THOMAS FRANK has played down being blanked by Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence following Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.
were booed off after a against the Blues.
Thomas Frank appeared to reach out for a handshakeCredit: Youtube / Chris Cowlin
Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven seemingly snubbed their managerCredit: Youtube / Chris Cowlin
Upon the final whistle, boss strode onto the pitch.
The Dane reached out his hand towards stand-in skipper and ace .
But the defensive duo , instead storming down the tunnel.
Frank, 52, didn’t appear best pleased at the time, with footage captured at the game showing him staring after Van de Ven and Spence.
Speaking after the match, however, the former boss refused to dig out his two stars.
He said: “All the players are of course frustrated. They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform well, so I understand that.
“I think it is difficult to be consistent in good times and in bad times. That is why I went around to the fans as I did. It is more fun when we win, I can tell you that.”
Pushed over whether his players’ conduct was acceptable, Frank added: “I think that is one of the small issues. We have Micky and Djed who are doing everything they can.
Thomas Frank attempted to play down the incident after the matchCredit: Reuters
“They perform very well so far this season and everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way, so I don’t think it is a big problem.”
Both Spence and Van de Ven were guilty of giving the ball away in the build-up to Joao Pedro’s winner.
While Spurs stuttered badly in attack, conjuring just ONE shot on target throughout the match.
Tottenham have been strong from set pieces this term, with Van de Ven scoring twice at last weekend.
But fans were left maddened as the majority of Spurs’ six corners yesterday sailed harmlessly into Robert Sanchez’s grasp.
Speaking on , sympathised with Van de Ven and Spence.
The former England skipper, 55, said: “I totally understand why the players want to get in as soon as possible.
“They have been an embarrassment, they were booed off the pitch. They want to get in the dressing room and say sorry later on.
“As much as Thomas likes to go around and thank the fans, I get the players point of view that they have been absolutely awful and they want to get off the pitch as quickly as possible.”
‘NOTHING PERSONAL’
Former Wales captain agreed, adding: “I’m with you Alan, I don’t think it’s a big (deal).
“Just play better, that’s the main thing. You’ve played badly, in a derby, you want to get back in the dressing room.
“They’re frustrated, that’s nothing personal against the manager or the fans, they just want to get inside.”
Frank, as well as many of Van de Ven and Spence’s team-mates, did go around to clap the supporters.
Goalkeeper , who made several impressive saves during the match, appeared to shove team-mate away from the South Stand, after the Swede had seemingly taken issue with something said.
Bergvall, 19, had been substituted just seven minutes into the contest after suffering an early head injury.
Tottenham have won just three of their last 19 Premier League home matches, dating back over the last 12 months.
Spurs will return to action in N17 against Copenhagen in the on Tuesday.
Resurgent will then be their next visitors in the Premier League on Saturday.
Micky van de Ven gave the ball away in the build up to Chelsea’s winnerCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Djed Spence battles with Pedro NetoCredit: Getty 
