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He said: "I would say this is the highest level of football and as we know as a group we have to stick together. It's not only the coaches, it's the whole club, I would say.

"That's the most important thing. We're playing every two or three days and we have to stick together, and tomorrow we have another opportunity to win.”

He added: "Everyone wants to win, not only the coach but the players as well. We want to change this, especially me, I'm a guy willing to give everything to win.

"Obviously, if I had really, really, really pain, then I wouldn't play, but it's now a situation that I can handle myself as well, even though I have a little bit of pain. I want to play the game, I want to help the team."

Xavi also shared his thoughts on how he feels the younger players can excite to Tottenham faithful.

He said: "I would say even me, I'm still young, but you can see the younger guys coming up and training every day with us. The excitement that they have and the willingness to play the game is immense, but I would say obviously we have to do our job and at the end, if one of them comes onto the pitch, it will be no age, no young guys, it will be football and I think they are all ready, so that's something nice.”

The former RB Leipzig star also said that playing against Borussia Dortmund is 'special' for him.

He said: "We want to turn this around, especially playing in the UEFA Champions League. I think it's the biggest stage, and me playing against Dortmund, I've played already in Germany.

"It's special, but at the same time, it's like every game, every game is a big game for me and for the team. We want to bring that momentum and to bring that three points at home.”

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He added: "At the end I think it's not fair to compare every club. Every situation is different, every manager is different, every place is different.

"I'm now here, I'm really happy to be here. Obviously, this is the situation we are into. I feel really good together with the team and we're trying to change this."

Tottenham Hotspur lost another game at home after Callum Wilson's late goal gave Nuno Espirito Santo's side a vital win. Spurs remain 14th in the table and many will view this as a missed opportunity to regain some confidence and start to look up the table.

The Hammers led for much of the match but Cristian Romero pulled one back to level it at 1-1. At that point, it may have been expected that Spurs would go on for the win. However, that never materialised and they conceded a late goal after some sloppy defending.

Here are four takeaways from the game:

Thomas Frank is under pressure

Manager Frank is rumoured to be close to losing his job. The home fans were not happy throughout the match as they turned on their manager and started chanting "sacked in the morning".

It has been a frustrating season for the side from North London and recent results have not been good enough. Performances have looked disjointed and, at one point it looked as though most supporters were prepared to give him time but, time appears to be running out for the Dane.

Another side without a win turns up and beats Spurs

It happened last time out at Bournemouth as the Cherries were without a win since October yet got three points against Frank's side. Earlier in the season, Nottingham Forest had suffered a poor run of results yet the only game they won over the festive period was a 3-0 home win against Spurs. Bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers were also stuck on two points for a long time yet got one of them against Spurs.

It even happened last season when Ange Postecoglou was in charge and newly-promoted sides Ipswich Town and Leicester City were both on losing runs yet recorded wins against Spurs.

Before this game, West Ham were ten without a win in the Premier League and suffered an embarrassing defeat to Wolves in their last away game. At home, they lost to Forest and many thought that would be a result that would send them down but then this three points has closed the gap again.

Yet another injury

Ben Davies went off on a stretcher after he suffered a leg injury in the first half. It will not be used an excuse but over the last two seasons they have suffered a huge number of injuries. Key players have been missing for a long time and it is likely that the Welshman will now spend a significant amount of time on the sidelines.

Spurs' next game is against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League and it has been suggested that they could be missing as many as 15 first team players for the game against the German side.

Lack of a goalscorer

Despite the injuries, there is an argument that the players who are playing should be doing more. It was not the first goal that Romero has scored this season but their centre back has at times been a key scorer.

Randal Kolo Muani started up front but is yet to score in the Premier League.The club have previously invested in Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel but they have not delivered the goals and were criticised for their performance against West Ham.

Conor Gallagher has recently joined and he may be able to add some goals to the side but Frank will likely need to prove to fans and the club's owners that he should be the man given more funds to strengthen the side.

They can still make a success of the second half of the season as the table remains close but it feels like Frank has to see an improvement in results sooner rather than later.

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Speaking in his press conference ahead of Tottenham's crunch clash with London rivals West Ham on Saturday, Frank spoke about new signing Conor Gallagher following the midfielders move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday from La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

He said: “I think it's a top signing. I can't praise Fabio, Johan and Vinai enough, the ownership for doing it and get it done, get over the line. I think what he brings in terms of abilities, first and foremost, he's a very good player, great experience in the Premier League, also in La Liga, captained several teams.

