Thomas Frank: Spurs boss under more pressure and scrutiny after holding Arsenal-branded cup
Tottenham fans have expressed their disappointment many times this season.
There were chants of “boring, boring Tottenham” during last week’s goalless draw against Frank’s former club Brentford, while Sunderland players were also booed following the draw.
After the final whistle at Bournemouth, Palhinha and defender Micky van de Ven chatted with the traveling Tottenham faithful following the jeers and comments directed at the team.
Full-back Pedro Porro also had to be persuaded by goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to stop the argument with the fans.
“I thought the traveling fans were fantastic and supported us throughout the game,” Frank said.
“The players are sad, I’m angry too.
“We are all hurt, the fans are hurt. It’s absolutely natural. That’s why football is emotional. It’s so painful for everyone involved with Tottenham.”
Midfielder Palhinha, who is on loan from Bayern Munich for a season and scored a stunning strike against Cherry, added: “The fans are showing their frustration and we understand that.
“I think we’re trying to get wins that we deserve. It’s hard to talk too much about momentum because when you lose it just feels like words.”
“I just want to keep supporting because the victories will come. Like I said, it’s disappointing. I felt like we were the best team on the field.”
Richarlison struck goal and Van de Ven was denied by a wonderful stop from Djordje Petrovic, but the reality is that Spurs are generally taking fewer shots than ever under Frank.
Their 16 chances against the Cherries resulted in their season average of shots per Premier League game rising to 10.2; however, this is the lowest average in any season recorded between 1997–98.
Despite finishing just outside the relegation zone the previous season, their average was 13 points.
“We were the only team on the field that wanted to win the match,” Palhinha said.
“That’s football. Tomorrow is another day. We have to keep pushing. We work hard to win.
“The hangover will probably be really tough today and tomorrow, but we can’t think too much about what happens in football.”
“If they lose at the last minute like they did, they’ll feel like they’re in a tough spot,” former England midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport.
“There are games where Tottenham have lost this season, where they played poorly and deserved to lose. Today was much better, but I don’t know how much of a consolation that is for Tottenham fans at the moment.”
Things won’t get any easier for Frank or Spurs, with an FA Cup third-round tie against in-form Aston Villa on Saturday before a home derby against relegation-threatened West Ham on January 17.
