‘I hate Spurs’: John Terry says he’s already spotted a ‘problem’ at Tottenham after hiring Thomas Frank

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a fresh chapter under the leadership of Thomas Frank, a manager widely respected for his tactical acumen and ability to develop talent.

Despite the optimism surrounding his arrival, not everyone is convinced the club is poised for a swift turnaround. Among the skeptics is former Chelsea captain John Terry, who recently shared his candid thoughts on Tottenham’s prospects for the upcoming campaign during a segment on TalkSPORT.

Terry, who remains deeply rooted in his Chelsea loyalties, expressed both footballing concerns and personal bias when asked about Spurs’ future under Frank.

Acknowledging Frank’s capabilities, he nonetheless emphasized that the foundation at Tottenham is not currently stable enough to facilitate immediate success.

He pointed to last season’s underwhelming 17th-place finish as a significant concern, noting that the club’s infrastructure—while impressive—has not been matched by on-pitch performance.

In his view, the North London side may struggle to climb the table unless a deeper transformation occurs, particularly in the club’s ownership and strategic direction.

Terry didn’t shy away from personal feelings either. He admitted with no hesitation that his animosity toward Tottenham remains strong. “Hopefully not too well,” he replied when asked how he expects Spurs to fare under their new boss. “I think he’s a really good manager, but the problem is I don’t think they’re in a good place based on where they finished last year. I look at Spurs and go, the foundations and the facilities are incredible, but I think it’s time for a change and someone to come in and give it a really good go. I’m happy for them to stay where they are. I hate Spurs and Spurs hate me. It’s really simple. It’s pure hate.”

Terry’s views are not entirely surprising. As one of Chelsea’s most iconic figures, his rivalry with Tottenham ran deep throughout his playing career. Matches between the two sides were often charged with emotion, and Terry frequently came out on top.

His personal record against Spurs is telling, having faced them 32 times. In those encounters, he won 17, drew 9, and lost only 6. He also found the net on three occasions, further cementing his influence in this fierce London rivalry.

These numbers highlight just how dominant Terry was when it came to facing Tottenham, and it’s no surprise that his disdain for the club has endured long after his retirement.

His comments, while provocative, reflect a sentiment shared by many supporters of rival clubs who remain skeptical about Tottenham’s ability to break into the elite under current circumstances.

However, with Frank now at the helm and a number of significant signings reportedly in the works, Spurs are quietly assembling a squad that could silence some critics.

The pressure will be on to deliver consistent performances and challenge for European places once more. Whether the club can overcome the legacy of last season’s struggles and shake off the doubts of pundits like Terry remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: underestimating Thomas Frank and his players could prove to be a costly mistake for their doubters.