Jamie Carragher defended Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank, pointing to a long list of injuries as a key factor behind the Spurs’ struggles this season.
Tottenham are 14th in the table Premier League after drawing 2-2 against Manchester City on Sunday, a result sealed by Dominic Solanke’s spectacular scorpion kick. Frank has overseen eight draws and nine defeats in his first 24 league matches since taking charge in north London.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said Frank had been hampered by the absence of several senior players, including Solanke, who missed a significant part of the campaign following ankle surgery in September.
“It’s great for Solanke,” Carragher said. “And it’s probably great for Thomas Franck also, because he can point it out and tell the board and fans that he found himself without many top players this season. It’s a fact.
Spurs are currently without a number of first-team regulars, including James Maddison, who is recovering from a torn ACL, as well as Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus, Ben Davies and Lucas Bergvall.
Carragher acknowledged supporters’ frustration over performances and style of play, but suggested Frank deserves time once his team is closer to full strength.
“There is obviously still debate, and I understand the frustration around the style of football and how poor they have been at home,” he said. “But I think Frank will feel that when these players come back, that’s when he’ll want to be judged.”
Tottenham return to action on Saturday February 7, with a trip to Manchester United.
