Thomas Frank addresses Cristian Romero’s early red card in Tottenham’s defeat
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has commented on Cristian Romero’s sending off during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, raising concerns after the Argentine’s crunching tackle on Casemiro resulted in a dismissal in the 29th minute, reports BritPanorama.
Following Romero’s exit, Manchester United secured the victory with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes, extending their winning streak to four matches under interim manager Michael Carrick. This incident came just days after the 27-year-old voiced his frustrations towards the Tottenham hierarchy on social media.
In the aftermath of the game, Frank expressed disappointment regarding Romero’s actions while revealing that the player had apologised to his teammates in the dressing room. “I think the first 30 minutes were a good away performance at a difficult place against a team with confidence in them and flow,” he stated. “After the red card, I am very proud of the players. The resilience, staying in the game mentality, still being a threat at times while trying to create something. Very proud of them.”
Frank acknowledged that the challenge from Romero was unintentional, emphasising the player’s aim to play the ball. “Unfortunately, the way the rules are, it becomes a red. Cristian apologised to his teammates in the dressing room,” he added. The team’s approach during the match was commendable, especially in facing adversity with a man down.
Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also noted the challenge of competing in such a demanding environment. “It is so tough. Especially when you come to play in a stadium like this one,” he articulated. Despite the setback, he maintained pride in his teammates for their resilience throughout the match.
The defeat leaves Spurs in 14th place in the Premier League, a precarious position just nine points clear of the relegation zone. With a crucial fixture against Newcastle approaching, Frank reiterated the need to focus on the upcoming match, implying the importance of moving past this setback.
As the Premier League season unfolds, Tottenham must find a way to recover and build momentum to stave off relegation fears, a challenging task given their recent performances. Saturday’s match serves as a reminder of the thin margins in football — how quickly fortunes can shift, and how even the most resolute plans can be undermined by a moment’s indiscretion.
