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Thomas Frank expects Tottenham's new ownership regime to grant him the time required to build success to last and win over dissenting supporters.
The Spurs boss has doubled down on his criticism of fans who booed and mocked their own goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after a mistake led to a goal during Saturday's defeat at home by Fulham.
He stressed the need for harmony despite a poor run of only three wins in 13 games and is certain the Lewis family, who have taken responsibility for running the club since Daniel Levy was ousted as chairman in September, will be patient as he searches for improvements.
'I'm very confident,' said Frank ahead of Tuesday night's game at Newcastle. 'I think the ownership - of course I'm just starting to know them - but it seems like they're good guys, intelligent people. They know how to run businesses and are learning more about football, now they've become owners.
'When we're dealing with intelligent people they can see every successful dynasty, every successful club has taken time. Yes, you can have one where you maybe win one year or the second year, but you can't sustain it if you don't build something sustainable. Impossible.'
Frank saw his teams start slowly in his previous jobs at Brentford and Brondby but had time to turn things around. He survived for more than three years at Brondby and was Brentford boss for almost six years before moving across London.
'I just know I build consistency and I build competitiveness and culture and that will always take a bit of time,' he said. 'The big thing here we want to build it, while we compete every single week, three times a week or two times a week.
'In a way I have more experience so I know what's needed. Brondby was my first senior job in a massive club in Denmark with massive exposure. I would say if anything there's a little less pressure now, but I know there's pressure and attention that we need to win.'
Frank said the jeering of Vicario against Fulham was 'unacceptable' and claimed those responsible could not be 'true Tottenham supporters'.
'What I meant by that, just to make it clear was the mocking of one of their own players,' said Frank. 'He makes a mistake and there is a little bit of booing after that, as I remember it. The next ball, he clears and there is like a cheering. You can't do that.
'The opponent can do that. You can't do that as a fan. That's where I would stand by what I said. The booing during the game I don't think is helpful.
'During matches that's where we need each other. Afterwards, it's fair with the booing but during, that is when I want to create a fortress.'
It is not the first time Frank has found himself making the distinction between booing at the end to register disapproval and during the game. He has heard his substitutions booed and, towards the end of a 1-0 home defeat against Chelsea, Vicario and Djed Spence were booed when they took a short free kick rather than launch it forward in search of an equaliser.
That was when Spence and Micky van de Ven ignored Frank's request for them both to join him on a lap of appreciation and strode past him down the tunnel.
It is as if when Levy was in position, fans knew where to direct their anger but now they are not so sure.
Pedro Porro became embroiled in a similar incident after reacting emotionally to the boos after the Fulham defeat. Later, he took to social media and, like his manager, spoke of 'true Spurs fans'.
Porro wrote: 'Football is emotions. In football, as in life, there can always be mistakes. What I will not tolerate is hearing disrespect from the fans to my team-mates, hence my frustration at the end of the game.
'And we will get up. We remind you, six months ago, everything was so bad. In the end, it is not how it begins but how it ends. To the true Spurs fans, I love you.'
Players raised the issue in a routine team debriefing after the Chelsea defeat and some decided they would not go to applaud fans after the final whistle if they had heard them booing during the game but would, instead, gather in the centre of the pitch and walk off together.
Frank confirmed on Monday that he would like to see his players applaud those fans who make the long journey to Newcastle, and that he would prefer it if they could always offer applause in acknowledgement of supporters.
'It is important that we connect with the fans,' said the Dane. 'It is pretty obvious that away from home we go to the away fans and thank them for their travelling and support.
'There were maybe not many players who clapped after the Fulham game, but I still saw a few. Sometimes they can be emotional, but I would still say clap the fans after the game. You don't have to do the big loop. There is no specific instruction, that is what I recommend.'
Vicario's position as number one goalkeeper is not under threat.
'Oh no, not for me, he made one mistake,' said Frank. 'Everyone makes mistakes. It's about how carry yourself in good and bad times and he is very consistent. His character is fantastic in every aspect.'
Premier League new boys Sunderland have already won more home Premier League games than Tottenham this year - despite Spurs having played nine more times.
Thomas Frank's side slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham in front of a furious home crowd on Saturday afternoon, in a result which means they have won just once in north London this campaign.
Since beating Burnley 3-0 on the opening day, Spurs have hosted and failed to beat Bournemouth, Wolves, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United and Marco Silva's men - who had been without an away win since May before the weekend.
Spurs have scored seven goals in six matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, an arena that was designed with the intent of welcoming goals, trophies and big, exciting moments.
Yet, thanks to the awful league form during Ange Postecoglou's final five months in charge, and Frank's inability thus far to get his team purring at home, Spurs fans have seen their side win just three Premier League ties at their own ground in 2025.
