s London derby.

The mood around the club, though, paints a different picture, with the arrivals of Conor Gallagher, assistant coach John Heitinga, and head of football operations Rafi Moersen this week points to the Dane being heavily backed behind the scenes.

In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, it was clear Frank felt he was being supported in his vision for long-term stability at the club.

“Tottenham have so much to offer. Some of the appointments we have done on the leadership, with Rafi coming in as well, I think it’s very positive of what kind of direction we want to go in,” Frank said.

“Also to sign John Heitinga, who I think is a very skilful coach, that he believes in the project and the vision from me, from the club, in a moment where, from the outside doesn’t look as smooth but from the inside looks a little bit more positive.”

Frank was heavily involved in the process to bring Heitinga to the club, and was telling he was pictured with the former Ajax manager upon his announcement, while also providing quotes to explain Heitinga’s role within his backroom setup.

This was not just a club appointment, but a decision made with Frank’s backing.

There remains an immediate pressure for results to improve, starting against a West Ham side seven points adrift of safety and without a win away from home since August, but there also appears to be an understanding that sacking Frank mid-season does not serve to benefit the club long-term.

The £34.7million signing of Gallagher has provided a welcome boost for Spurs, who are grappling with an ever-increasing injury list, and the England midfielder looks set to come straight into the starting line-up in place of Rodrigo Bentancur, who underwent hamstring surgery this week.

Conor Gallagher has joined in a deal worth £34.7m

Tottenham Hotspur

A leader of a team, which Frank has openly admitted lacks leadership, Gallagher will be expected to drive Spurs’ disjointed press. They currently rank bottom of the Premier League for shot-ending high turnovers.

Much like their press, Spurs’ performances in recent weeks have lacked fluency, with Frank’s side starting slowly before chasing the game in the second half. Frank needs balance and will hope that Gallagher can provide it.

As outside pressure continues to build, Frank believes the club are beginning to build towards the structure and culture he had envisioned when he took charge in June.

Saturday will give us the clearest indication of how much pressure Frank is truly under, with games against West Ham and Burnley next weekend potentially must-win for the under-fire boss.