Thomas Frank Discusses Mauricio Pochettino’s Enduring Legacy
Thomas Frank has expressed that if Tottenham fans chant Mauricio Pochettino’s name over his own in the upcoming match against Newcastle, it is “well deserved” recognition for the Argentine coach.
Spurs have struggled significantly this season, managing only two victories in their last 16 Premier League matches. This has led to supporters showing appreciation for Pochettino, particularly during last Saturday’s game at Old Trafford, where he previously helped the club secure notable achievements, including a Champions League final appearance.
In a recent appearance on the High Performance podcast, Pochettino expressed his belief that Tottenham should aspire to compete for titles, as they currently find themselves in 15th place in the league table. Frank holds that the fans’ tribute to Pochettino is not disrespectful but justified.
Frank remarked, “Mauricio is a legendary figure here. Although he did not win any trophies, he transformed the club into a serious contender, bringing them close to winning the Premier League and leading them to a Champions League final. Therefore, if the fans sing for him, it’s very well deserved.”
Currently, Tottenham is dangerously close to the relegation zone, sitting just six points above West Ham. In his press conference, Frank chose to avoid the term “relegation,” instead emphasizing the urgency for his team to earn points to climb up the table, referring to their situation as “desperate.”
Both Tottenham and Newcastle have faced challenges in balancing the demands of their respective league and European commitments. Frank acknowledged that the physical strain on their squad has been considerable and emphasized the need for improved physical and mental resilience.
Ahead of Tuesday’s match, the Spurs will have Djed Spence available but will be without Destiny Udogie due to a hamstring injury. Frank confirmed Micky van de Ven will serve as captain in place of Cristian Romero, who is suspended. The focus remains on improving their performance to gain momentum moving forward in the season.
