Ally McCoist comes in defence of Thomas Frank after Tottenham’s limp home defeat to bitter rivals Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in what was a terrible display as their poor form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium continued. They were far from their best and were comprehensively outplayed by their local rivals. Despite an encouraging start to the campaign, the Lilywhites have now suffered three Premier League defeats at home already.
Many had questioned the appointment of Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s successor, worrying the jump from Brentford to Spurs would be too big. However, the 52-year-old silenced his critics early in the season, and before the Chelsea game, they were sitting third in the Premier League table.
Back-to-back home losses to Aston Villa and Chelsea has certainly changed the mood around N17. At the moment, Spurs have managed just one win on home soil, collecting four points from a possible 15. It is not only the lack of victories that has raised concerns, but also the pragmatic, one-paced style of play, which has left sections of the fan base frustrated.
TalkSPORT pundit thinks Tottenham are getting unfairly criticised
Ange Postecoglou was sacked from his post despite ending the club’s 17-year-long trophy drought in May by delivering the Europa League title. The Hotspur Way bosses were delighted with the Europa League trophy, but the team finishing 17th in the league was deemed unacceptable, leading to Ange getting the boot.
Thomas Frank was brought in as his replacement in June, and one of the first tasks he faced was to provide Tottenham with stability in the league. Going by the start the north Londoners have made in the league under him, it is a positive one, as they lie sixth in the standings and only a point behind fourth-placed surprise package Sunderland.
While the Dane is being criticised by certain sections of the fanbase and the media, football pundit and commentator Ally McCoist has leapt into the defence of the Tottenham boss. Even though he understands the fans’ frustration over the defeat to local rivals Chelsea and recent abject displays, the former Scotland international claims the team’s current fifth position would have been accepted by many.
“Yeah, we’re probably blinkered a little bit with a new manager coming in. The fact they won the Europa League, which you know, which we whatever way you look at it, I think still a very, very good achievement,” Ally McCoist said on talkSPORT.
“But what we’re obviously seeing now is a difference between the Europa League and the Champions League. Uh and there is there’s an incredible jump between the standards and that those particular tournaments for me. So, Tottenham will never I would argue Tottenham’s league position right now isn’t that bad.
“I know they’re understandably getting upset about the level of performance at the weekend and so they should be coz it wasn’t a good one but Tottenham sitting where they fifth right now. I think that for Tottenham is a place a lot of them would have accepted at this moment in time.”
There are signs of improvement under Frank
Despite the spineless defeat to Chelsea, it is fair to say that Frank’s Tottenham are still in contention near the top end of the Premier League table. Frank has provided stability and belief to his side, helping the players to slowly overcome the horrors of last season. It would totally unjust to expect the Dane to use his magic wand and make Spurs title contenders instantly after just one summer transfer window.
The ex-Brentford is laying the bricks for a better future. There are going to be obstacles and tough times on the road, and the coach, team and the fans have to deal with it in a unified manner and overcome it to achieve success. The north Londoners lying sixth in the table after 10 games just shows the massive strides they have taken under Frank’s guidance.
With more time on the pitch, experience, cohesion between the players, return of key stars and a dash of luck, things will certainly get better for Tottenham.