Thomas Frank has confirmed he will give his Tottenham squad Christmas Day off, insisting the decision is driven by scheduling rather than sentimentality, as Spurs prepare for Sunday’s London derby away to Crystal Palace.

Tottenham have endured a difficult spell since Frank replaced the sacked Ange Postecoglou, slipping to 14th in the Premier League following five defeats in their last eight matches in all competitions.

That run has fuelled growing frustration among supporters, with sections of the fanbase already questioning Frank’s tenure. Against that backdrop, granting players Christmas Day away from the training ground may not sit comfortably with all fans.

However, the 52-year-old was keen to stress that the plan is purely logistical.

“This week we actually handle in the same way I would have done with any other week,” Frank explained. “If it was not Christmas, it would still be done the same.

“So we have two days leading to the game, then a day off, then two days again. That means Tuesday and Wednesday, then off on the 25th, and then two days. It fits perfectly with the schedule—and the Christmas family schedule, which is very good.”

Frank also pushed back against suggestions that a day off could undermine professionalism.

“I’m a big believer in being a top professional, and that’s something I believe the players are and should be,” he added. “Some need more guidance than others, but they are grown-up individuals.

“If I need to hold their hand the whole time, then we have a bigger problem in my opinion.”

Spurs’ preparations for Selhurst Park have been further complicated by suspensions for captain Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons, another setback for the Dane as he searches for momentum.

Despite the rocky start, Frank remains confident the situation can be turned around. He pointed to his early struggles at Brøndby in 2013, where a difficult beginning eventually gave way to sustained success over three years.

“I see a lot of similarities to my first head coach job,” he said. “Of course, it’s a completely different scale.

“This is a massive club—one of the biggest in the world—and that brings much more focus and pressure. But I recognise the process of trying to build something over time.

“You inherit something you need to get right, with a lot of good people around you. What makes it extra challenging here is competing in the Champions League and the Premier League at the same time.

“We’re trying to improve while driving at 100 miles an hour—but that’s part of it. It’s a good challenge.”

For Frank and Tottenham, the festive period offers little margin for error—but perhaps a brief Christmas pause could provide the reset they desperately need.