The roar of the crowd can be a powerful thing, but what happens when the cheers are for a ghost of the past? This week, the football world is buzzing as Tottenham Hotspur's current manager, Thomas Frank, weighs in on the echoes of Mauricio Pochettino's legacy, a legacy that seems to resonate louder than his own at times. It’s a fascinating dynamic, especially when you consider the team's current struggles.
But here's where it gets controversial: Frank has openly stated that if Tottenham fans chant Pochettino's name during their crucial match against Newcastle, it's not just understandable, it's "well deserved." This is a bold admission from a manager whose team has only managed two wins in their last 16 Premier League outings. The sentiment from the terraces has been clear, with Pochettino's name being sung, most recently during their defeat at Old Trafford. It’s easy to see why; Pochettino, who led Spurs to three top-three finishes, a top-four finish, and an unforgettable Champions League final in 2019, is remembered fondly. His tenure, which ended abruptly after five-and-a-half years, is seen by many as a period of transformation, even without a major trophy to show for it.
And this is the part most people miss: Pochettino himself recently spoke with passion on the High Performance podcast, expressing his belief that Tottenham, currently languishing in 15th place, should be competing at the very top, vying for the Premier League and Champions League titles. Far from feeling disrespected by these sentiments or the fan chants, Frank, who has met Pochettino a few times and described him as a "great guy" and "great coach," views them as warranted. He acknowledges Pochettino's role in elevating the club, stating, "I don’t think he won a trophy but he was part of transforming the club... Getting into the Champions League final. If you are close, then you are very close to winning it. Sometimes it’s football, it’s margins. Pochettino did a top job here and is a true legend, so if the fans sing his name it’s well deserved."
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: relegation. With Tottenham precariously perched just six points above the drop zone, Frank has adopted a rather strategic approach to the word 'relegation.' In his press conference, he used the word only once, despite facing nine questions about the team's precarious position. Instead, he opted for the word "desperate" eight times to emphasize the urgent need for points. This avoidance is particularly striking given that Newcastle, their upcoming opponent, has experienced relegation firsthand, having gone down in 2009. Frank eventually conceded that "nobody is too good to fall out of the Premier League," admitting, "That's 100 per cent fair. Every club should do whatever they can to perform every single game and do everything they can to end as high as possible." He stressed the intense competitiveness of the Premier League, noting that while a higher league position might invite questions about challenging for the top four, their current standing brings the specter of relegation into sharp focus. Nevertheless, his mantra remains: "For me, no matter what, I will only focus on the next game."
So, is it a problem that Tottenham might not be fully acknowledging their relegation battle? Frank reiterates his focus on the immediate task: "We will do everything we can and if we see a team that isn’t running or not fighting and trying to win the next game, it’s about that." He believes that excessive fear can hinder performance, emphasizing the need to concentrate on winning the next match to build momentum and confidence.
Here’s a point that might surprise you: Both Tottenham and Newcastle have been grappling with the demands of both domestic and European competitions, and Frank admits that the physical toll has been a significant challenge. He noted that for Tottenham, participating in European competitions for 18 out of 20 seasons (though he only has direct experience of the latter part of that) has been a struggle. He highlighted that the current squad has few players remaining from earlier European campaigns and that the team has "struggled a little bit" with the dual demands of the Premier League and Europa League. Building "physical and mental robustness" is key, and this applies to players of all ages, not just the young ones.
Frank also pointed out that the Premier League is arguably more competitive than it has been in the five years he's been involved, making every game an uphill battle. While acknowledging the challenge, he expressed a liking for it, noting that some clubs are more accustomed to the demands of European football and therefore less affected.
Looking ahead to the Newcastle match, Frank faces some personnel challenges. Djed Spence is back in contention, but Destiny Udogie is sidelined for up to five weeks with a hamstring injury. Worryingly, when asked about Dejan Kulusevski's potential return this season amidst ongoing knee issues, Frank could only offer a hesitant, "I don't know." To add to the defensive concerns, captain Cristian Romero is suspended for four matches following his red card. In his absence, Micky van de Ven, who Frank described as young but a capable leader, will wear the armband, having done so on four or five occasions this season. The manager praised Van de Ven's communication, calmness, and interaction with teammates.
On a more positive note, 19-year-old Souza, a £13 million January signing from Santos, impressed during his 40-minute debut at Old Trafford and could make his home debut against Newcastle. Frank expressed his happiness for the young player, recognizing the significance of his debut in a stadium as iconic as Old Trafford. While Souza might still be building his match fitness, Frank was pleased with his "nice and positive" contribution.
So, what do you think? Are the fans right to still hold a torch for Pochettino, or should the focus be solely on the present and future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