"So that character, that leadership, that experience, and still young, 25, with plenty of development to reach, but coming in on a good level, bring his pressing abilities, his directness, scoring goals, but also being able to find good positions on the pitch, is exactly what we need.”

He added: "I think every experience makes us better, in a way. Either clearly impact or reflection and learn from the experience. Quite a few conversations I had with Conor, he really liked the experience at Atletico Madrid.

"He really liked working with Diego Simeone. He really liked everything about it. Of course, we were privileged that he would like another chance and it was possible. I think that experience, added to how he ended his last year in Chelsea. I think he was at times unplayable."

Frank also highlighted the 25-year-old Premier League pedigree as Gallagher is set for his Tottenham debut when West Ham visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

He said: "I think he was a fantastic player for Chelsea that season. So, that's the Conor Gallagher we are looking at. That's the Conor Gallagher I'm thinking can step straight into this team and help us straight away.”

"I think of course one thing is the Premier League. Secondly is the project and the opportunity here. The role he could get in the team. I think first and foremost as a player that can help the team with his abilities.

"The character and the culture architect I think he is as well, in terms of pushing the group every single day, training and matches. I think you can see he is very exciting. There is some very exciting potential in this club.”

“Conor, I think, has a lot of good offensive abilities. You know, his ability to arrive in the box and score goals, his way of finishing. I think he's a clever finisher. As well, I think his skills around the last third is good in terms of arriving in the right positions.

"I told him about the project and the plan with him and the club and what we are aiming for and all that suited him very well and also I think he suited us and I think we suited him.”

Tottenham have not won in four games in all competitions since their 1-0 away win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, thanks to an Archie Gray header from close range.

Manager Thomas Frank is under increasing pressure going into Saturday's London derby with West Ham following their Third Round FA Cup exit to Aston Villa last weekend.

Speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon, Frank said the aim is for his Spurs side to be at the top of the Premier League.

He said: “Everything. You learn about the club, how it is working. You learn about the staff, the players. Every person I am working with here. That definitely makes me better, no doubt about that.

"The more you know, the better decisions you hopefully can make, the more precise you are about what needs to be done to get us to where we all want to be. Where this fantastic club should be, at the top of the Premier League. That is where we want to be.

Frank also touched on recent pressure he is facing following the inconsistent results of late.

He said: “For me, it is only focussing on what I can affect. There is a lot of noise. I know that because I have been told that, I am not stupid. Of course, I know we want more good results, but I am also focussing on what I can see is actually working.

"We need to do more of that. I know we need to focus on being calm and do the right thing and keep carrying on. If we do that, then you know it is a random game.

He added: "If we keep doing the right thing, then that randomness, hopefully, because we do more things right, and we have done that especially in the last six games, that randomness will turn, because we keep going after the positive and believe what we are doing is the right thing, then things will turn.”

Frank also expects the pressure to lift at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium once Spurs' poor home form lifts.

Tottenham have only won two home games in the Premier League this season against Burnley on the opening day and then against Thomas Frank's former side Brentford early in December.

He said: "I definitely think something, especially when we turn this around and we won three games at home in every competition in a row, that would be a big step. I think it would be a very good idea to start on Saturday, that unbeaten run at home, in many ways.

"Sometimes it can feel a little bit not as smooth or easy, just coming, but as soon as you turn that corner, things will be a little bit more smooth, if that makes sense. So, hopefully that energy and then the collaboration between the team and the fans that you felt second half against Villa, first half against Sunderland, that is what we need to get more of.

"When you have that, then it is a fantastic place, our fantastic stadium, our home. That is where we need to be. I mean it. Any successful team needs to create a fortress. I know it has been difficult, but that is what we are aiming for. The more we do, the more we believe, the more we do together, the better chance we have.”

Tottenham Hotspur are currently 14th in the Premier League and only have one win in their last five league games. They are not a team in good form and also suffered an FA Cup Third Round exit at home to Aston Villa at the weekend.

Manager, Thomas Frank, is under increasing pressure because it has not been good enough. Spurs had a tough season last year and finished 17th in the table but they did lift the UEFA Europa League trophy. This season fans expected an improvement and wanted to see their team competing higher up the table. There is still a long way to go and there have been some positive signs but in recent weeks they have faded and it is not looking great.

