Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has admitted his side are “desperate” for victories as a worrying Premier League run leaves them hovering just six points above the relegation zone, a stark contrast to their impressive form in Europe.

Spurs have enjoyed success on the continental stage, winning three consecutive Champions League matches to secure direct qualification for the round of 16. Domestically, however, consistency has been hard to come by. While they managed to hold Manchester City to a draw earlier this month, Saturday’s 2-0 defeat away at Manchester United extended their league winless run to seven games.

“There’s no doubt we are desperate to win games, desperate,” Frank told reporters on Monday. “Right now my full focus is on Newcastle United tomorrow. It’s a big opportunity for us against a very good team.

“Can we go out there and get three points tomorrow? That’s the main focus.”

Pressed further on his comments, Frank explained that his choice of words reflected the reality of Spurs’ league campaign, with just seven wins from 25 Premier League matches this season.

“Maybe I could have worded it differently,” he said. “But that feeling should be there when you haven’t won enough games.

“The way I work is simple: if you haven’t won enough, you do everything you can. You work a bit harder, you give a bit more. That’s how you come through a tough spell.

“Of course we haven’t won enough. You need to feel that desperation. If you’re not desperate, you don’t fully understand the situation you’re in. We need wins – for the fans, for the players, and for the club.”

Injury setbacks add to Spurs’ problems

Tottenham’s task has been made more difficult by fresh fitness and disciplinary issues. Centre-back Cristian Romero will begin a four-match suspension after being sent off against United, while Destiny Udogie has been ruled out for around a month with a hamstring injury picked up in the same game.

“Unfortunately, Destiny has a hamstring injury and will be out for the next four to five weeks,” Frank confirmed.

There was at least some positive news, with Djed Spence returning to the squad after missing nearly two weeks due to a calf problem.

With options limited, Frank called on the home support to play their part against Newcastle.

“We need the fans tomorrow, massively, to back the team,” he said. “When you’re down to the bare bones and it’s not straightforward, you have to pull together. That unity can make a real difference.”