‘This Was Never Supposed to Happen’ – Thomas Frank Reacts as Tottenham’s ‘Desperate’ Fight for Survival Becomes Grim Reality
‘This Was Never Supposed to Happen’ – Thomas Frank Reacts as Tottenham’s ‘Desperate’ Fight for Survival Becomes Grim Reality
Thomas Frank was careful with his language during his pre-match press conference, notably avoiding any direct reference to a “relegation battle” or even mentioning the word “relegation” at all. That was the case even when he was directly asked about Tottenham’s position and the pressure mounting near the foot of the table. Instead, the Spurs boss chose to keep his focus firmly on performance, intensity and the wider demands of Premier League football.
Pressure mounts as Spurs chase vital points
There is no escaping the importance of Tottenham’s upcoming clash with Newcastle United. With the gap to the bottom three uncomfortably narrow, Spurs are desperate for points as they look to create some breathing space and ease the growing tension around the club. Every fixture now carries added weight, and Tuesday night’s encounter feels particularly significant.
Newcastle arrive in north London in less-than-ideal form, having suffered three consecutive league defeats. That run offers Tottenham a potential opening, especially if they can impose themselves early and play on the front foot. A fast start could give Frank’s side a genuine chance of claiming all three points and shifting momentum back in their favour.
When asked whether he was preparing his players for an intense scrap, particularly given the narrative around a possible relegation fight, Frank was unequivocal in his response.
“I think every Premier League game is a battle,” he said. “If someone doesn’t understand that, then they shouldn’t play in the Premier League. It’s the most physical, competitive, relentless league in the world. No doubt about that. So every game is a battle, and that will not change tomorrow.”
Respect for Newcastle and Eddie Howe
Frank went on to highlight Newcastle’s physicality and intensity, while also offering glowing praise for their manager Eddie Howe. The Spurs boss made it clear that he holds Howe in high regard, not only for his tactical approach but for the broader work he has done at St James’ Park.
“Newcastle are very physical, very intense in the way they play,” Frank continued. “And Eddie is a coach I admire a lot. What he’s done at Newcastle is impressive. He came in there four and a half years ago, around the same time I was with Brentford, so I’ve followed them closely.”
According to Frank, Howe played a crucial role in stabilising the club during a difficult period before overseeing a remarkable rise up the table.
“In my opinion, he was part of transforming the club,” Frank explained. “He made sure they stayed up, then the following season, when they didn’t have European football, they finished fourth. You can see now how difficult it is to balance Champions League football with Premier League demands. I think they’re only about four points ahead of us.”
Frank also pointed to the value of long-term planning and continuity, stressing that Newcastle’s progress has been built over several seasons rather than achieved overnight.
“They’ve been working on that project for three or four years,” he added. “They’ve got a very good coach and a very good coaching team. It just shows it’s not straightforward. There’s no simple recipe where you do one thing and suddenly it’s success every year. It’s relentless, day-to-day work, constantly trying to improve. I think they’ve done fantastic up there.”
Home form a lingering concern
Despite the respect shown to the opposition, the focus will ultimately be on Tottenham’s own performance, particularly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs’ home form has been a major concern this season, and it is an issue Frank knows must be addressed quickly.
With survival in the top flight potentially on the line, turning home matches into points is essential. The Spurs boss will be hoping that the home crowd can play its part, acting as a true twelfth man and helping lift the players during what could be a tense and demanding evening.
If Tottenham are to pull themselves clear of danger, improvements at home are non-negotiable. Tuesday’s showdown with Newcastle may not be labelled a relegation battle by Frank, but the stakes are undeniable — and the outcome could prove pivotal in shaping Spurs’ season.