Thomas Frank stands by Cristian Romero after criticism of Tottenham transfer window

Thomas Frank has confirmed that Cristian Romero will remain Tottenham Hotspur captain despite the defender’s public frustration with the club’s January transfer business.

Romero drew attention earlier this week after voicing concerns over Spurs’ squad depth following a Premier League draw with Manchester City, posting on social media shortly after the transfer window closed.

The Argentina international revealed he had played while ill and suggested Tottenham were stretched for options after Spurs made just one senior signing in the window.

(C)Getty Images

Frank draws a line under the issue

Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s visit to Manchester United, Frank said the situation had been handled internally and made clear there would be no change to the club’s captaincy.

The Spurs head coach admitted he would not have chosen to make the issue public, but framed Romero’s actions within the broader reality of leadership under pressure.

Frank reflected on his own experience, explaining that leadership is not static and that mistakes are inevitable, even for those in senior roles.

He stressed that Romero’s importance to the team had not diminished after the episode and pointed to the defender’s standards, competitiveness, and commitment as reasons he continues to back him.

The message from Spurs was one of containment rather than escalation, with Frank keen to shift attention away from off-field noise.

Evidence of a greater issue

Romero’s comments were also noticed after several teammates appeared to show support on social media, prompting questions about unity within the dressing room.

Frank downplayed the significance of that reaction, cautioning against over-interpreting online behaviour and suggesting it did not reflect deeper divisions.

He described Romero as an emotional, highly driven competitor, noting that his intensity can sometimes spill over into frustration when circumstances are challenging.

On the fitness front, Frank confirmed Romero has recovered from illness and is expected to be available this weekend.

Tottenham have also been boosted by the return of Micky van de Ven to full training, while Dominic Solanke is expected to feature despite managing an ankle issue.

Spurs head into the fixture sitting 14th in the Premier League, nine points clear of the relegation zone, with Frank maintaining that the club’s ambitions remain unchanged despite criticism of their January approach.

Damage control rather than direction

After 24 games, Spurs sit 14th, with just 29 points and only nine separating them from the relegation zone. 

One win in their last five league matches has left them drifting in a crowded lower mid-table, closer to Leeds and Nottingham Forest than the European places they began the season targeting.

Frank’s response felt less like a manager asserting authority and more like one protecting stability. 

Public confrontation with his captain would have risked compounding uncertainty at a point where Tottenham can ill afford it.

By backing Romero and absorbing responsibility himself, Frank seems to be trying to hold on to his role at Spurs for as long as he can.

Spurs’ record of just seven wins from 24 matches underlines how fine the margins have become and may indicate an internal fracture in the squad.

With Tottenham hovering uncomfortably above the bottom third, Frank’s priority was control of the dressing room and of a fragile season.

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.