From Postecoglou to ‘Chef’ Frank: A Culinary Change at Tottenham?
“I probably won’t be at Brentford forever,” Thomas Frank told BBC Sport in January, hinting at future ambitions. “I will maybe walk into another club.”
That club may be Tottenham Hotspur, a Champions League participant despite finishing a disappointing 17th in the Premier League—seven places below Brentford.
Following the departure of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs are reportedly pursuing Frank, the manager who solidified Brentford’s Premier League status after their 2021 Championship triumph.
At 51, Frank boasts the second-longest tenure among current Premier League managers, trailing only Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.
“It is just a question of time,” Guardiola stated last September, expressing surprise at Frank’s lack of high-profile offers since his 2018 Brentford appointment.
Frank, a non-professional player, external has overseen 152 Premier League matches, accumulating a record of 54 wins, 60 losses, and 200 points from a possible 456. Among managers with 150+ Premier League games, his points-per-game average (1.32) ranks 29th.
His Brentford tenure involved a net spend of £71m (£254m in acquisitions, £183m in sales), contrasting sharply with Tottenham’s £961m expenditure since 2016-17, according to FootballTransfer.com data. external
Described as the antithesis of Postecoglou in his tactical flexibility, Frank would be Tottenham’s fourth permanent manager since June 2021, following Nuno Espirito Santo (four months), Antonio Conte (16 months), and Postecoglou (two years), despite the latter ending the club’s 17-year major trophy drought.
Chris Sutton, a Premier League winner, notes the intensified pressure at Tottenham: “The manager has to handle that expectation.”
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Thomas Frank: The Big Interview
Frank’s energetic approach and motivational skills have propelled Brentford to five consecutive Premier League seasons despite a limited budget. He fosters a team culture of strong characters and has nurtured the talents of players such as Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, and Yoane Wissa.
Known for his strong player relationships and motivational skills, Frank’s leadership has earned widespread praise. Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard highlights Frank’s personal touch and genuine care for his players’ well-being as key factors in the team’s success.
However, the transition from Brentford’s modest budget to Tottenham’s high-profile squad presents a significant challenge. Sutton calls Tottenham’s decision to dismiss Postecoglou “madness” and points to the immense pressure and lack of Champions League experience as significant hurdles for Frank.
Tottenham’s league double over Brentford in 2024-25 (5-1 aggregate) and Brentford’s superior 2024-25 season statistics (points, goals scored, goals conceded) further highlight the contrasting environments.
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Brentford’s success, even after Toney’s departure to the Saudi Pro League, showcased Frank’s adaptability. He’s implemented various tactical approaches, from high-possession to counter-attacking, earning a reputation for flexibility.
Analysts debate how Frank’s style would translate to Tottenham. Alex Keble notes Frank’s adaptability, contrasting him with Postecoglou’s rigid approach. Data shows Brentford’s shift towards more possession-based football under Frank.
Keble speculates on potential player pairings, highlighting the differences between Brentford’s and Tottenham’s defensive styles. The question remains whether Tottenham fans, previously critical of Mourinho and Conte’s approaches, would embrace Frank’s tactics.
Sutton and Danny Murphy both praise Frank’s versatility and adaptability, emphasizing the importance of winning to secure fan support. They also stress the need for shrewd recruitment to complement Frank’s tactical approach.
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Frank’s Match of the Day Interview
Frank likens Premier League management to a head chef overseeing a high-end restaurant, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail and strategic vision.
His career trajectory, from Frederiksvaerk’s under-eights to Brentford’s Premier League success, showcases his dedication and strategic planning. Former players and colleagues highlight his collaborative style, meticulous planning, and relentless curiosity about the game.
Frank’s invitation to Frank Lampard to observe Brentford training and Lampard’s subsequent praise underscore Frank’s dedication and strategic depth. Phil Parry concludes by emphasizing Frank’s exceptional coaching skills and leadership qualities.
Chris Sutton spoke to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
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