The Spurs boss has come in for criticism from his own fans after a poor run of form
Thomas Frank has been talking ahead of Tottenham's Premier League match against Newcastle United
Thomas Frank
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Tottenam boss Thomas Frank admits he will have no problem if Spurs fans start to sing the name of former manager Mauricio Pochettino during tonight's game with Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe takes his side to North London will both clubs looking for an important three points to kick-start their ailing seasons.
United's 3-2 home defeat to Brentford on Saturday has left them 10 points off the last Champions League place, with a trip to Manchester City in their next league match.
Meanwhile Frank is under considerable pressure at Spurs, with the North London side slipping to 15th following a 2-0 loss at Manchester United.
Their home record is particularly poor, which has led to some fans chanting the name of ex-boss Pochettino.
The Argentinian took Spurs to the Champions League final, but Frank took a diplomatic stances when asked about the recent pressure.
"I met Mauricio a few times. Great guy, a great coach. I think he's a legend here," Frank said.
"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 being in terms of being close to winning the Premier League title and 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."
Frank was asked nine times about relegation during Monday's press conference, but refused to engage in the subject and repeated his focus was on the next match.
Spurs will again be without a hefty list of players, with Destiny Udogie sidelined for "four-to-five weeks" and Brazilian left-back Souza in line for a full debut against Newcastle.
The Danish coach was reminded of the Newcastle team which suffered relegation in 2009 and conceded it would be risky for any club to not take the threat of going down seriously.
Frank said: "As a general question, 100 per cent fair. Every club should do whatever they can to perform every single game and do everything they can to end as high as possible.
"The Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. I think if we were a little bit higher then you'd say 'is top four the end?' Now it's not as high, then 'is relegation the end'?
"For me, no matter what, I will only focus on the next game.
"At one stage we are hopefully in a better and higher position and you will ask me about a position higher up in the league, and I'll say I'll focus on the next game. That will be my answer."
Without suspended captain Cristian Romero, Frank backed Micky van de Ven to deputise.
"It's not the first time he's been captain this season, it must be at least four or five times," Frank added.
"He still needs to learn and bring bits, but there's both communication and calmness and interaction with his team-mates, and do his job on the pitch."