Thomas Frank ontslagen bij Tottenham na dramatische dip

2026-02-12 sport

Londen, donderdag, 12 februari 2026.
Tottenham Hotspur heeft Thomas Frank ontslagen als hoofdtrainer. De beslissing volgde na een reeks van acht competitiewedstrijden zonder overwinning. Het elftal staat op de 16e plek, amper vijf punten boven de degradatiezone. Frank nam in juni 2025 over van Ange Postecoglou, die eerder de Europa League won. Ondanks succes met Brentford kon Frank die momentum niet vasthouden. In zijn laatste 17 wedstrijden pakte hij slechts 11 punten. Intern bleef de druk groeien, mede door incidenten als een foto met een Arsenal-kopje. Supporters lieten hun ongenoegen luid horen. De club zoekt nu een interim-oplossing, terwijl namen als Pochettino en Tuchel worden genoemd.

dismissal after winless streak

Thomas Frank is sacked as Tottenham Hotspur head coach on February 11, 2026, following eight months in charge [1]. The club sits 16th in the Premier League table, five points above the relegation zone [2]. During Frank’s tenure, Spurs won only two of their last seventeen league matches, accumulating eleven points [1]. Their most recent result was a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, which triggered immediate backlash from fans [3]. The club officially announced the decision the same day, citing poor results and performances [4].

pressure builds amid fan unrest

Supporters openly expressed dissatisfaction during the final weeks of Frank’s leadership [3]. Chants calling for his removal echoed through the stadium during the Newcastle match [3]. Fans also booed players and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after previous losses, drawing public criticism from Frank, who called such behavior ‘unacceptable’ [5]. A widely mocked photo showed Frank using an Arsenal-branded coffee cup before a match, fueling perceptions of detachment [5]. Captain Cristian Romero added tension by publicly criticizing the club’s hierarchy via social media [1]. These incidents intensified scrutiny on an already fragile managerial position [1].

mixed start overshadowed by decline

Frank began his Spurs career with victories over Burnley and Manchester City, raising early optimism [5]. However, his side managed just six wins in sixteen Premier League fixtures afterward [2]. The team recorded only two home league wins all season, reflecting deep-rooted struggles [2]. Despite qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase by finishing fourth in their group—above teams like Barcelona and PSG—the domestic campaign faltered severely [2]. Tottenham also exited both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup early, losing to Aston Villa and Newcastle respectively [2].

inheritance challenges and recruitment

Frank inherited significant squad limitations upon joining from Brentford in June 2025 [5]. Key players faced extended absences; James Maddison underwent ACL reconstruction while Dejan Kulusevski dealt with knee issues [2]. The club invested heavily in transfers, spending £114.1 million on Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus during the summer window [2]. Loan signings João Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani aimed to bolster midfield depth [2]. Yet, injuries disrupted continuity, weakening tactical cohesion throughout the season [1]. Frank claimed the lack of available players was ‘disgraceful,’ highlighting internal pressures beyond coaching control [5].

search begins for successor

Tottenham intends to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season, according to reports [2]. John Heitinga, recently serving as Frank’s assistant, emerges as a likely candidate after joining the club in January 2026 [6]. Other names linked include Roberto De Zerbi, who left Marseille shortly before Frank’s dismissal, and returning figures such as Mauricio Pochettino or Thomas Tuchel [6]. Pochettino remains abroad managing the USA national team, with availability uncertain until after the 2026 World Cup [6]. The next fixture—a crucial North London derby against Arsenal—is scheduled for February 22, 2026 [3].

Bronnen

Thomas Frank ontslag trainer