Thomas Frank’s appointment as Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach represents a significant step up in his managerial career. Still, the Danish tactician arrives in north London with a proven track record of success.
After seven successful years with Brentford, Frank opted to swap west London for north London when he signed a deal to become Tottenham Hotspur’s new boss.
The 51-year-old Dane replaced former coach Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked despite winning the Europa League for Spurs and securing their first major trophy in 17 years.
It’s an appointment that has shocked free football bets as we approach the start of the new season, and pressure will be on from the moment the first whistle goes.
Frank was the second-longest-serving manager in the Premier League while with the Bees, behind only Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, demonstrating his ability to build sustainable success over time. His team was always a good outsider in the free bet markets, taking points off City, Arsenal, and Liverpool throughout their time in the top flight.
Since he took charge at Brentford in 2018, Spurs have had five different permanent managers, with Frank becoming the sixth, underlining the instability that has plagued the club in recent years. The challenge facing Frank is clear: he must break this cycle of managerial turnover whilst meeting the lofty expectations that come with managing one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
In this article, we take a look at what Frank must do to win over the Spurs fans and ultimately avoid becoming another managerial casualty in north London under the wrath of Daniel Levy.
Hit the ground running.
Frank’s most immediate challenge will be earning the trust and respect of a dressing room full of Europa League winners who all spoke fondly of his predecessor. Getting the backing of players, fans, and the board surely has to be his priority, particularly given the emotional connection many players had with Postecoglou.
His background as a former teacher, combined with his degree in physical education and studies in sports psychology, provides the new Spurs head coach with impressive communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Frank has made a name for himself as a manager who is extremely personable with his players, building strong relationships and socialising with his squad during his time at Brentford. This empathetic approach will be crucial in navigating the transition period and ensuring the team remains motivated despite the managerial change.
The activity in this transfer window could make or break his season, with targets depending on who leaves and who Frank might bring in from his former club.
Persist with his style of football.
Frank’s tactical philosophy revolves around an attacking brand of football that should appeal to Tottenham supporters who have grown accustomed to entertaining play. His Brentford were the Championship’s top scorers in both his full seasons in charge at that level, playing possession-based football that got results.
Without the ball, Frank’s principles revolve around creating overloads designed to crowd space, usually in the wide areas, forcing teams to switch their point of attack by knocking opponents out of their rhythm.
At certain moments, Spurs need to press more aggressively, striving to regain the ball in advanced areas whilst holding a risky high line. This approach will not be a huge departure for the squad Frank inherits from Postecoglou, but he must ensure the tactical foundations are solid enough to compete at the highest level.
Compete in Champions League games.
The club’s qualification for the Champions League presents Frank with both an opportunity and a challenge, marking the first time Spurs have played in the competition’s new format.
This expanded tournament structure will test squad depth and tactical flexibility like never before, requiring Frank to navigate unfamiliar territory whilst maintaining domestic form.
Being in the Champions League will have its challenges, but a decent cup run and a high enough finish in the league would constitute a decent first season.
Frank’s experience of European competition with Brondby, where he guided them to the Europa League qualifiers in back-to-back seasons, provides some foundation for this challenge. However, the Champions League represents a significant step up in quality and intensity, requiring meticulous preparation and better squad depth.
The new format’s league-style approach will demand consistency across multiple matches against elite opposition, testing Frank’s ability to rotate his squad effectively whilst maintaining performance levels.
The success of his European campaign will likely determine how his first season at Tottenham is ultimately judged.