Last time against West Ham United, it was an emphatic 3-0 win for Spurs at the London Stadium. That was a day where everything Spurs did went their way but it has not been smooth sailing since then.

Last week Frank's side lost 3-2 at Bournemouth after a late goal. It was all the more frustrating as Bournemouth were without a league win since the end of October.

The Hammers, however, come into this game in 18th place and seven points from safety. They suffered a 2-1 defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest last week and that result could prove costly in terms of their survival chances.

A chance to kickstart their season?

It could be argued that Spurs need this game to kickstart their season and hopefully start a climb up the table. They have suffered lately and things have not been going their way. At times their performances have looked disjointed and it has been hard to get any form of momentum going.

They may be at the point where results take priority over performances but their displays of late, even in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, did not offer enough for supporters to feel like a corner has been turned.

Nuno Espirito Santo's West Ham should not be underestimated because they are a side who should be playing with a point to prove. It is also a London derby so it will be a game with an extra edge to it. However, given the result from earlier in the season, Spurs should come into the game with a degree of confidence.

Their home form in the last year has also been very poor and fans have not had much to cheer about in north London but some fans might believe that West Ham are the ideal opponents to give them a lift.

How much longer will Thomas Frank get?

Thomas Frank has made the step up from Brentford to Spurs and the expectations are inevitably higher at a club like Spurs. It would be fair to say that they are not a club who have experienced too much league success in recent seasons. Therefore, Frank is not the only manager to find life difficult at the helm.

It is to be expected that people would start to question his position after a poor run. The last week has not helped his chances as an early cup exit is always disappointing and the manner of the defeat at Bournemouth was not good. Also, before the game, Frank was pictured holding an Arsenal cup and after the game players were seen in discussions with fans.

He probably does need a good result to buy himself some more time. He will tell the media that it is a project and that he cannot make all the changes he wants to make immediately. However, he has to prove to fans that he is the man for the long term and the one to be backed during the transfer window.

Is Dominic Solanke back fit and ready to fight for his place?

The striker has missed much of the season due to injury, which has been frustrating for the player and the fans, but he made his comeback against Villa in the cup.

Spurs will be hoping that Solanke can start scoring goals again and get his career in white going. They have been light up front at times so will be hoping that he is able to help solve some of their problems.

There are other key players who will be missing

Frank will not wish to use this as an excuse but there are key players in his squad who will be missing due to injury.

Richarlison went off against Villa with a potential hamstring injury and it has been confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur could be out for a while after he went off injured in the Bournemouth game. Former West Ham player Mohammed Kudus will miss the visit of his old employers as he is also out with an injury.

Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie could be fit for the West Ham game but it is unkown at this stage.

Then, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have been out from the start of the season and will not be back anytime soon.

It is the same for every side but Frank would like to have some of these players available as they would be able to make an impact in games.

Thomas Frank shared his opinion on a 2-1 defeat for Tottenham against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

Spurs have struggled for home form in the Premier League under their new head coach, and trend seemed set to continue after goals for Emiliano Buendiaand Morgan Rogers in the first half. The third best team in the division went through the gears after the Argentine’s strike, and it looked like the hosts would have a long afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if things did not change.

There was a response, helped through a goal from Wilson Odobert, but the pressure continues to pile on the Dane, who was determined to take positives from the performance after the boos of full time.

“I think the first 20 was probably relatively even. After that (first) goal, we couldn't really get near them. We needed to react quicker to that. The four, five, six times we went high pressure, we actually won it, but we didn't get that enough. That changed in the second half.

“The second half was excellent. That's the game we want to play, with intensity, passion, aggression, good high pressure, playing forward, penetration with runs and passes, good goals.

“The first half was not as good. The second goal is what kills us. We're facing a good team, they scored a quality goal, the first one. The second half, when we’re all together, the fans, the energy, how they feed off each other, that's brilliant.

“There were a lot of good things in the second half, no doubt about that. I agree, Xavi Simons was excellent, especially in the second half. He wanted to get on the ball, he wanted to be decisive, he wanted to make the final action, either with a pass or a goal or an assist or a second assist.

“The intensity from the whole team driving forward, I loved that. We need to put that together over two halves and cut out the mistakes, particularly the second goal.”

Unai Emery expressed his thoughts on a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa against Tottenham.

The Villans have moved into the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a triumph over Spurs for the second time in three months by this score. Once Emiliano Buendia broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, the guests showed class, doubling the lead with a close-range finish from Morgan Rogers.

