Tottenham have sacked Thomas Frank following a dismal run of two wins in their last 17 Premier League games, and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are their next opponents
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta paid a classy tribute to the ‘extraordinary’ Thomas Frank after his sacking at Tottenham was confirmed. Spurs announced Frank’s departure on Wednesday morning, little over 12 hours after they were beaten 2-1 at home to Newcastle.
Tottenham are hovering just five points above the relegation zone, and despite finishing fourth in the Champions League table, the former Brentford manager’s reign has come to an end after only eight months. Spurs’ next match is the small matter of a North London derby against Arsenal a week on Sunday.
In response to the ‘sad news’ of his sacking, Arteta heaped praise on Frank. The Gunners boss began: “Well, always very sad news when you have a colleague that doesn’t continue doing his job because Thomas is an excellent coach, he’s an extraordinary man as well and he’s proven that in the league.
“We know where we are. We know that our responsibility is beyond just performance. That sometimes result dictates what happens with us. We wish him all the very best for whatever he decides to do next.”
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Asked whether he believes that Premier League clubs are becoming more impatient, Arteta replied: “I don’t know. I don’t think you can just take every example in the same possible way. I think in the context of every club it is very different but it’s always a possibility.”
Tottenham initially showed patience with Frank but a dismal run of two wins from their last 17 Premier League games – coupled with an early FA Cup exit – ultimately spelled the end. Spurs said in a statement: “The club has taken the decision to make a change in the men’s head coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today.
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“Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together. However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.”
Frank has already been tipped for another job in the Premier League. Crystal Palace are looking for a new manager for next season, as Oliver Glasner has already confirmed that he’ll be leaving upon the expiry of his contract at Selhurst Park.
As for his successor at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino is the favourite. The problem, however, is that Pochettino is currently in charge of the USA, one of the co-hosts at this summer’s World Cup, so appointing him would be difficult.
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