London: It was an unwanted moment of symbolism for Thomas Frank at a time when Tottenham can ill afford distractions.

Ahead of Spurs’ Premier League match against Bournemouth on Wednesday, the embattled manager was seen strolling around the Vitality Stadium sipping an espresso, unaware that the cup carried the branding of Arsenal, Tottenham’s fiercest rival.

“Yes, that’s Arsenal,” Frank later acknowledged, referring to the last team to have played at the venue.

“I definitely didn't notice it,” he said. “It's fair to say we're not winning every single football match so it would be absolutely, completely stupid of me to take a cup with Arsenal's (emblem on).”

While Frank expressed disappointment that the incident attracted attention, the episode quickly became a public-relations misstep, one that reflected a club sliding deeper into turbulence.

Tottenham’s problems compounded on the pitch as they conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 3-2 at Bournemouth, dropping to 14th place in the 20-team league. Spurs have managed just two wins from their last 12 Premier League matches, intensifying pressure on Frank and his squad.

Frustration spilled over after the final whistle when defender Micky van de Ven confronted travelling supporters, gesturing angrily during a heated exchange.

The mood worsened later when centre-back Cristian Romero issued a lengthy Instagram statement apologising to fans, while also directing pointed criticism toward unnamed figures within the club.

“At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't — as has been happening for several years now,” Romero wrote. “They only show up when things are going well.

“We'll stay here,” he added, “working, sticking together and giving our all to turn things around. Especially at times like this, keeping quiet, working harder and moving forward all together, is part of football.”

Supporter dissatisfaction has been growing over Tottenham’s pragmatic approach under Frank, who took charge in the offseason after Ange Postecoglou was dismissed following a contradictory campaign that included Europa League glory but a 17th-place league finish.

For Frank, the job represents the most prominent role of his career. The 52-year-old previously earned praise at Brentford for operating away from the spotlight, keeping the club competitive in the Premier League and unsettling elite opponents with tactical discipline.

At Spurs, however, scrutiny is relentless.

Frank admitted the latest defeat was difficult to absorb.

“Very, very difficult, really painful,” he said. “Of course people are frustrated — that's natural. It's very tough to sit here right now and we haven't got anything out of overall a good performance.”