Soccer
Thomas Frank says he understands Tottenham fans’ frustration after his team were once again greeted by boos at the full-time whistle during their FA Cup loss to Aston Villa.
Spurs suffered a 2-1 defeat to Villa, whose goals from Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers were enough to take them through despite a spirited second half from the hosts.
Wilson Odobert pulled a goal back in the 54th minute, and Xavi Simons saw a late goal disallowed for offside, but Spurs fell just short in their comeback attempt.
It is the first time Spurs have failed to reach the fourth round of the FA cup since 2013-14 (eliminated in the third round by Arsenal), having done so in each of the previous 11 seasons.
And the pressure has already been piling on Frank for results in recent weeks due to results, though the Dane found positives from the defeat.
“Our second half was exactly how we wanted it to be,” he said. “Energy, intensity, tempo, playing forward, and the fans pushed us on.
“We got a goal and had chances for a second one. Unfortunately, we didn’t get it, and in the end, it wasn’t enough. If we had played two halves like that, we would have won the game.
“Of course I understand the [fans’] frustration. Understandable. But I also think what was very nice to see in the second half was how unified the team and the fans were together. They fed off each other’s energy. How we played and went forward – that’s what we need to build going forward.
“In the second half, the passion, character and intensity that we played with, that’s what we need to bring every game and every 90 minutes.
“It was exactly the opposite against Sunderland. We started fantastically in the first half, but couldn’t keep up in the second half. If we can put two halves like that together, then it would look much better.”
At the full-time whistle, a melee broke out behind one of the goals as Ollie Watkins went over to celebrate with the Villa fans, too close to Joao Palhinha, sparking a coming together between players and staff from both clubs.
It is the second such incident in as many games, after several players were involved in angry exchanges following the loss to Bournemouth on Wednesday.
Asked if his players were losing control, Frank added: “Of course, it is all about keeping a cool head.
“The players gave everything out there, losing a tight game, the season is not going perfect, and I think Ollie is very provoking in the way he’s going down to celebrate in front of the Villa fans.
“He is just walking into Joao, and he could just easily walk around. Everyone who has been of a competitive nature, it is difficult, that can trigger things.”
Spurs were also dealt an injury blow, with Richarlison forced off just after the half-hour mark with an apparent hamstring injury.
Frank confirmed he did not know the extent of the issue, but believes the congested schedule likely played its part.
“It’s a bigger question for the football authorities,” he added. “We have had a very tight schedule with five games in 13 days.
“Four [games] in 10 days for the third time this season. That’s something we need to look into. Two off days in between games is a very short turnaround.
“It’s not just us, but there are a lot of clubs who are dealing with that.”
Read MoreSoccerNews