Thomas Frank’s appointment as Tottenham Hotspur manager marks his third senior role, following successful stints at Brondby and Brentford.
After seven years at Brentford, Frank transitioned from west to north London, signing a contract to lead Tottenham.
The 51-year-old Dane succeeds Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed despite securing Spurs’ first major trophy in 17 years.
Frank’s tenure with Brentford made him the Premier League’s second-longest-serving manager, surpassed only by Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.
Since Frank’s arrival at Brentford in 2018, Tottenham has seen five different permanent managers, with Frank becoming the sixth.
BBC Sport examines Frank’s priorities as he takes the reins of a club that achieved European success last season but finished 17th in the Premier League.
Frank replaces Postecoglou as Tottenham head coach
Sami Mokbel, Senior football correspondent
Before Postecoglou’s departure, Tottenham focused on bolstering its young squad with experienced players.
Frank’s established relationship with Tottenham’s technical director, Johan Lange, proved attractive to chairman Daniel Levy.
Sources indicate the pair share a similar vision for the team’s player profile.
“There’s a synergy there,” a well-placed source commented.
This bodes well for a crucial summer transfer window.
The club aims to add experience in central midfield and centre-back, particularly given the Spanish interest in Cristian Romero, although no club has yet matched his £70 million valuation.
Spurs’ previous attempt to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi failed, but their interest remains, although the England international has other options.
Similarly, with captain Heung-min Son attracting interest from Saudi clubs, Tottenham is actively monitoring the forward market. Interestingly, Spurs are reportedly pursuing Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo, a key player under Frank at Brentford.
They have also shown interest in Crystal Palace and England attacker Eberechi Eze, who has a £68 million release clause.
Tottenham is evaluating the possibility of retaining loanee Mathys Tel next season.
Champions League qualification should provide Spurs with a more substantial transfer budget.
However, increased involvement from owners, the ENIC Group, in club operations will likely influence spending decisions.
As with most clubs, the structure of transfers will be critical, given installments for previous deals are due this summer.
Player sales are also anticipated. Besides the uncertainty surrounding Romero and Son, midfielder Yves Bissouma’s future needs resolving, with his contract expiring next year.
Rodrigo Bentancur is in a similar contractual situation, although the Uruguayan is in talks for an extension.
Tottenham won only six Premier League home games in 2024-25.
BBC Sport Tottenham fan contributor, Anna Howells (Spurs XY)
Like previous Tottenham managers, Frank must build a cohesive and efficient squad.
Uniquely, Frank inherits a dressing room of Europa League winners who spoke highly of his predecessor. Securing the support of players, fans, and the board is paramount.
Expectations are high, surpassing a trophy win will be challenging. However, a significantly improved Premier League season and higher league standing are minimal requirements.
Champions League participation presents its own challenges, but a respectable cup run and a strong league finish would constitute a successful first season. Improving the home win record is non-negotiable.
As a fan, I’d like to see broader squad utilization, more opportunities for young players, increased game time for Djed Spence, and a defined position for Archie Gray.
This transfer window’s activity could be decisive; targets depend on departures (Cristian Romero, Richarlison?) and potential arrivals from Brentford (Nathan Collins?).
A skilled wide attacker and another striker could be on the agenda.
‘Opposite of Postecoglou’ – what can Spurs expect from ‘chef’ Frank?
Frank is known for his strong player relationships.
At Brentford, he fostered strong bonds, socialized with players and staff—sharing his passion for padel—and received praise for his motivational abilities.
Andreas Bjelland, who played under Frank at Ljungby and Brentford, told BBC Sport: “He’s just an all-around good guy.
“He always considered players’ feelings and home situations. He was thoughtful, caring about individuals beyond football.
“When he came to England, he developed the club culture gradually. His human approach allowed for a step-by-step process.
“His teaching showed me that strong off-field lives contribute to better on-field performances.”
Frank is described as Postecoglou’s opposite due to his tactical adaptability, although the Australian remained popular within the Spurs squad.
Bjelland encouraged Tottenham players to embrace Frank’s unique approach, including his distinctive hairstyle.
“Embrace his long hair,” he joked. “Embrace him as a person who genuinely cares, and learn from him on and off the pitch.
“Players must buy into his project, trust his methods, and he can achieve great things.
“Hopefully, they’ll give him time. A better Premier League season is essential, but patience is needed.
“With his experience, progress should be faster than at Brentford.”
Frank’s Brentford team earned only one point against Postecoglou’s Spurs in four matches over two seasons.
Upon becoming Brentford head coach in October 2018, Frank lost eight of his first ten games.
His methods required time to take hold, but eventually, Brentford flourished.
“Premier League managers fall into two categories: rigid adherence to philosophy or tactical flexibility,” says football tactics writer Dharnish Iqbal.
“Frank belongs to the latter, unlike Postecoglou. Brentford’s adaptability and ability to overcome player losses (Ollie Watkins, Christian Eriksen, Ivan Toney) made them tough opponents.
“With Toney, Brentford used direct balls. Dominic Solanke could benefit from this at Spurs.”
After Toney’s departure in 2024-25, Frank adapted his style.
Brentford lost five of their first ten away games, highlighting Frank’s adaptability, and suggesting patience might be needed at Spurs initially.
“Post-Toney, Frank utilized scoring from kick-offs remarkably often,” Iqbal added. “Toney’s absence led to the successful Mbeumo-Wissa partnership.
“Using seven formations last season, Brentford counter-pressed or used a mid-block to hit on the break.
“Postecoglou’s pragmatic switch in the Europa League final proved effective. Injuries hampered his high-intensity style. Frank’s flexibility should maintain squad freshness.”
‘A gamble for Frank – but Dane has earned Spurs chance’
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