Having drawn three and lost the other 10, it makes Spurs the worst team at home this year other than now relegated - or recently promoted - sides such as Leeds United, Burnley, Leicester, Southampton and Ipswich Town.
Even West Ham, who have astonishingly won just twice at home this season, and Wolves, who are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table without so much as a single victory in the 2025/26 campaign, have performed better in front of their own fans this year.
Sunderland, who gained promotion this season, have won four out of their seven home league games and drawn the other three in what has been a mightily impressive start to life back in the big time.
Above them are the likes of Nottingham Forest and Fulham, before Manchester United land themselves the unwanted title of being the 12th worst home team - out of 23 - to have played in the Premier League this calendar year.
Brentford, Everton and Crystal Palace all find themselves with a win record of just under 50 per cent at home, while Bournemouth and Brighton win - on average - more than once every two games.
The top team at home in the Premier League are, by some distance, Manchester City, having won 14 out of 17 games. Meanwhile, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Liverpool round out the top four.
Arsenal, somewhat surprisingly, are in fifth ahead of Newcastle, but most of Mikel Arteta's side's dropped points came at the end of the 2024/25 campaign - losing twice at the Emirates between February and May.
It makes for dire reading for Frank, who was on the receiving end of a chorus of boos following Spurs' defeat to Fulham. In fact, the mood has soured so much to the point that Pedro Porro has even taken aim at the frustrated home crowd in recent days.
Porro was seen after the game having a go at Lucas Bergvall, who had stayed on the pitch to applaud the home supporters, whereas the Spaniard headed straight down the tunnel and chose not to acknowledge those in the stands.
He then posted to Instagram: 'Football is emotions. In football, as in life, there can always be mistakes.
'What I will not tolerate is hearing disrespect from the fans to my team-mates, hence my frustration at the end of the game.
'And we will get up. We remind you, six months ago, everything was so bad. In the end, it is not how it begins but how it ends. To the true Spurs fans, I love you.'
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was persistently booed on Saturday after giving the ball away for Harry Wilson's goal and Frank strongly criticised that vocal section of the crowd after the game.
He labelled the reaction to Vicario 'completely unacceptable' and said they 'can't be true Tottenham fans that do that'.
Frank's next chance to put Spurs' home form right comes against his old club, Brentford, who will be desperate to get one over their former boss when they visit north London on Saturday.
Pedro Porro has blamed some of Tottenham's fans for sparking his row with Lucas Bergvall after their 2-1 defeat by Fulham on Saturday.
The full-back has explained that their booing towards goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario - who was at fault for Fulham's second goal - incited his 'frustration'.
Porro was blasted for laying into 19-year-old Bergvall, seemingly because he was applauding the supporters, whereas the Spaniard stalked down the tunnel and chose not to acknowledge those in the stands.
'Football is emotions. In football, as in life, there can always be mistakes,' he wrote on Instagram.
'What I will not tolerate is hearing disrespect from the fans to my team-mates, hence my frustration at the end of the game.
'And we will get up. We remind you, six months ago, everything was so bad. In the end, it is not how it begins but how it ends.
'To the true Spurs fans, I love you.'
Vicario was persistently booed after giving the ball away for Harry Wilson's goal and Thomas Frank strongly criticised that vocal section of the crowd after the game.
He labelled the reaction to Vicario 'completely unacceptable' and said they 'can't be true Tottenham fans that do that'.
People were taking out their frustrations after finding the team 2-0 down after six minutes due to Kenny Tete and Wilson's goals.
Mohammed Kudus did claw one back but it was not enough to prevent them slipping to a fourth home defeat in the Premier League this season.
Only Wolves have a worse record at home this campaign.
Porro was roundly criticised by Spurs fans for his antics towards Bergvall in the aftermath.
One fan wrote on X: 'You people do not know how absolutely tired I am of Pedro Porro. And his antics at full time, not clapping the fans, ignoring the manager, but coming out to shout at Bergvall? Disgusting.'
Another said: 'Bergvall [is] a young kid who puts in more effort than experienced pros and has the decency to thank the fans and he’s got Porro digging him out. Coward.'
One commented: 'Porro shouting at Bergvall, who have everything and is applauding the fans… Wow. Bin.'
One said: 'It looks like there's a massive disconnect between the players and the fans. Very strange behaviour from Porro to call Bergvall to come down the tunnel, who was clapping the fans.'
Another said: 'Porro’s performance was atrocious. i heard recently that he even yelled at Bergvall for applauding the fans or something like that… he def needs a reality check.'
Thomas Frank hit back at those who booed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and claimed they were not 'true Tottenham fans' after losing at home to Fulham.
Vicario's mistake led to a second goal conceded inside the first six minutes and he was a target for jeers and ironic cheers from some sections of the home crowd.
