Thomas Frank on West Ham: "I know all about the rivalry - this is all about us" | OneFootball

Thomas Frank is looking for a positive start against West Ham on Saturday (3pm UK) - with the intention of putting good recent 45-minute displays together for 'a top performance' over 90.

The team has impressed in spells over the New Year - the first half of the draw against Sunderland, the second halves against Bournemouth and Villa in the FA Cup last weekend - but the points return hasn't reflected those spells, particularly against Bournemouth.

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One of the most intense derbies on the calendar is just around the corner in N17 with lots on the table for both teams - we're looking to turn our home form around, West Ham need points, full stop - they're seven from safety with every team now having played 21 of their 38 in 2025/26.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Hotspur Way on Thursday, Thomas said: "I know it's a big London derby, of course, against West Ham, with the rivalry and everything, but it's all about us. It's how we come out with energy, positive, forward, adding hopefully first half against Sunderland, second half against Villa. If we can do that, then we'll put a top performance out there and then we'll win the game."

Thomas' pre-West Ham presser in full

"It's all about how we can get the players out there full of confidence and brave and play forward. Hopefully that energy and the collaboration between the team and the fans that you felt second half against Villa, first half against Sunderland, that is what we need to get more of.

"When you have that, then it is a fantastic place, our fantastic stadium, our home. That is where we need to be. I mean it. Any successful team needs to create a fortress. I know it has been difficult, but that is what we are aiming for. The more we do, the more we believe, the more we do together, the better chance we have."

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