Thomas Frank urged to be ruthless and axe Tottenham star after dreadful display against Monaco
It hasn’t taken long for cracks to appear in Thomas Frank’s Tottenham project, with the Lilywhites held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night. What initially felt like a bold new era in north London has, in recent weeks, begun to resemble the same struggles of previous seasons.
The summer exit of Daniel Levy was seen as a fresh chapter for the club, and early optimism soared after a series of big-name arrivals. Xavi Simons chose Spurs over Chelsea, Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham, and several others joined to strengthen the squad.
Tottenham’s 2025/26 summer signings:
Player Signed from Price
Xavi Simons Bayern Munich £56.4m
Mohammed Kudus West Ham £55.4m
Mathys Tel Bayern Munich £30m
Kevin Danso RC Lens £21.7m
Luka Vuskovic Hajduk Split £9.5m
Kota Takai Kawasaki Frontale £4.3m
Joao Palhinha Bayern Munich Loan
Randal Kolo Muani PSG Loan
Early results, including statement wins away at Manchester City (2-0) and West Ham (3-0), hinted at genuine progress. But recent form has brought Tottenham crashing back to reality, highlighting that their rebuild remains a work in progress.
Back-to-back home defeats to Bournemouth and Aston Villa—yielding just one goal in three hours of football—sparked the first signs of concern. And after another lifeless performance in Monaco, where Spurs struggled to create clear chances, pressure is mounting on Frank to shake up his attack. Many fans believe that must start with dropping Richarlison.
Richarlison under fire after woeful Monaco showing
Richarlison’s inconsistency has long been his downfall, preventing him from becoming the dependable forward he once was at Everton. That trend has continued this season: after contributing to three goals in his first two league games, he has found the net just once in his last 11 appearances in all competitions.
His display in Monaco may have been the final straw. In 70 minutes, he managed just one blocked shot, completed six passes, and lost possession five times through poor control. Spurs fans vented their anger online, calling for the £90,000-a-week forward to be sold. One wrote, “Sell Richarlison ASAP,” while another fumed, “He should be told tonight to leave for free—just get out of our club.”
The problem for Frank is that options up front are limited. Dominic Solanke would be the natural replacement, but he’s currently recovering from ankle surgery. That leaves Randal Kolo Muani, on loan from PSG, as the only realistic alternative.
The Frenchman, though not always prolific, offers pace and European experience—qualities Spurs desperately need. Many supporters feel he deserves a run in the side while the club reassesses their striker options in the January window.
