Tottenham Stars Snub Thomas Frank After Chelsea Defeat as Manager Admits Record-Low Performance Hurt ‘Massively’

Spurs boss says he ‘100 per cent’ understands fans’ frustration after side records worst-ever expected goals in Premier League history

Thomas Frank admitted he was “massively hurt” after overseeing Tottenham Hotspur’s lowest-ever expected goals (xG) tally in a Premier League match and said he fully understood both his players’ and the supporters’ frustrations following their 1–0 home defeat to Chelsea.

Spurs registered an xG of just 0.05, the lowest since the metric was introduced in 2012, and were booed off by angry fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank, who conducted his customary post-match lap to thank those still in attendance, was caught in an awkward moment when players Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven appeared to ignore him as he tried to speak to them.

In footage shared by reporter Chris Cowlin, Spence could be seen gesturing in apparent frustration before heading towards the tunnel.

“The players are of course frustrated,” Frank explained afterwards. “They like to do well, like to win, like to perform well, so I understand that. We can be consistent in good times and bad times — that’s why I went around to the fans as I did. It’s more fun when we win, I can tell you that.

“I understand why you’re asking the question but I’d say that’s one of the small issues. Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence are doing everything they can. Everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way. I don’t think it’s a big problem.”

Reflecting on the poor attacking display, Frank admitted: “That of course hurt massively. I’ve never been in charge of a team that created that little in one game. Never. That’s something I will look into and try to make better.”

On the fans’ reaction, he added: “Yes, 100 per cent. We all sense the frustration and the emotions. That’s part of football. It’s extremely painful.

“Of course, it’s part of the job to face you guys now and answer your very good questions when you are just burning inside and you want to find solutions. But it’s about trying to stay calm. In general, I think Chelsea were good, we were definitely second best, we performed badly.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca praised midfielder Moises Caicedo, describing him as “the best defensive midfielder in the world alongside Manchester City’s Rodri”.