Thomas Frank’s Key Challenges as New Tottenham Head Coach
The appointment of Thomas Frank as the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur has raised several questions about his ability to lead the team to success. According to Sky Sports, Frank has a tough task ahead of him, particularly in winning over the players, who are still reeling from the sacking of Ange Postecoglou.
As reported by Sky Sports, the Spurs squad is not pleased about Postecoglou’s departure, despite him guiding them to Europa League glory. Captain Heung-Min Son and James Maddison were among those who paid tribute to the Australian, while Micky van de Ven described his dismissal as "strange". This reaction suggests that Frank will have to work hard to earn the trust and affection of the players.
Frank’s man-management skills and affable nature, which were successful at Brentford, will be put to the test. Sky Sports understands that two players who will likely be delighted at Frank’s arrival are Brennan Johnson and Archie Gray, who were both wanted by Frank at Brentford.
Winning Silverware in His First Competitive Game
One way Frank can convince the players and fans that he is the right appointment is by winning silverware in his first competitive game in charge. As Europa League winners, Tottenham’s first game of the season will see them take on Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain for the UEFA Super Cup in Udine, Italy. Sky Sports reports that Spurs will be huge underdogs for that game on August 13, but a shock victory for the north Londoners would give Frank a real springboard to work from.
Before that game, Spurs face high-profile pre-season friendlies against Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Newcastle, so Frank should have plenty to work from ahead of the PSG game. However, when the season gets underway, the 51-year-old can ill afford the slow starts he has had at previous clubs.
Futures of Son and Romero
For that PSG opener, though, will Frank have leaders Son and Cristian Romero to call on? As reported by Sky Sports, captain Son recently admitted his Tottenham future is uncertain this summer. The 32-year-old has one year left on his deal, and Sky Sports News understands the club will give Son the final say if they receive a suitable offer amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Frank will either see this as a time to move the club legend on off the back of Europa League glory, or keep him around to help shape his early tenure. However, Frank might not have as much say in Romero’s future, who had an excellent relationship with Postecoglou.
Improving Squad and Adding More Experience
Sky Sports reports that Postecoglou urged the club to sign more experienced players ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign. This need will only be heightened if the likes of Son and 32-year-old Ben Davies are let go, with the latter linked with a move to Wrexham.
Teenagers Gray and Lucas Bergvall will be playing in the Champions League for the first time, and they will need experience around them if Frank is to get Spurs performing strongly in Europe’s top-tier competition. Considering Frank has never managed in the Champions League either, players with that pedigree would be of major benefit to him.
Targets and Transfers
Sky Sports News understands Frank would be keen to sign Bryan Mbeumo from his former club Brentford, and Tottenham have held initial discussions with the Bees about a deal for the Cameroon international. Spurs have also recently stepped up their interest in Antoine Semenyo at Bournemouth.
Working Within Spurs’ Structure and Leaning on Lange
Even if Frank has targets in mind, it is ultimately Spurs as a club that decide who they sign, so he will have to work within the club’s structure. Chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange call the recruitment shots, with the returning Fabio Paratici also having a say.
Lange will most likely be Frank’s comfort blanket, considering the pair’s strong relationship. They worked together in Denmark at Lyngby, while they have known each other for many years.
Eliminating Injury Issues
A major issue under Postecoglou was injuries. Sky Sports News understands concerns over the squad’s injury record over the last two years were one of the reasons for Postecoglou’s dismissal. Frank will need to examine why this occurred and go about fixing it.
Joining him from Brentford is Chris Haslam, who was head of athletic performance at the Bees – essentially the lead fitness coach. Haslam, who has undertaken the role of ‘Head of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach’ at Spurs, will be key in helping Frank prevent such an injury crisis from happening again.
Fixing Set-Pieces
Spurs had an awful record at defending set-pieces under Postecoglou. In the Australian’s final season, Spurs conceded 13 Premier League goals from dead ball scenarios – only three teams had a worse record. Frank will likely bring set-pieces fairly close to the heart of his project.
The Danish coach’s constant desire to take advantage of the marginal gains was on show at Brentford, who managed more goals from throw-ins than any other Premier League team last season.
