Pressure is beginning to build around Thomas Frank at Tottenham, even though he has only been in the job for a short time.
A run of uneven results and a clear lack of goals have left supporters uneasy, and another flat performance at the weekend has only added to the noise. Still, voices within the game are urging patience, reminding everyone that the full picture is only visible to those inside the club.
Former Spurs striker Gary Lineker has spoken openly about the situation, stressing that the real truth about Frank’s position is known only by the owners.
From the outside, it is easy to assume a manager is under threat when results dip, but Lineker believes that assumption often ignores the wider context. After Tottenham’s heavy 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, those concerns have grown louder, yet Lineker feels it is far too early to start questioning Frank’s future.
The loss at Forest was worrying in both scoreline and performance. Tottenham struggled to cope with pressure and barely offered any attacking threat. Callum Hudson-Odoi scored twice, Ibrahima Sangare added a third, and Spurs managed just one shot on target across the entire match.
For many fans, it was not just the defeat that hurt, but the way the team seemed to drift through the game without purpose or urgency in the final third.
That frustration has inevitably landed at Frank’s door. Supporters want to see clear signs of progress, especially going forward, and so far those signs have been inconsistent.
Lineker, however, believes perspective is essential. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, he explained that speculation around pressure is often just that. From his point of view, only the board truly know how secure a manager is. He also pointed out that Spurs have shown flashes of improvement, even if the overall picture remains uneven.
Micah Richards added further context by highlighting how tight the Premier League table currently is. A small swing in results could quickly change the mood around the club.
With only a handful of points separating mid-table from the European places, a good week can suddenly transform the narrative. Richards suggested that Tottenham are not actually far off where many predicted they would be at the start of the season, but the disappointment stems from the quality of football rather than their position alone.
Lineker also touched on the shift in playing style since the change in manager. Under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham were open, bold and often chaotic, producing entertaining games even when results went against them.
Frank’s approach has been more cautious and pragmatic, focusing on control and structure. While that can bring stability, it can also leave fans feeling disconnected when goals and excitement are missing.
Another important point raised was Tottenham’s struggles last season. Finishing 17th, even with a clear focus on the Europa League towards the end, was a major setback. That context matters.
Frank arrived without a full pre-season, had limited time to shape the squad, and saw potential signings fall through. For Lineker, those factors alone should earn the manager some patience, as building a team takes time and cannot be rushed.
Despite the calls for calm, there is no denying that issues remain. Defensive mistakes have crept in at key moments, while the lack of sharpness in attack has made it difficult to recover when games turn against them.
Those problems are clear to everyone, including Frank himself. After the Forest defeat, he did not hide his emotions, admitting that the performance was simply not good enough.
Frank spoke honestly about the frustration he feels, describing a storm of emotion beneath the surface. He made it clear that while he tries to stay calm and measured in public, the standards inside the club are high.
He acknowledged the display was poor and accepted that change will not happen overnight. His message was direct and realistic, even if it was not what fans wanted to hear.
The manager also admitted that inconsistency has been a problem for some time and stressed that hard work continues behind the scenes. He knows results must improve, but he also believes the process cannot be rushed.
That honesty may not ease the pressure immediately, yet it shows a willingness to face the situation head-on.
Attention now turns to the next challenge, a tough clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening. Both sides have had their struggles, making it a crucial test.
For Tottenham, it represents a chance to respond, quieten the noise and remind everyone that their season is still very much alive. A strong performance could shift momentum and restore belief, while another disappointment would only intensify the scrutiny.
For now, Thomas Frank remains at the centre of the conversation. The pressure is real, but so is the need for patience. Whether that balance can be maintained will depend on what happens next on the pitch.
