Thomas Frank told to bench two Tottenham players for the next two matches, even though they have already issued a private apology
A pundit has claimed that Thomas Frank may have no option but to take tough action after feeling disrespected by Tottenham duo Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence.
Tottenham’s poor showing against Chelsea has been somewhat forgotten due to what happened after the match. Footage emerged of Van de Ven and Spence walking straight past Frank and heading down the tunnel, ignoring the manager, who then turned and stared at them in disbelief.
Frank later downplayed the incident, suggesting the players were simply upset by the defeat. However, he has now been urged not to let that type of behaviour go unchecked.
Pundit says Frank must lay down the law
Former Arsenal winger Perry Groves says the Spurs boss was clearly shown a lack of respect, and that his reaction made it obvious he wasn’t happy. Groves believes Frank should make it clear to both players that they will be dropped if anything like that happens again.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Groves said:
“It was disrespect, pure and simple. The way he looked at them said it all. He couldn’t believe what they did. Frank is a good coach, but he’s now in a different environment. He never had to deal with this kind of ego at Brentford.”
Groves added that Frank needs to handle the situation privately but firmly, speaking to each player individually and reminding them that questioning him publicly is unacceptable.
Duo apologised behind closed doors
Frank revealed on Monday that both Van de Ven and Spence came to his office without being told and apologised for the incident. They insisted their actions weren’t meant to be disrespectful, but were simply a result of frustration with the defeat and the boos from the home crowd.
Frank in a difficult spot
Reports suggest Tottenham believe the pair acted out of emotion rather than intentionally snubbing their manager, and the club is not treating it as a serious act of defiance.
Even so, Frank is now stuck in a tricky situation. Dropping two key players could damage the team further at a time when fans are already beginning to lose patience with him.
Despite that, TalkSPORT’s Hugh Woozencroft says Frank should take a firm stance and leave both players out for the next two matches, including the upcoming clash with Manchester United.
He said:
“If it were me, they’d miss both the midweek game and the United match. Yes, Spurs might need them, but standards matter. What they did showed egos bigger than their ability, and the manager has to make an example.”
