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Thomas Frank says Tottenham 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth thanks to a goal from Antoine Semenyo in the 95th minute was “extremely painful”.
Spurs boss Frank is set to come under even more pressure from Spurs fans after the 14th-placed side lost for the eighth time in the Premier League this season. They have now won just two of their last 12 league matches.
Joao Palhinha’s superb kick looked to salvage a point for the visitors, but Semenyo’s strike from distance gave the Cherries their first win in 11 matches.
Frank told BBC Sport: “It’s unfortunately football. It’s extremely painful to be in the Tottenham side after the game.
“We put everything into the game, the boys worked really hard, the staff worked hard to come here and try to get a result.
“We led 1-0, conceded two goals in the second phase – especially the second, we need to do a lot better.
“Then the second half, the character and mentality, the concentration to stay in the game and keep going against a difficult counter-attacking team was very pleasing to see.
“I thought we were closer to winning than Bournemouth.”
Frank in January: “We are on the market”
Mohammed Kudus’ injury has left Spurs short of firepower and Frank said it was likely they would be on the lookout for new signings.
He added: “We have a big presence in the market and work very hard to do what we can to improve the team.
“January is a difficult window and we only want to bring in players if they improve the team.”
Iraola: It was Semenyo’s last match
Victorious manager Andoni Iraola has praised match-winner Semenyo, who looks set to sign in perfect style ahead of a lengthy £65m move to Manchester City.
The coach said: “We needed this one, we were very tight in the last few games. Football can’t always go the other way and today was the perfect moment, also for Antoine. [Semenyo].
“To play the way he did, the commitment to help in any way until the last second. I think football was fair and gave him a nice time.”
As for whether it was Semenyo’s last game for the club before joining the Etihad, Iraola admitted: “I think it was, unfortunately for us I think it was.
“He’s been, if not the best, one of the best I’ve coached. He’s improved every season. He’s scored 10 goals in half a season and not even a number nine. It’s not just the numbers but a lot of things – the physicality, the balls in the air and the defensive things. He’ll be a big miss.”
