In a week marked by mounting pressure and growing frustration, Thomas Frank, the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, found himself in the eye of a storm. The club’s recent performance has left many fans and pundits questioning his future at the club. Despite three defeats in a row, Frank has remained resolutely confident that he retains the trust of the Spurs ownership. However, as the team continues to struggle, questions about his job security only seem to grow louder.

Thomas Frank’s words about the club’s ownership came with a sense of conviction. Despite the growing unrest among fans, he expressed confidence in the relationship he’s developing with Spurs’ owners. In an interview, Frank stated, “I think the ownership seems like good guys, intelligent people. They know how to run a business, and they are learning more about football.” For Frank, the key to any successful football club lies in sustainability, and he believes the current owners understand that. “You can’t sustain success if you don’t build something solid,” Frank explained. “It’s a process, and I feel like the owners recognize that.”

Despite the confidence Frank has in the owners, the situation at Spurs is far from ideal. The team currently sits 12th in the Premier League, without a win in their last four matches. The defeat in their latest outing only added to the mounting frustration. Fans have been vocal in their dissatisfaction, even booing goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after a costly mistake that contributed to the loss. Frank, however, has not held back in criticizing the fans for their reaction, expressing his belief that such behavior does not help the team.

While Frank’s confidence is evident, there are doubts about how long he can continue with Spurs if the team’s performances don’t improve. The situation has raised questions not only about Frank’s future but also about the broader issues within the club. One of the primary concerns is the lack of leadership on the field. As the team continues to falter, it has become increasingly clear that Spurs are missing key figures who can lead the team in times of adversity.

Jamie Carragher, a former footballer and pundit, shared his thoughts on the situation. He pointed out that while Frank may be confident in his relationship with the ownership, the performance on the pitch tells a different story. “If you keep losing games at home and the fans are booing you, then there will be question marks over your job,” Carragher said. He emphasized that Frank needs to be careful with how he engages with the fans, especially in a period where they’ve had to endure poor football for nearly 18 months. Fans are frustrated, and their patience is wearing thin.

Carragher’s comments hit a nerve, especially considering the long-standing issues at Spurs. While Frank is facing scrutiny for his tactical decisions, the club’s troubles go beyond just the manager. The team has been plagued by poor recruitment over the past few windows, and the lack of leadership within the squad is a major concern. Spurs are missing key players who could provide the leadership needed to turn things around. James Madison, one of the team’s most influential players, has been sidelined for most of the season, leaving a significant gap in the squad. Carragher pointed out that the leadership group at Spurs is currently lacking, and this void has been felt on the pitch.

“Spurs miss James Madison a lot,” Carragher remarked. “He’s a leader on the field, and without him, the team lacks direction.” The absence of Madison, combined with the lack of other key figures, has left Spurs struggling to find a sense of identity. The squad is filled with talented players, but they lack the presence of true leaders who can take control of matches and inspire their teammates.

In addition to the leadership issues, Frank’s changing tactics have also been a source of frustration for the players. According to reports, some players have expressed frustration with the constant tactical shifts. In a single week, Frank used three different formations: a five-at-the-back system against Arsenal, a 4-4-2 diamond against Paris Saint-Germain, and a 4-2-3-1 against Fulham. Carragher noted that such frequent changes can be confusing for players, especially when there is little time to train and adapt to new systems.

“You can’t keep changing formations week after week,” Carragher said. “Players are left wondering what system they’re playing, what their roles are. It’s a lot of information to take on board, and when you’re not getting results, it just adds to the confusion.”

Despite these tactical challenges, Carragher also emphasized the need for players to take responsibility on the field. While Frank’s tactical approach may be in flux, the players still need to step up and make an impact. “Regardless of what the manager says, you’ve got to take the game by the scruff of the neck,” he argued. “You’ve got to be a leader on the pitch, even if the system isn’t working.” Carragher pointed to individual players like Bergwijn and Van de Ven, who have shown a willingness to take responsibility, but he believes more players need to follow their example. “They’ve got to be the ones to drag the team forward,” he said.

The frustration with Spurs’ performances extends beyond the tactical decisions. There is also a growing sense that the players are lacking the mentality and character needed to thrive at a club like Tottenham. Carragher expressed concern that many of the players seem “scared” to take risks and make mistakes. “They all look scared to play for Tottenham,” he said. “There’s no one stepping up and saying, ‘I’m going to make this happen.’”

This lack of leadership has been especially evident in key moments when the team has been under pressure. “When things aren’t going well, you look to your leaders to take control,” Carragher pointed out. “But Spurs don’t have those players at the moment.” He singled out the lack of accountability from players like Romero, who failed to acknowledge the fans after their loss to Paris Saint-Germain. “When you’re not playing well, you’ve got to face the music,” Carragher said. “You’ve got to clap the fans, show that you care.”

The issue of leadership is compounded by the club’s failure to adequately replace key players like Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son. While Spurs have invested in new talent, such as Brennan Johnson, the team has yet to find a proper replacement for Kane. Carragher emphasized the importance of leadership, both on and off the pitch. “You can’t just replace players like Kane and Son overnight,” he said. “But you need players who can step up and take responsibility. That’s what’s been missing at Spurs.”

The challenge for Frank, then, is not just about implementing a tactical system but also about instilling the mentality needed to succeed at a club like Tottenham. As Carragher pointed out, managers like Antonio Conte, José Mourinho, and Nuno Espírito Santo all failed to get the best out of the team. The same questions are now being asked of Thomas Frank. “It’s too early to say if Frank is the right man for the job,” Carragher said. “But if he doesn’t get results soon, the pressure will only grow.”

As Spurs head into a crucial period, with games against top teams on the horizon, the pressure on Thomas Frank will only intensify. He will need to find a way to unite his players, build a solid tactical foundation, and most importantly, inspire them to perform. If he can’t do that, the questions over his future will only become more pronounced.

The game against Newcastle United will be another opportunity for Frank to prove his worth. The fans will be watching closely, hoping to see a team that shows heart, determination, and a clear sense of purpose. For Spurs to turn things around, they need more than just tactical changes—they need leadership, both from the manager and the players. If they can find that, the road to recovery will begin. If not, the future of Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur may be uncertain.