In a decision that underscores the delicate balance between discipline and dressing room dynamics, Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has confirmed that Cristian Romero will retain the club’s captaincy following his latest public criticism of the team’s hierarchy.
The announcement comes after the Argentine defender labelled the club’s threadbare squad situation as “disgraceful” in a social media post, reigniting tensions between the playing staff and the board.
Frank addressed the media ahead of Tottenham’s crucial trip to face Manchester United, stating the matter had been resolved internally and emphasizing his faith in the 27-year-old leader, despite disagreeing with his method of airing grievances.
The controversy erupted shortly after the January transfer window closed on Monday. In an Instagram post reflecting on Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Manchester City, Romero praised his teammates’ “incredible” effort but expressed fury at the circumstances they faced.
“I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available, unbelievable but true and disgraceful,” he wrote.
The post was widely interpreted as a direct critique of the club’s transfer strategy, which saw only two senior signings, Conor Gallagher and teenage left-back Souza, arrive in January amid a severe injury crisis that has sidelined as many as 13 players.
This marked the second time in recent weeks that Romero has publicly challenged the club’s owners. Following a defeat to Bournemouth in early January, he posted a message suggesting the hierarchy only emerges “to tell a few lies” when results are positive, a line he later deleted.
His consistent outspokenness has made him a polarizing figure, seen by many supporters as a rare voice of accountability in a club often accused of complacency.
The latest post garnered “likes” from several teammates, including Pedro Porro, James Maddison, and new signing Gallagher, hinting at shared frustration within the squad.
Confronted with a situation that threatened to undermine his authority, Manager Thomas Frank opted for reconciliation over punishment. “I wouldn’t have done it. That is my message,” Frank stated regarding Romero’s decision to go public. However, he defended his captain by contextualizing the outburst as a mistake born of passion and ambition.
“Cuti is a very passionate character and player. He wants to leave everything on the pitch… Sometimes when you are like that, there can be an outburst,” Frank explained.
He further humanized the error by reflecting on his own leadership journey, noting, “I’m 52 years old. I think I’m pretty good at leadership. Do I make mistakes? Maybe not every single day, but probably weekly”.
The decision not to strip Romero of the armband reveals the complex power dynamics at play within Tottenham.
As one of the squad’s most important players and a popular figure, any severe disciplinary action risked alienating the dressing room and fanbase at a time when the team is languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
Conversely, critics argue that the repeated lack of consequences risks emboldening Romero and undermining the manager’s authority, creating a precedent where the captain operates beyond the standard rules of conduct.
Frank’s handling suggests the club is prioritizing short-term harmony and on-field leadership as they navigate a difficult season.
Behind Romero’s frustration lies a tangible sporting crisis. The club’s inactivity in the transfer market, aside from the signing of Gallagher, has left the squad dangerously exposed.
Frank himself admitted the squad was weaker at the end of January than at the start, following the sale of last season’s top scorer Brennan Johnson and a wave of injuries.
While the manager defended the board’s long-term strategy, stating the transfer market “is not Football Manager” and that the club is focused on calculated decisions for future windows, the immediate reality is a severe test of resources.