When it rains, it pours in North London. After a dismal 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday, Thomas Frank might be wondering which “football god” he offended. Since taking the reins at Spurs, the Dane has inherited an injury-ravaged squad, but his own record is now under intense scrutiny.
With a staggering average of just 1.16 points per game, Frank officially holds the worst record of any “Big Six” manager in Premier League history surpassing even Ruben Amorim’s ill-fated stint at Old Trafford.
While Frank’s tactics are debatable, he is undeniably being let down by senior figures. Captain Cristian Romero is the obvious scapegoat after his reckless red card against United his fourth since 2021 which leaves Spurs thin for the next four matches. However, there is a deeper, more expensive problem lurking in the squad.
The Bissouma Problem: From ‘Star’ to Surplus
If Romero is a liability due to his temper, Yves Bissouma has become a liability due to his complete lack of reliability.
The £25m midfielder’s season was doomed from minute one. Dropped from the UEFA Super Cup squad against PSG for “persistent lateness,” Bissouma set a tone of unprofessionalism that he hasn’t managed to shake. Despite Spurs’ current injury crisis, the Mali international remains an afterthought.
Why Bissouma’s time is up:
- Lack of Discipline: Multiple disciplinary issues off the pitch.
- Costly Errors: His loss of possession led directly to Rayan Cherki’s goal in the recent clash against Manchester City.
- Availability: Between knee injuries and AFCON duties, he has failed to provide the stability Spurs paid for.
A Summer Clearance Looms
While fans are rightly fuming at Romero’s disciplinary record, the Argentine at least provides “clutch” moments, like his recent goals against Newcastle and Burnley. Bissouma, conversely, offers neither defensive solidity nor offensive output.
As Spurs look toward a future built around youngsters like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, there is simply no room left for underperforming seniors. Whether Thomas Frank survives the season or not, one thing is clear: Yves Bissouma’s move from Brighton has reached a dead end. This summer, a parting of ways isn’t just likely it’s necessary.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
