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 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.”
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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