Thomas Frank defended his credentials as Tottenham Hotspur manager, insisting he is “1,000% sure of how to build a team” amid mounting pressure on the Dane following a period of inconsistent results.
Speaking on the eve of a daunting Champions League clash with holders Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, and in the aftermath of a sobering 4-1 derby day defeat to north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, the Spurs boss was quick to defend himself after a run of just two wins from eight matches in all competitions.
Despite a promising start to the season, Frank is now, according to several outlets, in danger of becoming the seventh manager Spurs have parted ways with in six years.
But the 52-year-old remained defiant, choosing to double-down on his methods.
“Part of taking this job was to have the challenges,” Frank said. “Part of that is to manage those setbacks and learn and move on. One thing I’m 1,000% sure of, I know how to build a team, I know how to build a club and we will do that.”
“The big thing is how we learn from the bad spells. That’s when we also can see when we go 1-0 down – how do we react as a team? The best teams just continually move on. They still run hard, they still do the same thing. There’s no doubt in that.”
To help illustrate his point, Frank remarked on the journey of the man he will soon meet on the touchline, PSG manager Luis Enrique, who said “had to take a lot of battles” before enjoying great success in the French capital.
Frank said: “His [Enrique’s] first season, he had to take a lot of battles and he also turned everything around from playing with the biggest players in Europe to less stars; very determined players that play for the team.
“He created one of the best teams in the world by making those changes. Even last year, they were close to getting knocked out of the Champions League. It’s marginal sometimes.”
How to watch PSG v Spurs: TV and online streams
PSG v Spurs kicks off at 8pm UK time tomorrow night. It is available on TNT Sports in the UK and available to stream via the discovery+ app.
It is available via local Champions League rights holders in other countries, including the United States.
Stats for PSG v Spurs
- Across major European competition, Tottenham have lost just two of their last 13 games against sides from France
- PSG have lost just one of their last six home Champions League games against English opponents
- Tottenham are unbeaten across their last five Champions League games, keeping four clean sheets in that time
