Tottenham in crisis as Thomas Frank calls out fans after failing to solve problems | OneFootball

Spurs boss’ sentiment is right, but the fans’ frustration is understandable

"Every time I've seen the light at the end of the tunnel, it's usually been an oncoming train," the Australian quipped last season amid Tottenham's injury crisis.

After defeats to Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, it was this match that was supposed to provide some relief.

There had been better signs of attacking intent in Paris, even in a 5-3 defeat, and the idea, at least, was that Fulham's visit would offer the opportunity to kick on from that and prove a real moment for the Frank project.

Instead, it was all too painfully familiar. Fulham had not won on the road in the Premier League this season but left with all three points, seizing control with a 2-0 lead inside six minutes.

A third defeat in a week made it three wins in 13 matches in all competitions for Spurs and extended a dismal home run. They have now just won three of their last 21 home matches in the Premier League, beating only Southampton, Manchester United and Burnley in that period.

The results alone would be enough for Frank to face real scrutiny. Add in the poor performances and the fact Spurs are simply not improving under him, and it becomes a crisis.

Speaking at his press conference last week, Frank called for some balance in the reaction to individual matches.

"Maybe not the best coach in the world after we beat Man City away, probably not the worst coach in the world after we lost the game," he said after defeat to PSG.

It is telling, though, that Frank's mind had to go back to the win over City for an example of a notable victory. That was on August 23. In more than three months since, Spurs have beaten West Ham, Villarreal, Doncaster, Leeds, Everton and Copenhagen.

Those three Premier League sides are all 14th or below in the table. Copenhagen and Villarreal sit 29th and 34th respectively in the Champions League; Doncaster are 18th in League One.

Thomas Frank defended his goalkeeper

AFP via Getty Images

The early weeks of the season, including that win at the Etihad, were characterised by a newfound defensive solidity for Spurs, a platform on which some attacking patterns of play were to be built.

That foundation, though, is crumbling. Spurs conceded 13 goals in three matches last week, including four at Arsenal when they started with a back five and two defensive midfielders in front of them.

It has been coming too, with only some Guglielmo Vicario heroics stopping heavier defeats in the last couple of months.

The attack is the main source of concern for Frank. More than a third of the Premier League season has been played and the extent of the forward plans appear to be cross after cross from Pedro Porro and Mohammed Kudus.

It is not good enough. Spurs rank 18th for shots in the Premier League, averaging less than ten a match. Only Nottingham Forest have attempted more crosses than them and Frank's approach has become painfully predictable. When the set-pieces don't work, Spurs have no real threat.

Teams know to expect attacks down that right wing - Frank did not even bother playing someone on the left against Fulham.

The pressure seems to be getting to the Spurs boss. He is chopping and changing system and personnel from match to match, desperately searching for answers, but the outcome has just been more confusion.

Frank's sentiment is right ... but he was not speaking from a position of strength in calling out the supporters

Frank also cut an irritated figure in his press conference on Saturday night for the first time in his tenure.

When one reporter referred to Spurs being 2-0 down inside eight minutes, Frank interrupted: "Six minutes." Pointing out his team were even worse than suggested felt unnecessary.

The Spurs boss was also forceful in criticising the booing of Vicario after his error, claiming "true" fans would not do that. He emphasised the difference between booing during the match and after, insisting he had no problem with the latter.

It is impossible to separate the two, though. The fans would not have booed Vicario like that had the team been on a better run. It was, to an extent, a response to his mistake but more an outburst of despair at the ongoing shambles at home.

Frank's sentiment is right in that booing individual players when they touch the ball is not helpful. However, after yet another home defeat, he was not speaking from a position of strength in calling out the supporters.

The frustration, even anger, from fans is understandable and being told how a true supporter should act is not going to ease that. Frank's comments are likely to strain the relationship further between the fans and the team.

The Spurs boss has major problems on and off the pitch. Right now, he has no answers to either.