The Japan Times - Frank on the brink as Romero calls for unity amid Spurs 'disaster'

Tottenham fans called for Frank to be axed during Saturday's dismal 2-1 home defeat against struggling West Ham.

It was Tottenham's third defeat in a row and eighth loss in 14 matches, leaving Frank on the brink of being dismissed just seven months after arriving from Brentford.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero admitted his team are in a "disaster moment" and reports on Sunday said the north London team's powerbrokers have met to debate Frank's fate.

Only half a season after being hired from Brentford with a reputation as one of the most talented managers in the Premier League, Frank is anxiously awaiting a verdict on whether he will avoid the sack.

Tottenham have won just once in their last eight matches and have been knocked out of both the FA Cup and League Cup.

They are 11th in the Champions League group phase ahead of a crucial visit from Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in the battle to qualify for the last 16.

Languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with just seven wins from their 22 top-flight games this season, Tottenham have arguably fared worse with Frank in charge as they did under his predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou was sacked at the end of last season despite ending the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League to earn qualification for the Champions League.

Tottenham came 17th in the Premier League last season but Postecoglou's attacking tactics at least provided entertainment, in contrast to Frank's dour defensive game-plan.

Romero, who scored in the West Ham loss, pulled no punches as he urged his club to stick together.

The Argentine centre-back said: "Obviously another loss, a game at home, for me only one message for the fans, thank you for always staying with us.

"It is difficult and also a disaster moment for us, but especially in this moment, we need silence.

"Back tomorrow in training work, work hard every day and stay together. In three days we have another big match and this moment it is really silence and work hard."

Romero believes a Tottenham win over Dortmund would help turn the tide, assuming Frank is still in charge by then.

"It is a difficult moment, it is like a disaster but Champions League, we have another big opportunity to maybe win and go to top eight and go to the next round. That's the most important thing," he said.

M.Fujitav--JT