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THOMAS FRANK MAKES BOLD "WINE PROMISE" AFTER TOTTENHAM SINK 10-MAN DORTMUND 2-0

Thomas Frank claims he has the backing of Spurs' owners after a 2-0 win over Dortmund. Read our exclusive analysis of his future.

Thomas Frank makes bold "wine promise" after Tottenham sink 10-man Dortmund 2-0
Frank secures a vital lifeline

Thomas Frank thinks Tottenham’s Champions League run should be enough to keep him in the job. After a much-needed win, he promised to celebrate with two big glasses of red wine. Spurs are now closing in on the knockout stages.

Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke, finally back from injury, both scored against a Borussia Dortmund side that finished with ten men. If Tottenham win at Eintracht Frankfurt next week, they’ll lock up a spot in the top eight and skip the play-off round.

Asked how he’d celebrate, Frank didn’t hesitate: “Two big glasses of red will be necessary.”

Frank’s been fighting for his job all week, and the club’s top brass showed up at the stadium to watch. He says this win gives him something to build on.

“It’s about the team and everything, but I get why you’re asking,” Frank said. “Honestly, I’ve felt like everyone’s with us—the staff, the players, the owners. Everyone wants the same thing. We’re all on the same page, and a lot of things are heading in the right direction.

“It was a big performance and a big win, but I know we need to stay consistent and keep building. I see a team that’s working so hard, and that’s a real sign we’re creating the right culture, step by step.

“It felt like one of those special European nights—the energy was something else. That was really nice.”

On Saturday, fans booed him after a loss to West Ham, but this time the crowd was behind the team. That support gives Frank hope he can turn things around.

“It was important to get this win, especially at home,” he said. “The performance, the result—now can we build on it? We asked the fans for help, and they delivered. The energy between the players and the crowd was magic.

“The players have given me everything, which is exactly what you want as a coach. Dom gave everything tonight—it was great to have him back out there.

“We’ve got to keep building on this, starting with Burnley on Saturday. We have to believe. We have to do everything we can to finish in the top eight. That means two fewer games.”

CONOR GALLAGHER CONFIRMED AS "VITAL" STARTER FOR SPURS FOLLOWING BENTANCUR’S INJURY LAYOFF

Conor Gallagher proved the doubters wrong against Man City. Discover why his €40m move to Tottenham is finally paying off for Spurs.

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Conor Gallagher secured first Spurs assist as Tottenham snatched a point at City

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid both decided Conor Gallagher wasn’t worth the trouble. At Chelsea, he had his moments—Pochettino liked him, but the fans never really warmed up. When Chelsea shipped him off to Atletico, it made sense. Enzo Fernandez stepped up, took over Gallagher’s role, and fit in perfectly next to Caicedo, with Cole Palmer adding that extra spark up front.

Things didn’t get much better for Gallagher in Spain. He barely got a chance at Atleti, lost his spot in the starting eleven, and pretty much ended up on the transfer list before anyone had time to blink. Interest was lukewarm at best until the winter window rolled around. Aston Villa wanted him and went after him pretty aggressively, but then Tottenham swooped in late. Spurs needed someone to patch up the midfield after Bentancur’s injury, so they just paid up—40 million euros, no hesitation.

His start at Tottenham? Rough. Honestly, that was to be expected. He’d played well at Palace before, but after his struggles at Atleti, he needed time to adjust. Sitting on the bench in Spain didn’t do him any favours.

Then Gallagher showed up. People doubted whether he could really add creativity and move the ball forward for Spurs, so his early struggles got people worried. But then came the 2-2 draw against Manchester City. He suddenly looked like the player both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank were so desperate to sign.

Against City, Gallagher flipped the script. He set up a crucial assist, drove play forward on the dribble, and kept drawing fouls—everything the Spurs needed. Defensively, he was all over the place in a good way: two tackles, three interceptions, a full 90 minutes, and a huge part of the Spurs clawing their way back into the game.

Tottenham fans loved it. They saw the effort, the attitude, and the hunger to win. Gallagher just wouldn’t quit, and in that second half, he, Xavi Simons, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke ran the show. Four of those guys have been carrying Spurs lately, so Gallagher is fitting right in with them. That’s a pretty good sign he’s going to work out just fine in North London.

AC MILAN MEDICAL FAILURE: THE HIDDEN KNEE INJURY THAT CRUSHED MATETA’S £30M MOVE

Jean-Philippe Mateta's £30m move to AC Milan is OFF. Discover why a failed medical has put his France World Cup dreams in jeopardy.

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Mateta’s "dream move" suddenly turned toxic.

Jean Philippe-Mateta’s got a real headache right now. The Crystal Palace striker just watched his £30 million dream move to AC Milan blow up at the last minute, all because a knee problem showed up during his medical.

The thing is, Mateta’s been carrying this injury for a while. Now he’s stuck: should he go under the knife and try to recover in time for the World Cup? He wants to make the France squad this summer, but nothing’s guaranteed. Even if he has surgery, there’s no telling if he’ll be fit enough—or have enough time on the pitch—to convince Didier Deschamps he deserves a spot.

The injury’s been dragging him down anyway. It’s messing with his form and his game time, and he’s worried he won’t get a real shot at proving himself for France if he isn’t at his best.

It’s tough because he’s coming off a fantastic year at Palace. FA Cup winner, big goals, helped the club reach Europe—it’s been a dream run. But now he might have to go back to Selhurst Park, even though he’s made it clear he’s had enough and wants out.

Honestly, it feels like only a matter of time before he leaves. His contract runs out next summer, and Palace can’t risk losing him for nothing. They’ve already watched Marc Guehi go to Man City for a bargain, just because his deal was running down.

Now Mateta has to sit down with Palace and the doctors to figure out what to do about his knee. Surgery would sideline him for months, probably killing his World Cup chances.

He’s gutted about Milan falling through, especially after Juventus cooled their interest and Nottingham Forest had an offer turned down. Over the weekend, he even unfollowed Palace on Instagram and posted a fed-up emoji. No one really knows if he’ll even make the squad for the Brighton game.

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