6 days ago
27
Glen Hoddle has given an explanation as to why Xavi Simons' early goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League was ruled out on Wednesday evening.
The Dutchman fired home from close range just two minutes into play at the Deutsche Bank Park, connecting with a parried rebound from Destiny Udogie's initial shot.
However, celebrations were short lived in the visitors' end, as VAR swiftly intervened to carefully scrutinise the build-up.
In the end, Udogie was ruled to be in an offside position as he made the initial run in behind Frankfurt's backline, with Jesús Gil Manzano awarding a free kick to the hosts as a result.
It didn't take Hoddle, on co-commentary duties for TNT Sports on the evening, long to give his verdict on the decision.
He said: "I think they are saying it was a foul.
"He was in an offside position, but just there he has pulled his arm back.
FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"He [Thomas Frank] hasn't seen the foul, but it was a foul. He was interfering with play."
It comes as Frank faces increasing pressure to turn the tide at Spurs in the coming weeks, as fans grow discontent with diminishing domestic performances.
While Spurs headed into their Champions League encounter with Frankfurt fifth in the Champions League standings, the state of play in the Premier League starkly contrasts - the north London outfit languishing in 14th in the English top flight.
However, speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Wednesday evening's match, Joe Cole insisted that Frank should not take sole responsibility for an incredibly testing period for Tottenham.
The former West Ham and Chelsea star said: "We were talking off air there, and I really feel for Thomas Frank. Daniel Levy's left, who knew everything at that club, everything went through him; he chose the spoons in the kitchen.
"So it's a real mess at the moment, and the fans are still calling for change, but where do you want to change it to? They won't win trophies, think it's one or two in 30, 40 years.
"They want to play like this, then they don't want to play like that, and Thomas Frank is just the front man. Just give him time, let him do his thing; he did it at Brentford.
"He did it at his previous club, where he built something, and he's in the middle of a firestorm at the moment. Everything is coming on Thomas Frank, but I think the dressing room at Spurs really needs addressing.
"Some of the behaviour from the players towards Thomas Frank and their own fans and some of the stuff online and all that nonsense, I just think that's the problem at Tottenham, it's not Thomas Frank."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
English (US) ·