Frank urges Romero to improve discipline after latest red card

• Thomas Frank said Cristian Romero remains Tottenham captain but must improve discipline after another red card.
• Romero will serve a four match domestic suspension following his dismissal at Manchester United.
• Tottenham sit 15th in the Premier League after a seven match winless run.

Thomas Frank said Cristian Romero remains a leader within Tottenham’s squad but must show greater control after receiving his second red card of the season.

Romero was sent off for a challenge on Casemiro in a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United. The dismissal means the Argentina centre back will be suspended for four domestic matches.

Speaking before Tuesday’s match against Newcastle United, Frank said Romero has the qualities required to succeed at the club.

“For me he is a leader,” Frank said. “He is a young leader and he is learning every day.”

Frank used his own career to explain the process of development.

“When I was 30 I thought I understood everything,” he said. “I was nowhere near the level I am at now in leadership and awareness.”

He said Romero’s style brings risks.

“When a player plays with aggression, moments like this can happen,” Frank said. “He still needs to learn from it.”

Frank confirmed after the match at Old Trafford that Romero will keep the captain’s armband. The defender will not play again in domestic competition until 15 March against Liverpool.

Tottenham will be without Destiny Udogie for four to five weeks after the defender suffered hamstring damage. His absence adds to an injury list that recently left Spurs with 11 fit senior players.

Frank said uncertainty remains over the return of Dejan Kulusevski, who has not played since May with a knee injury.

“I do not know,” he said. “There is another appointment this week and we will know more then.”

Spurs sit 15th in the table, six points above the relegation zone.

Frank said urgency is clear within the club.

“We are desperate to win games,” he said. “If you are not desperate, you do not understand the situation.”