Thomas Frank is facing growing calls for his dismissal as Tottenham manager, and the players are doing little to help ease the pressure.

That is according to former Tottenham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Spurs‘ star players don’t appear to be performing for the manager.

Tottenham lost 2-1 to Aston Villa last time out and were eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round, while their dismal league form has compounded the frustrations.

Football Insider revealed on 10 January that Frank needs results against Villa and West Ham, who they play next in the league, to ease pressure on his position.

However, there are doubts about whether the players will step up in what is becoming an increasingly toxic situation both on and off the pitch.

Thomas Frank is being thrown under the bus at Tottenham

Brown warned Football Insider on 7 January that Tottenham are concerned about dressing room unrest, with frustrations growing behind the scenes.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside elite-level managers, including Sir Alex Ferguson for over a decade at Man United, insisted that Frank needs the players’ backing if he is to turn this form around.

“I saw the game against Aston Villa, who were top-class in the first half,” he told Football Insider.

“In the second half, Tottenham worked their way back into the game and got a goal back, but Villa ultimately were able to see it through.

“But it did highlight a few issues Tottenham are having, and particularly with Thomas Frank.

“They got rid of Postecoglou because defensively they weren’t good enough and the tactics were borderline suicide, so they went and got Frank, who is the opposite.

“He likes his teams to be organised, methodical and pragmatic, but for that to work, you need all the players to buy into the manager and his style. I don’t think that’s happened.

“There are some big players in that side who aren’t giving consistent performances and aren’t stepping up when called upon in the tough periods. They’re not playing for Frank.

“If you want to blame somebody, it’s easy, point the finger at the manager. It’s the players who aren’t performing to the level that’s expected of them.

“Some of them have directly contributed to Tottenham’s issues, and if they’re not performing for the manager, things are never going to click.

“If the players don’t step up, for whatever reason, that may be if they’re not happy playing this way or whatever it is, that’s what will get him sacked.”

Tottenham facing growing concerns behind the scenes

Frank confessed he is not happy at Tottenham given the pressure on his position and what has been a disastrous start to his tenure. [via Sky Sports]

Meanwhile, reports claimed Tottenham players were unhappy that Brennan Johnson was sold to Crystal Palace as he was a popular figure in the dressing room.

These issues, alongside their disappointing form and growing frustration among Tottenham fans who are calling for Frank’s sacking, have led to a toxic atmosphere.

Brown told Football Insider on 22 December that Tottenham are reluctant to sack Frank and hope he will lead a long-term project despite a slow start.

However, there is a growing feeling amongst the Spurs hierarchy that they may have made a mistake in appointing the former Brentford boss given their recent results.

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