Thomas Frank sacked by Tottenham Hotspur as relegation threat looms after Newcastle United loss in Premier League
Updated 11/02/2026 at 11:25 GMT
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Tottenham Hotspur have sacked manager Thomas Frank after their dismal form in the Premier League continued with a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday, leaving them just two places above the relegation zone. The former Brentford boss took charge of Spurs in June last year and, despite impressing in the UEFA Champions League, they have struggled in the league.
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Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after just 26 league games in charge.
The Dane's fate was sealed after a 2-1 home defeat against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 11th loss of the season left Spurs 16th in the table, just five points above the relegation zone, having failed to win any of their last eight league games.
"The club has taken the decision to make a change in the men’s head coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today," a Spurs statement read.
"Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together.
"However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.
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Highlights: Newcastle end winless run with victory at troubled Spurs
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"Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward.
"We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future."
Spurs fell at the first hurdle in this season's FA Cup at home to Aston Villa, while they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the last 16 by Newcastle.
However, Frank did manage to guide the north London side into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League after finishing fourth in the league phase.
The 52-year-old joined Spurs last June on a three-year contract after more than six years in charge at Brentford, replacing Ange Postecoglou in the dugout.
The Australian took Spurs to UEFA Europa League glory last season, but they also endured their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 17th on 38 points.
The north London side then started strongly under Frank, taking 14 points from their opening seven league games this season, leaving them third in the table.
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Highlights: Spurs ease pressure on Frank by sealing UCL top eight spot
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But they have endured a dramatic decline since, taking 15 points from their next 19 games.
Spurs have failed to win a league game since the turn of the year, with a draw against Burnley and a defeat at home to West Ham United arguably the most damaging results.
Their home form has been particularly concerning, having picked up just 10 points from 13 league games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers picking up fewer points on home soil.
This record saw many of the home fans turn against Frank, who was often jeered by his supporters, while he faced chants calling for him to be sacked.
This was the case against Newcastle on Tuesday, though Frank remained confident at full time that he had the backing of the club's hierarchy.
Asked by TNT Sports if his job was under threat, Frank said: "I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no."
Later asked whether he would be in charge for the Arsenal game, Frank added: "Yeah, I’m convinced I will be."
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There were many difficult moments for Frank during his spell in charge, including being snubbed by Djed Spence and Micky Van de Ven on the pitch after the home defeat against Chelsea in November, as well as being pictured drinking from an Arsenal cup before the loss at Bournemouth last month.
He also had to contend with a persistent stream of injuries during his tenure, with long-term issues for key attackers Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski - the latter two yet to feature this season.
Former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi is now among the favourites to replace Frank, having parted ways with Marseille earlier on Wednesday.
Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States national side, has also been tipped for the role, along with Oliver Glasner, who confirmed last month he would be leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the season.
Spurs now have a 12-day break, with the FA Cup fourth round this weekend, but they will then have the task of hosting league leaders and rivals Arsenal as they look to move away from the drop zone.
Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
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