The club hierarchy is aware of the current disconnect between Frank and Spurs fans, arguably exacerbated by his high-risk strategy of going public with criticism after keeper Gugliemo Vicario was booed, then cheered ironically, after making an error in the home reverse against Fulham at the end of November.
Frank described Vicario’s treatment as “unacceptable” and not the actions of “true Spurs supporters”. Bold – but an approach that rarely goes down well, or ends well.
The fact that the discontent was so public brought Frank’s turmoil into sharper relief, with travelling supporters making their feelings known loudly in Monaco after a goalless draw in the Champions League, in a fierce reaction to another 0-0 stalemate at his former club Brentford, then again when Spurs went down at Bournemouth.
Van de Ven and other players appeared to confront supporters at The Vitality Stadium following Antoine Semenyo’s late winner, with Romero later launching his public broadside at the club.
Frank defended Romero, saying he is “a young leader”, when in fact the Argentine – too often a disciplinary and playing liability – is 27 and a World Cup winner for his country.
He appeared to treat Romero with kid gloves when a heavier punishment could easily have been in order, only increasing the impression, publicly at least, that Frank struggles to impose himself on his players.
And at the heart of it all is a stodgy playing style which has not won enough matches, or favour with Spurs fans.
The timid five-man defence Frank employed in the 4-1 hammering in the north London derby at Arsenal on 23 November was another point of heavy contention, while Spurs still show no signs of true identity.
Spurs – as a club and fanbase – is currently a joyless place.
They are reasonably placed at 11th in the Champions League table, with a chance of reaching the top eight to automatically qualify for the knockout phase, but there has been no improvement in the Premier League.
They are currently 14th on 27 points, while after 21 games last season they were 13th with 24 points under Postecoglou.
Frank’s Brentford played long and quick to put opponents under pressure with the quality of forwards Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yohan Wissa to carry out the game plan successfully. Frank’s communication and strategy was clear.
None of this has happened at Spurs, leading Frank to crisis point before the FA Cup meeting with Villa.
