Thomas Frank says support from the Tottenham board remains strong, even after renewed questions over the head coach’s position. Discussion around the future of Frank intensified following a 2-1 loss to relegation-threatened West Ham, yet Tottenham have chosen to keep faith in the Dane before the Champions League meeting with Borussia Dortmund.
That defeat at West Ham stretched Tottenham’s winless sequence to five matches in all competitions. During this difficult spell, Spurs dropped to 14th in the Premier League and exited the FA Cup in the third round against Aston Villa, increasing scrutiny on results and performances across domestic competitions.
While league results have stalled, Tottenham move into the Borussia Dortmund tie in a promising
Champions League position. Spurs currently sit 11th in the new 36-team table, only one point outside the automatic qualification places, and Frank’s side have built strong momentum at home in Europe this season.
Tottenham have won every Champions League home match in this campaign so far, taking three victories without conceding a goal and scoring eight times at their own ground. Spurs are also unbeaten in 23 consecutive home fixtures in UEFA competition, with a record of 19 wins and four draws during that run.
Tottenham’s recent Champions League history against Borussia Dortmund also offers encouragement before Tuesday’s fixture. Spurs have faced the German club four times in the competition, across the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, and won all four meetings. Those results underline a positive head-to-head record that Frank hopes to extend.
Key statistics around Tottenham’s current situation and Champions League campaign can be summarised as follows:
| Competition | Detail |
|---|---|
| Premier League | Five-game winless run; 14th place |
| FA Cup | Eliminated in third round by Aston Villa |
| Champions League table | 11th of 36 teams; one point off automatic qualification spots |
| Champions League vs Dortmund | Four wins from four matches (2017-18 and 2018-19) |
| Home European form | 23-game unbeaten streak (W19 D4) |
| 2025-26 UCL home record | Three wins, eight goals scored, none conceded |
Frank says contact with senior Tottenham figures has reinforced a feeling of backing from inside the club. The head coach explains that recent conversations, including a lunch with decision-makers, supported his view that the board trusts the current project despite short-term pressure from results and outside debate.
"I've just been, how can you say, feeling the trust along the way," Frank said in his pre-match press conference. "I've said that every press meeting. I had lunch with Nick [Beucher], Vinai [Venkatesham, CEO] and Johan [Lange, sporting director] today, and it was all good. It's all part of the media circus, and I can only think about winning against Dortmund. I am not in doubt [that he can win over Spurs fans]. In this game, you always need resilience. "
Returning to @ChampionsLeague action next pic.twitter.com/bue7AcfhNbTottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 19, 2026
Frank expands on resilience as a key requirement when working under pressure at Tottenham. "The three biggest things in showing resilience are having good values, and I believe I am a guy that has good values. Second is you know the reality, and the reality is that one in five people don't like you, no matter what you do, and one in five love you no matter what you doboth sides are probably biased, no matter what you do. And then there is the third thing. If you behave well, are respectful and show integrity, then you are sweet. The reality is not everyone will like you. "
Squad news for the Dortmund match includes a change in the Champions League list. Frank confirms Dominic Solanke returns to the European squad to cover the injured Richarlison, with Mathys Tel omitted from the group for a second time. Ben Davies is also ruled out for a long period after Spurs announced surgery on a fractured left ankle.
"If your back is against the wall, you fight," Frank said. "I am energetic, and I fight. It is not about me; we need to win football matches, and we need to do that together. We are ready and focused on the game together, and the players look good. There are a lot of signs that this is going the right way. We still need to find a way to get over the line, and I think we are much closer than we think. I am not in doubt that it is the right thing. I am not in doubt that things will turn, but I know we need to win more football matches. "
With strong Champions League form balancing domestic struggles, Tottenham approach the Dortmund fixture with pressure and optimism. Frank relies on backing from the club hierarchy, strong home European statistics and key squad adjustments, while accepting that improved results are required to change the mood around Tottenham’s season.
