Tottenham has relieved manager Thomas Frank of his duties following a disappointing half-season. Currently 14th in the Premier League, the team is only five points clear of the relegation zone and has managed to win just two of their last 17 league matches. Although Tottenham performed well in the Champions League by finishing in the top eight and advancing to the round of 16, the club decided to make a change after appointing Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou in the summer of 2025. Last season, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League but did secure the UEFA Europa League title by beating Manchester United in the final. Despite bringing in new recruits and changing management, results have continued to falter.
On Wednesday, the club officially announced Frank’s departure. “The decision to alter the men’s head coach role comes with Thomas Frank’s retirement today,” said Tottenham. “Appointed in June 2025, we had hoped to provide him with the necessary time and support to build a successful future. However, based on recent results and performances, the board feels that changes are imperative at this juncture in the season. Thomas has shown exceptional dedication during his time here, and we thank him for his contributions, wishing him the best for the future.”
### What Went Wrong This Season?
Frank’s first season has been marked by difficulties, following a tumultuous year capped off by a European title. Analyzing the Premier League performance under his leadership, the statistics tell a grim story: out of 26 league games, Tottenham secured 7 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses, with a goal difference of -1. Despite having a similar expected goal (xG) metric of 27.5, they’ve only managed to take an average of 98 shots on target—less than four per game—while conceding 1.4 goals per game.
The European numbers don’t show significant improvement either. In eight Champions League matches, they scored 17 goals from an xG of 13.9, slightly better than their domestic numbers, though the difference isn’t substantial. They’ve had only one league loss, a 5-3 defeat by PSG, and a mix of wins against Villarreal, Copenhagen, and others, alongside draws with Bodø/Glimt and AS Monaco. Interestingly, they often exceeded their expected goals in matches even during losses, demonstrating a potential misalignment between their on-pitch performance and results.
Off the field, Frank’s tenure also faced turmoil, following the recent exits of former president Daniel Levy and head of football Fabio Paratici.
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This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the ongoing instability at Tottenham, a club rich in history but struggling to find success amid management changes. The implications of these decisions resonate within the league, potentially affecting other teams and the overall dynamics of the Premier League as clubs seek stability and success.
