Tottenham manager Thomas Frank grants his squad Christmas Day off but insists they must act like top professionals ahead of a crucial London derby.
TOTTENHAM Hotspur manager Thomas Frank will give his players Christmas Day off, but has warned his squad to be “grown-up” professionals.
The decision comes ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match away to London rivals Crystal Palace.
Frank explained the day off fits the normal training schedule, with sessions planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
“This week we actually handle in the same way I would have done with any other week,” Frank said.
He stressed his belief in the players’ professionalism but acknowledged some need more guidance than others.
“If I need to hold their hand the whole time, we have a bigger problem in my opinion.”
Spurs are 14th in the table after a run of five defeats in eight matches across all competitions.
The club’s poor form has increased fan discontent, with many already losing faith in Frank’s leadership.
Frank will be without captain Cristian Romero and midfielder Xavi Simons at Selhurst Park due to suspension.
The Danish coach pointed to his first head coach role at Brondby in 2013 as a similar challenging situation.
“I think I see a lot of similarities to my first head coach job,” Frank said.
He noted the scale at Tottenham is far greater, calling it “one of the biggest clubs in the world”.
Frank said the challenge is to build something over time while competing in both the Champions League and Premier League.
“We try to improve while we are driving 100 miles an hour, but that’s part of it.”