'When you're down 2-0 after six minutes, there is a mountain to climb,' said Frank. 'The classic thing, when you're in a bad spell, everything seems to go against you as well. The first was a deflected shot, the second is a mistake from Vic.
'I didn't like that our fans booed at him straight after. For me that's unacceptable. They can't be true Tottenham fans because everyone supports each other when you're on the pitch and we do everything we can to perform.
'I'm fine with them booing after the match, no problem, but not during. To turn things around we need to do it together.'
Vicario apologised for his mistake and said: 'It's part of football. I'm a big man. We cannot be influenced by the situation in the stands.
'The fans have the right to say what they think. It's up to us to stay calm and focused on ourselves.'
Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson scored Fulham's goals. Mohamed Kudus pulled one back as Spurs improved in second half but they could not find an equaliser and have now won only three of their last 13 games.
'It was an emotional performance in the second half, and that's quite normal,' said Frank. 'We know that we badly want to win at home, so when it's not going your way, it is hard.
'That's why you need to stick to the plan, be cool and not stress. It is easier said than done.'
For Fulham, it was a first away win of the season. 'The first half was top,' said boss Marco Silva.
'We should have scored more, should have killed the game. That was the reality. The best team won.'
Tottenham star Pedro Porro has been blasted by some fans for laying into young Lucas Bergvall and ignoring the supporters after their 2-1 defeat by Fulham on Saturday night.
It's the sort of passion which might have earned him plaudits from some quarters but home fans weren't happy to see the full-back venting at the 19-year-old.
Spurs were lacklustre, conceding twice in the opening six minutes to lose to their struggling London rivals, and were booed at the end.
Thomas Frank is coming under increasing scrutiny after one win in the last seven games across all competitions.
And clearly the heat is getting to Porro, who gestured and vented at Bergvall before storming away. He quickly headed down the tunnel, removing his shirt and not applauding the fans. It is unclear why he was angry at Bergvall, but some have suggested it was because he was clapping the supporters, a stance Porro was unwilling to take perhaps because of the booing.
One fan wrote on X: 'You people do not know how absolutely tired I am of Pedro Porro. And his antics at full time, not clapping the fans, ignoring the manager, but coming out to shout at Bergvall? Disgusting.'
Another said: 'Bergvall [is] a young kid who puts in more effort than experienced pros and has the decency to thank the fans and he’s got Porro digging him out. Coward.'
One commented: 'Porro shouting at Bergvall, who have everything and is applauding the fans… Wow. Bin.'
One said: 'It looks like there's a massive disconnect between the players and the fans. Very strange behaviour from Porro to call Bergvall to come down the tunnel, who was clapping the fans.'
Another said: 'Porro’s performance was atrocious. i heard recently that he even yelled at Bergvall for applauding the fans or something like that… he def needs a reality check.'
Goals from Fulham's Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson inside the first six minutes saw Tottenham get off to a dreadful start.
Vicario was at fault for the second, giving the ball away after running out wide with it, though he was under pressure and didn't receive much help from his team-mates.
When Vicario next got on the ball, a portion of the home supporters booed him, while there were also jeers at full time.
Manager Frank called the response to Vicario 'completely unacceptable' and said they 'can't be true Tottenham fans that do that'.
Spurs' dismal home form continues. They've won one, drawn two, and lost four at home this season, the second-worst record in the league. They've now lost 10 home league games in 2025, a joint record with 1993 and 2004.
Here they were undone by a team who had only collected one point on the road all season coming into the match.
'Definitely conceding two goals in six minutes gives us a mountain to climb. I think it is the classic (thing that) when you are in a bad spell or a tough spell, things go against you,' Frank said.
'First one is a deflected shot and the second one is a mistake from Vicario. It happens.
'I didn’t like how the fans reacted to that. They booed at him straight after and also three or four times when he was on the ball. For me that is absolutely unacceptable. They can’t be true Tottenham fans.
'Booing after [the match], fair. No problem. But when we are playing we need to be together. If we turn it around, we need to do it together. That is hugely important for me.'
Of Tottenham’s three damaging results in seven days, this will go down as the worst for Thomas Frank.
Another failure in front of home fans, against a Fulham team without an away win since May. More points squandered in the Premier League, nudging them towards the bottom half.
Worse than the four-goal debacle at Arsenal. Another slip backward after grains of positivity in a five-goal defeat at Paris Saint- Germain.
They were booed off at half-time and again at the final whistle and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was a target for jeers and ironic cheers after his mistake led to Fulham’s second.
Spurs have won only three Premier League home games in the first 11 months of 2025. Next weekend, they will have another go against Brentford, the team Frank left to cross London.
