Thomas Frank understands why Tottenham fans sing Mauricio Pochettino’s name during games

Spurs fans were chanting of former boss during loss to Manchester United

Thomas Frank understands why Tottenham supporters chant former manager Mauricio Pochettino’s name during games.

Frank has been criticised for managing expectations since taking charge of Spurs in June, with his perceived lack of ambition in direct contrast to the outlook of former Spurs managers Ange Postecoglou and Mauricio Pochettino.

While not a direct critique of the club, Pochettino said in an interview with the High Performance Podcast on Monday that Spurs should be aiming to win the Champions League and Premier League titles.

It was a comment that felt particularly stinging, given Frank’s admission only last week that Spurs were in transition despite winning the Europa League last season.

Frank, who has guided his injury-ravaged Spurs side into a relegation battle, has nothing but respect for Pochettino, calling him a “legend” for his work during five and a half years at the helm.

“I met Mauricio a few times, great guy, a great coach,” Frank told reporters.

“I think he’s a legend (here). I don’t think he won a trophy, but he was part of transforming the club, from where it was at that stage, to where it ended up in terms of being close to winning the Premier League title. Getting into the Champions League final.

“If you are close, then you are very close to winning it. Sometimes it’s football, it’s margins. Pochettino did a top job here and is a true legend, so if the fans sing his name it’s well deserved.”

Despite Spurs falling to within six points of the bottom three following their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United , Frank was keen to avoid any talk of relegation.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Tuesday’s night visit of Newcastle, Frank repeatedly used the word “desperate”, but was careful not to reference the word ”relegation” as he bid to stop his club sliding towards a potentially irretrievable low.

“As I said, my main focus is on Newcastle, my main focus is to win tomorrow and perform tomorrow,” Frank told reporters on Monday.

“I’m very aware that we used the word ‘desperate’ before. We are very, very focused on doing everything we can to win the next game because we need to win games, we need to climb the table, we need to get up there. So, no doubt about that.”