What Thomas Frank has made clear to Pape Sarr after dropping Tottenham star
Many Tottenham Hotspur supporters have begun to speculate whether there might be an underlying issue between new head coach Thomas Frank and midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, following the Senegal international’s recent absence from the starting lineup. However, TBR Football can exclusively reveal that there is no rift or falling out between the two.
According to Graeme Bailey, Chief Correspondent for TBR Football, Sarr’s situation is simply the result of Frank’s ongoing efforts to determine his strongest starting XI since taking over at Spurs. The Danish manager, who is still fine-tuning his tactical approach and player combinations, has reportedly made it clear that squad rotation is part of his broader plan rather than a reflection on any individual player’s form or attitude.
After contacting the club for clarification, Bailey reported:
> “Tottenham insist there are no issues with Sarr. He remains an important part of the squad and a player Thomas Frank values highly. The manager is still assessing his options and figuring out how best to balance his midfield.”
Frank’s admiration for both João Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur—two of the most influential midfielders in his setup—has naturally limited opportunities for others in recent weeks. Yet, as Bailey noted, the Danish coach has emphasized the importance of unity and depth within the group, reminding players that every member of the squad has a key role to play throughout the campaign.
In addition, Tottenham are already preparing for Sarr’s upcoming absence this winter when he joins Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament could see the 23-year-old miss up to seven Premier League matches, and Frank appears to be using this period to test alternative midfield options in anticipation of that stretch.
Despite his current spell out of the starting XI, Sarr continues to enjoy the full backing of the coaching staff. In fact, TBR Football understands that the young midfielder was among the first players to catch Frank’s eye after his arrival, impressing the Dane in early training sessions alongside Brennan Johnson.
With his contract at Tottenham running until July 2030, Sarr remains firmly in the club’s long-term plans. The Senegalese starlet, who has already shown glimpses of his immense talent since arriving in North London, is expected to feature prominently once Frank settles on a consistent system and rotation.
For now, there’s no drama—just a period of tactical adjustment and experimentation as Thomas Frank looks to shape Tottenham into a side capable of competing on multiple fronts. And when that balance is found, few doubt that Pape Sarr will once again become a central figure in Spurs’ midfield for years to come.