An increasing number of Spurs fans are already calling for the manager to be sacked. Since that loss to Enzo Maresca’s Blues, Tottenham have recorded just three wins - against Copenhagen, Brentford and Slavia Prague.
Late points dropped against Manchester United, a heavy defeat to Arsenal, early mistakes that led to a home loss against Fulham and the demoralising thrashing by Nottingham Forest at the weekend are all being cited as evidence that the team is failing to click and is not improving under Frank.
The club must now show bravery if they are to drown out the noise.
In the immediate aftermath of the Chelsea defeat and the draw with Manchester United a week later, internal briefings were clear that Frank’s position was not under threat and he would be given time to build a squad aligned with his vision.
The plan has been to involve him closely in recruitment and to show patience, mirroring the approach Arsenal took with Mikel Arteta during his early struggles at the Emirates.
New information since the weekend suggests Spurs’ key decision-makers remain committed to Frank. However, for the first time, there are signs that this support may not be unconditional.
There is an expectation of progress but the club is fully aware of growing frustration among sections of the fanbase.
It could be fixed with some tweaks, as Tottenham intend to add attacking quality in the January transfer window. We reported on Flashscore this week that Kenan Yildiz is a target, underlining the club’s ambition. Rodrygo and Ademola Lookman have also been considered as players who could bring pace and creativity to the front line.
At this stage, the plan remains to back Frank with new signings when the window opens. Spurs have begun exploring options for a goalkeeper, a left-sided defender, a combative midfielder and a proven goalscorer.
The message from inside the club is that no formal discussions have taken place regarding Frank’s future.
That stance, however, may yet be tested.
A managerial change at the start of a transfer window would be far from ideal, but Frank must begin to deliver improved performances if his job is to remain completely secure.
Tottenham sources insist there should be no panic and that the club must trust the process. But a high-profile clash with Liverpool awaits, followed by a trip to Crystal Palace - managed by Oliver Glasner, who would be a leading candidate to replace Frank should the situation escalate.
Palace have yet to make progress on a new contract for Glasner, and there are lingering doubts over whether he will commit his future to the club.
Those final two games of 2025 will be crucial, both in terms of results and playing style - so Frank must deliver.
Two more defeats could force the Tottenham hierarchy into an unthinkable decision, just as they approach a transfer window intended to redefine Frank’s squad.
