Thomas Frank's most important match in his coaching career at Tottenham will take place this weekend.
For Frank, a home defeat to the same city rivals London - the team currently ranked 18th and experiencing a 10-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League - is almost unimaginable scenario.
In the context that West Ham coach Nuno Espirito Santo is also under heavy pressure, this is a match that many experts call "El Sackico" - a confrontation that could decide the coaching chair of both teams.
However, Frank's press conference did not show that his position was seriously threatened. On the contrary, the Danish strategist appeared with a comfortable attitude, a constant smile and a challenging attitude.
In fact, Frank seems to have received some positive signals in recent days. It feels like he has been guaranteed more time to turn the tide, maybe until the end of the season.
The emotion at the press conference recalled the early stages of the season, when everything was still favorable for Frank. He answered very long, showing confidence and decisiveness - something not often seen during the crisis.
Last week also brought positive changes to Tottenham. In the middle of the week, the club completed a notable contract with Conor Gallagher, who joined Atletico Madrid for a fee of 34 million pounds.
A day later, Spurs continued to announce two important decisions. John Heitinga was appointed as assistant coach of the first team, while Carlos Raphael Moersen took on the role of CEO of football activities - a new position in the club's operating apparatus.
Moersen will work closely with Sporting Director Johan Lange in the modern football model that Tottenham is building, while the club has not yet identified a replacement for Fabio Paratici after his departure.
However, the atmosphere at Tottenham is still full of instability. The defeat to Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend was Spurs' seventh defeat in the last 13 matches. Notably, Frank's team has not yet won any in 2026.
The booing sound when the match ended showed that the patience of fans was gradually running out. A part of the fans were disappointed with the defensive playing style, while others expressed dissatisfaction with Frank's statements at press conferences.
Even protests against the board of directors were planned before this weekend's match, although it is not clear what the actual scale will be after Gallagher arrives at Tottenham.
Lewis's family and CEO Vinai Venkatesham are expected to be present in the stands. If the tense atmosphere continues to spread, even bigger consequences could completely occur.
Frank understands very well that, against an opponent struggling in the relegation battle, only a victory with a convincing attacking style of play is enough to soothe the crisis that is enveloping Tottenham.
