Thomas Frank claims he has the support of Spurs after their FA Cup exit

Thomas Frank insisted he retains the support of Tottenham’s hierarchy after Saturday’s FA Cup exit against Aston Villa increased pressure on the beleaguered boss.

Frank’s side crashed out in the third round as first-half goals from Villa’s Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers secured a 2-1 win in north London.

Wilson Odobert reduced the deficit in Tottenham’s improved play in the second half, but it was too little too late for Frank.

The former Brentford boss has lost seven of his last 13 games in all competitions, with Tottenham bowing out of both domestic cups and languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

It remains a battle to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, but Frank must fight to ensure he is still in charge by the time the group stage ends.

Tottenham fans once again showed their dissatisfaction with the Dane by cheering at the final whistle.

But Frank is confident he will be given time to improve Tottenham’s miserable form.

«Fully feel the support. There is no doubt about that. Of course we are disappointed by the result and the fact that we are not achieving better results,» he said.

“We need to achieve more and better performance and continue to make progress.”

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It was another week to forget for Frank after he accidentally angered Tottenham fans by drinking from a cup with the logo of north London rivals Arsenal on it before losing 3-2 at Bournemouth on Wednesday.

Tempers flared at full-time after Villa striker Ollie Watkins celebrated for Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha, who collided with the England international, as well as Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa, in an ugly brawl.

Frank admitted he was hurt by the defeat but defended his players’ involvement in the row.

«We are all injured. There is nothing we would like to do more than get through to the next round, no matter who we meet. We are playing at home, we had a good chance and unfortunately we could not advance,» said Frank.

Asked if his players lost control after also clashing with Tottenham fans in Bournemouth, Frank said: “The players gave it their all, gave it their all, they lost a tight game, the season wasn’t perfect and I think Ollie is very provocative.

“The way he goes down to celebrate in front of the Villa fans and he comes across Joao, he can just walk around with ease. I think anyone who has had a competitive nature, that is difficult and can cause things.”

He said his own players had “passion” and “wanted to do really well for the club”.

Published on January 11, 2026