First, they have a daunting trip to Newcastle, with pressure mounting and the doubts swirling around the Dane’s suitability for the job sure to increase after this.
His team made the worst possible start to a vital game, two goals down within six minutes.
First, a heavy slice of fortune for Fulham when Kenny Tete took aim from the edge of the penalty area and found the net via a huge deflection off Destiny Udogie, completely wrong-footing Vicario.
If the Spurs keeper was helpless for the first, he was culpable for the second. Racing from his goal to foil Raul Jimenez, he ended up in a left-back position from where he tried to play a pass down the flank.
He scuffed it to Josh King, the Fulham teenager with a quick mind and quicker feet who rolled the ball on to the left foot of Harry Wilson, and from there it was duly swerved into the open goal with sweet precision.
Spurs were shellshocked. In the stands, the mood shifted uneasily. Discontent rumbled down from the South Stand. Ironic cheers followed Vicario thereafter every time he caught a cross or kicked one clear.
On the pitch, with confidence damaged, natives restless and captain Cristian Romero serving a one-match ban for five yellow cards, Frank’s team creaked and nearly fell further behind.
Samuel Chukwueze hit a post with a curling left-footer from the edge of the box. Chukwueze, on loan from AC Milan and making his first Premier League start after a match-changing cameo as a substitute against Sunderland in the previous game, tormented Pedro Porro in the first half.
Tottenham’s formation, a 4-4-2 shape with the wide midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus tucking in behind Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison to make it 4-2-2-2, had been positively received in Paris on Wednesday, but it did not work here.
Porro was badly exposed and Chukwueze went close again before the interval speeding clear and dancing around Vicario only to be denied his first Fulham goal by a sensational sliding recovery tackle from Micky van de Ven.
There were times when Van de Ven, captain in Romero’s absence, seemed to be keeping the visitors at bay on his own. Another crucial header beat Jimenez to a cross.
Frank resisted the temptation to make changes at half-time, and his team had more urgency upon their return. They found a quicker tempo and got further up the pitch. They got Kudus and Porro on to the ball in better areas. Fulham, however, will reflect on how they dropped too deep and lost impetus.
Kolo Muani has improved Tottenham’s goal threat as he has recaptured his full sharpness. He went close with a header from a Porro cross before Kudus pulled one back, a ferocious strike from a pass by Bergvall.
Frank had three changes already lined up when the goal flew in. He sent them all on and the momentum was theirs, but they could not find the second goal.
Jimenez cleared a Bergvall header off the line before Fulham boss Marco Silva made changes. The fresh legs and defensive reinforcements secured victory. Spurs slide towards another crisis.
MATCH FACTS AND PLAYER RATINGS:
Spurs 442: Vicario 5; Porro 5.5, Danso 5.5, Van de Ven 7, Udogie 6 (Tel 85); Kudus 6.5, Palhinha 5 (Bentancur 60), Gray 6 (Odobert 60), Bergvall 6 (Sarr 77); Richarlison 5 (Simons 60), Kolo Muani 6.5.
Subs: Kinsky, Davies, Johnson, Spence
Goals: Kudus,
Bookings: Van de Ven, Udogie, Kolo Muani
Manager: Thomas Frank 5.5
Fulham 4231: Leno 6; Tete 7, Andersen 7.5, Bassey 7, Sessegnon 7; Iwobi 7 (Castagne 87), Berge 6.5; Wilson 6.5 (Lukic 68, 6), King 7 (Smith Rowe 68, 6), Chukwueze 8 (Kevin 80); Jimenez 6.5.
Subs: Lecomte, Traore, Cuenca, Cairney
Goals: Tete 4, Wilson 6,
Bookings: Jimenez
Manager: Marco Silva 7
Ref: Stuart Attwell 6
Att: 60,546
Porro was badly exposed and tormented by Chukwueze, who went close again in the first half, speeding clear and dancing around Vicario only to be denied his first Fulham goal by a sensational sliding recovery tackle from Micky van de Ven.
There were times when Van de Ven, captain in Romero's absence, seemed to be keeping the visitors at bay single-handedly. Another crucial header to beat Jimenez to a cross.
Booed off at half-time, Frank resisted the temptation to make changes, but his team returned with more urgency.
They found a quicker tempo and got further up the pitch.
They got Kudus and Porro onto the ball in better areas. Although Fulham will reflect on how they dropped too deep and lost impetus.
Kolo Muani has improved Tottenham’s goal threat as he has recaptured his full sharpness.
He went close with a header from a Porro cross before Kudus pulled one back, a ferocious strike from a pass by Bergvall.
Frank had three changes already lined up when the goal went in.
He threw them on and suddenly the momentum was theirs until Marco Silva responded with changes to restore an element of control, giving Fulham fresh legs and defensive reinforcements. And, ultimately, victory.