Spurs boss Frank under fire: down to bare bones against BVB | OneFootball

Thomas Frank is not to be envied for his job at the moment. The 52-year-old Dane has been fearing for his position as head coach of Tottenham Hotspur for weeks. Last weekend, he even had to listen to mocking chants from Spurs fans.

After the embarrassing 1-2 home defeat against relegation candidate West Ham United, numerous home supporters sang “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” predicting Frank’s dismissal on Sunday. However, the coach remains in charge. The criticism of him and his management shows no sign of abating. Of their last eight competitive matches, the Londoners have won only one.

Giving up is not an option for Frank ahead of the Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund (January 20, 9 p.m.). “When you’re backed into a corner, you fight,” the football coach emphasized at Monday’s press conference before the match, adding: “That’s exactly what I’m doing: I’m full of energy, I’m fighting.” The 52-year-old is confident: “We are ready, we are focused on tomorrow’s game, and the plans look good.”

The selection of available players for the BVB clash, however, is not large. James Maddison (29) will be out for months with a cruciate ligament tear. Earlier this year, Mohammed Kudus (25), Rodrigo Betancur (28), and Richarlison (28) were injured. Top center-back Micky van de Ven (24) will miss the match against Borussia due to a yellow card suspension.

“Win against Dortmund”

Frank notes that he has just eleven outfield players available. He has to rely on former Leipzig player Xavi Simons (22), even though Simons was unable to train due to a swollen ankle after a foul by West Ham pro Jarrod Bowen (29). Nevertheless, the Dutchman will play against the Black and Yellows despite the pain.

With João Palhinha (30) and Mathys Tel (20), two former Bayern Munich players are missing from the Spurs squad. Palhinha is not fit, Frank reports. Tel was left out of the Champions League squad in order to nominate Dominic Solanke (28).

He has never been able to rely on all his top players throughout the season, Frank complains, “which makes things a bit more complicated.” Nevertheless, he is aiming for victory against BVB: “My only goal is to do everything to make sure we win against Dortmund tomorrow.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.