Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night felt like a defining moment for Thomas Frank’s future at the club. In the hours leading up to kick-off, optimism among supporters was almost non-existent. Many fans travelling to the stadium openly admitted they had lost faith in the manager, believing another poor result would push the club closer to making a change in the dugout.
With Spurs arriving on the back of three consecutive defeats across all competitions, a loss against Dortmund would have deepened the growing unrest inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It seemed inevitable that more boos, frustration and hostility would greet the final whistle, potentially marking the end of Frank’s tenure.
Instead, Tottenham produced a timely response. First-half goals from Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke secured a 2-0 victory, a result that not only halted their losing run but also strengthened their chances of qualifying automatically for the Champions League knockout stages. For Frank, it was a result that may have earned him some breathing space, at least in the short term.
Only days earlier, Spurs had been left stunned by West Ham United, conceding a late goal that prompted loud boos at full-time. That frustration carried into Tuesday’s match, with sections of the crowd jeering when Frank’s name was announced before kick-off. Yet by the end of the night, those jeers had turned into applause as Tottenham delivered one of their more convincing performances in recent weeks.
Despite the victory, questions remain. Was this win simply a brief reprieve for Frank, or could it serve as a foundation for a genuine turnaround? And perhaps more importantly, has it done enough to repair his fractured relationship with the supporters?
Fans remain unconvinced despite victory
The depth of feeling against Frank was clear during the West Ham defeat, when chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” rang around the stadium. That sentiment lingered ahead of the Dortmund game.
Spurs supporter Sarah Sturgeon-Scraggs, who has attended home matches with her father Ronnie since childhood, spoke candidly about the mood among fans.
“I honestly think almost everyone in this stadium wants Frank gone,” she said before kick-off. “I still come because of the people we sit with and because it’s time with my dad, but there’s very little enjoyment in watching the team right now.”
Her father shared similar frustrations, adding that only an extraordinary turnaround in performances, results and playing style could win the supporters back. In his view, the damage to Frank’s standing with fans had already been done.
While the win against Dortmund was welcomed, neither Sarah nor Ronnie felt it had changed their outlook. The impressive first-half display, marked by sharper movement, quicker passing and a more aggressive press, was followed by a cautious second half that reignited familiar frustrations.
“The first half was really enjoyable,” Sarah explained. “There was energy, forward passing and intent. But then we went to five at the back, the game slowed down and all the joy disappeared. That’s exactly why I don’t think Frank is the right manager. I’m still firmly Frank out.”
Mixed reactions across the fanbase
Other supporters echoed that sentiment. Ali Speechly, another Tottenham fan, said before the match that patience would be easier if there were clearer signs of a long-term plan.
“At times it just looks like players doing their own thing,” she said. “There’s no clear identity.”
After the final whistle, her view softened slightly but remained critical. “The first half was much better, but why can’t we see that consistently? The second half was flat again. It feels like Frank can’t get two good halves out of this team in the same game.”
However, not everyone left the stadium unconvinced. Some supporters saw enough in the performance to believe Frank could still turn things around.
Alfie, a lifelong Spurs fan, had been scathing before kick-off, comparing the team’s recent performances to those of a Championship side. After the match, his mood had lifted considerably.
“The first half was brilliant,” he said. “The second half wasn’t great, but we defended well and didn’t concede. I’m happy with the result, and maybe Frank has more ideas than we’ve given him credit for.”
A crucial moment in Frank’s reign
From Frank’s perspective, the win could prove pivotal. Injuries have left his squad stretched, and confidence has been fragile. Yet for 45 minutes against Dortmund, Spurs showed intensity, organisation and purpose — qualities that have often been missing this season.
The challenge now is consistency. Tottenham cannot afford to follow this result with another damaging defeat, particularly with domestic fixtures looming and pressure still simmering beneath the surface.
While the victory has eased immediate tensions, it has not erased weeks of frustration. The fans’ patience remains thin, and Frank’s future will likely depend on whether he can build momentum rather than relying on isolated performances.
For now, the 2-0 win stands as a reminder of what Tottenham are capable of when everything clicks. Whether it marks the beginning of a revival or simply a brief pause in an ongoing struggle will become clear in the coming weeks.
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