The men of Thomas Frank were under extreme pressure, and they attempted to forge a fightback for their fans as Wilson Odobert drilled home a goal for the hosts. However, Emery’s men held off their opposition, and the Basque boss believes his players managed the contest well enough to earn this result, progressing in the tournament.

“90 minutes against one team like Tottenham, you must try to dominate, to get your momentum, getting some advantage like we did. And then the momentum, be resilient and defend like we did, and set-pieces as well, be strong.

“In 90 minutes, the first half, we dominated more. They had their momentum, but we were more or less defending well, and we were getting in their box, and we were dominating with the ball, keeping ball possession, and creating chances, and we scored two goals.

“After the second half, we started worse than the first half because they pushed, because they tried as well to get more opportunities or more chances to score, and they did one. They scored one goal.

“But then, progressively again, we were recovering our good position, recovering our personality with the ball to stop them and control and dominate the match through keeping ball possession.

“We didn’t score one goal, but we were controlling the match like we did the first half more, the second part of the second half: we even finished the match, pushing them and stopping them more.”

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Both Bournemouth and Tottenham have been on a torrid run of form, having both endured positive starts.

The Cherries inflicted Thomas Frank's first league defeat as Spurs manager, coming out 1-0 victors in North London in September.​

Andoni Iraola’s side will be looking to create history in completing the double over Tottenham for the first time on Wednesday evening.

Improving Cherries

Despite not winning since the end of October, optimism is rising on the South coast after spirited performances against Chelsea and Arsenal.

Bournemouth pushed runaway leaders Arsenal all the way at the Vitality, falling to a narrow 3-2 defeat, becoming just the third team to score more than once against the Gunners this season.

The encouraging outings underline that the Cherries tend to perform better against teams that dominate possession.

With their high press suffocating the opposition and their pace and power punishing sides on transitions.

Struggling Spurs

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Since their impressive win at Everton in October, Tottenham have floundered, winning just twice in the league.

​They were held to a lacklustre 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Sunday, with a late Brian Brobbey goal denying a rare win.​

With pressure mounting on boss Frank, the next three in the league are vital, playing three of the bottom six.

Team News

Bournemouth

The Cherries will be without midfield stalwarts Ryan Christie (Knee) and Tyler Adams (MCL) for the visit of Tottenham

Scotland international Christie, who only returned from injury in December, is currently dealing with an ongoing knee problem.

While long-term absentees Ben Gannon Doak (Hamstring) and Veljko Milosavljević (Knee) remain out.

Back-up goalkeeper Will Dennis suffered an ankle injury in training last week, with the club awaiting results from an MRI scan.

Justin Kluivert will miss the game due to an injury to his left knee, with the Dutchman set to undergo surgery on Thursday

Tottenham

Striker Dominic Solanke will miss the trip back to Dorset with an ankle injury.

While Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma both progressed with their respective countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Destiny Udogie is progressing well; however, this game will likely come too soon following a thigh injury.

There is also a concern surrounding summer signing Mohammed Kudus, who was forced off on Sunday with an abductor injury.

Long-term absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain out with knee injuries.

Potential Lineups

Bournemouth (4-2-3-1) : Petrovic, Truffert, Senesi, Hill, Jimenez, Scott, Tavernier, Semenyo, Kroupi, Brooks, Evanilson

Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies, Gray, Palhinha, Kolo Muani, Bergvall, Tel, Richarlison

Players to Watch

Bournemouth - Evanilson

The Brazilian netted his third of the season against Arsenal on Saturday capitalising on an error from Gabriel.

Despite struggling to rediscover last season goalscoring form Evanilson continues to bring far more than goals for The Cherries.

His hold up play and relentless pressing from the front has been the catalyst to their strong recent performances. .

The striker also has an impressive record against Wednesday opponents scoring twice in just three appearances.

Tottenham - Richarlison

Fellow countryman Richarlison is having an excellent season, netting seven times in the league this term.

​The Brazilian international has been handed an opportunity following an injury to Solanke and has deputised well.

​Richarlison has been unfortunate not to have netted more, consistently finding himself in right positions proving a nightmare for defenses.

Match Details

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Where will the match be played?

The Match will be played at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth.

What time is Kick-off?

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 GMT.

Will the game be broadcast in the UK

The game will be shown on Sky Sports Golf.