Tottenham Hotspur have sacked head coach Thomas Frank after just under eight months in charge, following a dismal 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United that left the club languishing 16th in the Premier League table.
The 52-year-old Dane departs with Spurs just five points above the relegation zone and without a win in their last eight league matches, their longest run without victory since October 2008.
The decision was confirmed in an official club statement on Wednesday.
“The club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men’s Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today,” Spurs said.
“Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together.”
“However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.”
“Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward.”
“We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”
Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham is expected to address the situation later on Wednesday, while sources indicate that the club are yet to decide on a permanent replacement.
An interim appointment is considered the most likely immediate solution.
Why Was Thomas Frank Sacked?
Tuesday’s defeat to Newcastle proved the tipping point.
Frank faced chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” from sections of the Tottenham support, while others sang the name of former manager Mauricio Pochettino as Spurs slipped to their 11th league defeat of the campaign.
Spurs have won just two of their last 17 Premier League matches, collecting only 12 points in that period, a run that has dragged them into a relegation battle few predicted at the start of the season.
They were loudly booed after recent home defeats to Newcastle and West Ham, and Frank was taunted with the same sack chants during the loss to West Ham and the 2-2 draw at Burnley that followed.
Thomas Frank Performance Record at Tottenham
Frank’s tenure began in June 2025 after Ange Postecoglou was dismissed. He signed a contract running until 2028 and initially appeared to steady the ship.
Tottenham won three of their opening four league games, beating Burnley, Manchester City and West Ham and also secured a Champions League victory over Villarreal.
Despite an inconsistent domestic record of seven wins, eight draws and 11 defeats in the league, Spurs impressed in Europe.
They won five, drew two and lost just one of their eight Champions League group-stage matches, the only defeat coming away to holders Paris St-Germain and finished fourth in the group to qualify automatically for the last 16.
However, domestic struggles ultimately defined his reign.
Spurs were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Newcastle in October and knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa in the third round last month.
Their Premier League form deteriorated sharply from November onwards, including a damaging 4-1 defeat to Arsenal and a sobering 3-0 loss at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
Board Under Fire and Dressing Room Turmoil
After a 2-2 draw with Manchester City where Spurs were booed off at half-time while trailing 2-0, captain Cristian Romero publicly criticised the club hierarchy.
He described it as “disgraceful” that the club had only 11 fit senior players available for the fixture.
Romero’s turbulent spell continued when he received a straight red card, his second of the season against Manchester United on 7 February, a game Spurs lost 2-0.
The Argentine defender will now miss the next three Premier League matches, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.
Injury Crisis and Mounting Pressure
Frank’s task was complicated by a severe injury crisis.
Tottenham have been without several key players due to long-term injuries, including Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.
Spurs managed just 10 home league points under Frank, though their away form was marginally better, collecting 19 points from 13 matches on the road.
Last month, Frank had insisted he felt trusted by the board. However, reports shared that he had already been under significant internal scrutiny, with at least one executive raising the possibility of ending his tenure.
From Brentford Success to Spurs Struggles
Before arriving in north London, Frank enjoyed a seven-year spell at Brentford, guiding the club from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021 and earning widespread admiration for his progressive style.
His Tottenham tenure, however, never fully convinced supporters.
It began with a UEFA Super Cup defeat on penalties to Paris St-Germain, Spurs having qualified for the match by winning the Europa League under Postecoglou the previous season.
While there were flashes of promise, his style of play failed to win over the fanbase, and a prolonged run of poor results ultimately sealed his fate.
What Happens Next?
With Tottenham hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone and facing a crucial stretch of fixtures, including a north London derby, the board have opted for decisive action.
Whether an interim manager can steady the ship remains to be seen.
For Thomas Frank, what began with optimism in June has ended abruptly in February, another managerial casualty in Tottenham’s turbulent modern era.
