Thomas Frank: The Ideal Fit for Tottenham Hotspur?
According to a recent report by the BBC, Thomas Frank is being touted as a potential candidate to take the reins at Tottenham Hotspur. The Danish manager has been making waves in the football world with his impressive work at Brentford, and many believe he has the credentials to succeed in the top flight.
The BBC reports that former Liverpool player and current pundit, Brian Molby, believes Frank would be an ideal fit for Spurs. "I see a squad ready to play Thomas Frank football," Molby said, as quoted by the BBC. "It is about putting the opposition under pressure at every given opportunity. The one thing you don’t want to do as a team is defend. He likes to put the opposition under pressure."
Frank’s tactics, as noted by the BBC, involve putting teams under pressure in open play, set-pieces, and through the use of long throw-ins. The report highlights that Frank has tailored Brentford’s style to be less reliant on set-pieces, with 33.3% of their goals coming from set plays in the 2021-22 season, decreasing to 31%, 19.6%, and 21.2% in the subsequent three seasons.
The BBC also notes that Frank is known for his personal touch, often taking the time to acknowledge faces in the crowd and enjoying his victories with a "few glasses of red". This approach has endeared him to fans and players alike, and it’s suggested that he would be a great fit for a club like Spurs, where building relationships with players and staff is crucial.
However, as the BBC points out, taking the reins at Spurs would be a significant step up for Frank, and there is an element of risk involved. The club has a history of being demanding, and the pressure to deliver results is high. Molby, as quoted by the BBC, acknowledges this risk, saying "No doubt there is risk… He needs to hit the ground running."
The BBC reports that Frank’s predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, left Spurs having delivered long-awaited silverware, but with some players and fans torn over his departure. Molby suggests that Frank would need to adapt to the pressures of the top flight and deliver results quickly.
Despite these challenges, the BBC notes that Frank has served his apprenticeship, moving through the managerial gears in Denmark and England. He has earned, and deserves, the opportunity to manage at the elite level, and Spurs may be the perfect platform for him to showcase his skills.
As the BBC concludes, the big question is whether Frank’s approach would be enough to satisfy the demands of Spurs. Molby suggests that a top-five finish would be a good starting point, but acknowledges that this is a big ask, especially given the club’s performance last season.
In conclusion, Thomas Frank is a managerial talent that has caught the attention of many in the football world. With his impressive track record at Brentford and his adaptable tactics, he may be the ideal fit for Spurs. As the BBC reports, it’s a risk, but one that could pay off in the long run.
Source: BBC Sport
