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Tottenham supporters once again directed their frustration towards Thomas Frank on Thursday night, with one particular selection call drawing criticism following the draw against Brentford.
Tottenham Hotspur are severely depleted in the number ten position following the absence of several key options.
James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall are all injured, while Xavi Simons is suspended and Pape Matar Sarr is away on AFCON duty.
These absences meant Thomas Frank needed a solution against Brentford, with his side short of creative options heading into the fixture.
Tottenham fans question Thomas Frank decision to leave out Luca Williams-Barnett against Brentford
The Dane opted to play Archie Gray out of position as the creative midfielder in what was a makeshift midfield three that also included Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha.
Frank also had the option of including one of the club’s academy prospects, with Luca Williams-Barnett a candidate for the Spurs matchday squad, but instead opted to name two goalkeepers on the bench.
Spurs fans were far from impressed with the decision, and many were quick to call out the manager for overlooking young talent.
One supporter said, “Frank is another manager who is too scared to play kids. Why? Do not give me this nonsense about him not being ready. He will not play Tel either. Taking a risk if you do not take a risk.”
Another added: “Two goalkeepers? What a weird selection. Shows a lack of faith in the young player.”
A third commented: “You do wonder the thought process behind this. What is the point in two goalkeepers? There is not one other youngster that could have made the bench, not just Frank, managers before too.”
Another supporter stated: “I will never understand two keepers on the bench. Even if the kid will never get on, put him on the bench.”
One fan replied sarcastically: “He knows how to improve youngsters. They really lied a lot to us in the summer.”
Another asked: “Have we had a manager so anti Tottenham?” while a final supporter added: “Scared manager. To dare is to do is not a motto that sits comfortably on his shoulders. Two keepers and that midfield is shocking.”
Frank decisions continue to frustrate Spurs supporters
Indeed, Thomas Frank’s decisions during games often leave many wondering whether he understands what it means to be Tottenham manager.
Given how he sets up his side and the decisions he makes, there are growing claims that he is not the right fit for Spurs.
We have seen the manager opt for conservative changes when his side is chasing games, rather than making attacking adjustments.
This is a far cry from what he said upon his appointment in August, when he claimed that not taking risks is a risk in itself.
Taking a punt on a youngster and including an attacking option on the bench, should a goal be needed, was a low-risk decision he could have made ahead of the Brentford clash.
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