Frank's Survival Hinges on Pivotal Spurs Run as De Zerbi Eyes Bigger Prize

Tottenham's hierarchy are growing increasingly concerned about Thomas Frank's position and are reportedly weighing up their options, with one specific factor emerging as absolutely critical to his immediate future at the club.

The 52-year-old arrived from Brentford last summer tasked with restoring order to a Spurs side that had endured a torrid campaign under Ange Postecoglou. While Frank initially steadied the ship by implementing a more defensively-minded approach, recent form has been nothing short of disastrous. The north London club have mustered just one win from their last 13 outings across all competitions, with performances growing increasingly stale and results following suit.

Wednesday's 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth—a side that arrived without a win in ten games—only intensified the pressure. Yet Frank remained defiant in his post-match assessment, insisting his team deserved significantly more from their recent efforts.

"The last five games we played have been consistent, good, competitive performances," Frank told reporters on Thursday. "Those five games should have given us more than the five points we got. Probably eight, nine, 10 points. That's what we are focusing on. It is my job to deal with scrutiny. I will take all the questions and the blame. It is also my job to look through everything and look through the defeat last night. It was emotional but in many ways it was good and we deserve more."

The manager added: "The last two games should have got us four points maybe more."

Three home fixtures have been identified as absolutely pivotal in determining whether Frank remains in charge. An FA Cup third-round tie against in-form Aston Villa this Saturday kicks things off, followed by a Premier League encounter with West Ham United on January 17, and then a Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on January 20. These matches represent a genuine crossroads moment for the embattled coach.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have apparently identified Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi as their primary target should they decide to make a managerial change. However, the Italian tactician's head is being turned elsewhere—he would reportedly favour a move to Manchester United should the Red Devils come calling.

According to sources, De Zerbi is flattered by Spurs' interest but views Old Trafford as the more attractive proposition. For now, though, all eyes are on how Frank's side respond over the coming weeks.