MANCHESTER, England — Thomas Frank has said he has no intention of taking the captain’s armband off Cristian Romero despite being forced to defend the Argentina international for a second time in a week.
Romero seemingly took a dig at Tottenham’s recruitment strategy in the January transfer window on Monday by posting on social media that the lack of options in the squad is “disgraceful.”
Defended by Frank in the wake of the comments, Romero was named captain against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, but was sent off after just 29 minutes for a reckless challenge on Casemiro.
Spurs went on to lose 2-0.
Asked afterwards whether he would consider removing Romero as captain, Frank said: “No. Also, he is sorry for the incident. He apologised to his teammates in the dressing room. He is one of the most important players.”
Romero is facing a four-match suspension after picking up his second red card of the season.
Since making his Tottenham debut in August 2021, he’s been sent off six times in all competitions, more than any other Premier League player during the same period.
“Cristian first and foremost, there is no intention to do the follow through and get a red,” Frank said.
“He clearly goes for the ball. Unfortunately, the way the rules are, it becomes a red.”
– Frank: ‘No idea’ if Romero will be at Tottenham next season
– Premier League table
On top of the ill discipline he has shown on the pitch, Romero has twice made controversial comments on social media.
He also posted after the 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth in January, saying: “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. They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies.”
Pressed on whether the incidents would force Frank to rethink Romero as his captain, the Spurs boss replied simply: “No.”
