When Thomas Frank first took over at Brentford in the Championship, the idea of managing a wealthy Champions League club like Tottenham might have seemed far-fetched. However, comments he made six years ago about his core managerial philosophy appear strikingly relevant to Spurs, a move now reportedly nearing completion.
Speaking in a 2019 interview with The Guardian, Frank outlined his dual focus: “As a person I`m very open, very human-minded… The other is I love details in football. I want to develop a style of play. I want to create a beautiful game, but I`m very focused on how you can create a fantastic culture, a fantastic environment. I`m very happy I`m at a club who want to do both.”
This philosophy serves as a compelling pitch for any managerial role, yet Frank`s balanced emphasis seems particularly apt for Tottenham, who recently dismissed Ange Postecoglou after a season marked by stark contrasts. While Postecoglou ended the club`s long trophy drought, a 17th-place Premier League finish ultimately led to his departure. Although partly explained by an extensive injury list, this position highlighted significant deficiencies that require addressing if the ambitious club is to succeed domestically and in Europe next season.
The initial area for betterment under a new manager is the playing style. Postecoglou was a tactical purist, committed to his attacking philosophy and a high defensive line, which, while often entertaining, left the team defensively vulnerable. Frank, while also favouring an attacking approach common among modern coaches, is more adaptable. Over his seven years at Brentford, including four in the Premier League, he has employed various tactical setups, including 4-3-3, 5-3-2, and most recently 4-2-3-1, tailoring his approach to available players.
Frank could also significantly improve a specific weakness: set-piece defending. Last season, Spurs conceded 13 goals from set pieces, the fifth-highest tally in the league, and had the third-worst expected goals against (xGA) from these situations at 14.24. In stark contrast, Frank`s Brentford conceded just two set-piece goals last season – the fewest in the league – despite an expected goals against figure of 9.68 from such opportunities.
Furthermore, Frank is well-equipped to enhance Tottenham`s attack, arguably their main strength last season. Although Spurs remained one of the league`s top offensive units despite their final position, Brentford were comparable. The tenth-placed Bees scored 66 goals, two more than Spurs` 64, tying for fifth in the scoring charts. They also ranked eighth for expected goals with 60.21, slightly ahead of Tottenham in ninth (59.65 xG).
The basis of Frank`s success, as he described it, lies in a meticulous, data-driven approach. Brentford`s embrace of analytics has propelled him and the club forward, making them a prime example of this operational model in football. This has resulted in sustained success, evidenced by their consistent presence in the Premier League. They are one of only four teams promoted to stay in the top flight since the 2021-22 season, facing a relegation battle just once. This strategy often involves signing promising young talent and selling them for significant profit to larger clubs, notably receiving over $35 million each for Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa and David Raya from Arsenal.
Brentford`s successful data-led model underscores Tottenham`s most significant challenge last season – not the manager, but squad quality and depth. While strong when at full strength, Spurs had weak points and often uninspiring options on the bench. The midfield requires an overhaul after underwhelming seasons from both Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur. Another attacking midfielder is needed alongside the injury-prone James Maddison, currently the only player capable of filling that role effectively. The forward line could also use reinforcement; while Son Heung-min performed well, he turns 33 in July, suggesting his time as the main offensive focal point may be limited. Dominic Solanke had a decent first season with 16 goals across competitions, but the team could still aim for an upgrade in the central striker position.
This is where a data-driven strategy could be vital for Spurs, whose recent transfer record has been inconsistent. Although the ninth-richest club globally, their financial power doesn`t match direct rivals, making signing established superstars difficult. However, identifying and recruiting the next wave of top talents is a feasible approach, especially when supported by a strong data and recruitment team *behind* the manager. This summer is crucial not just for Frank, but even more so for Spurs` hierarchy, including technical director Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici, the former managing director expected to return after his 30-month ban for financial irregularities ends. Their responsibility will be to identify and secure the players Frank needs to fully realize his potential among the managerial elite.
Frank: The Latest Managerial Prospect
Before Postecoglou`s departure, questions arose about whether Spurs could truly find a significant upgrade among available candidates, given the lack of obvious “slam-dunk” options. It appears the club leadership has decided on Frank, viewing him as a good tactical fit, despite his relative lack of experience at the absolute highest level of the game.
Frank`s only prior European experience was in UEFA Europa League qualifiers with Danish club Brondby in 2014-15 and 2015-16, never reaching the group stage. His move from Brentford to Spurs reflects a broader trend of managerial transition in football. With established figures like Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp currently out of club management, top European sides are seeking rising talents such as Xabi Alonso and Arne Slot. While Frank may not have the same high profile as Alonso or Slot, his impressive performance at Brentford has clearly earned him an opportunity at a prominent club.
Another strong point in Postecoglou`s favour was his exceptional ability to connect with players on a personal level. He seemingly never lost the dressing room despite the team`s slide to 17th, and their Europa League triumph is a rare example of intangible factors compensating for tangible shortcomings. The Spurs squad includes many Postecoglou admirers, with numerous players posting lengthy tributes online after his exit was confirmed. While it`s unreasonable to expect Frank to replicate Postecoglou`s specific rapport, his publicly stated `no dickheads` policy suggests a potentially positive cultural fit for the squad.
The culture is based on values and some of the values we have are togetherness and hard work. Thomas always uses the phrase `confident but humble`. He`s got this no-dickhead policy, which I think we live up to. In the changing room, there`s no one who is not going in the same direction as us, otherwise, they wouldn`t be there. – Christian Norgaard, 2023
The potential is evident, but the primary challenge for a Frank-led Spurs will be how quickly everything coalesces. Postecoglou often spoke in his final weeks about how the Europa League win altered the narrative surrounding the club`s trophy drought, hoping it would serve as a base for future achievements. Living up to this vision rests with the entire club, not solely Frank, a task made more complex by the upcoming Champions League campaign. Time, and the success of this summer`s transfer activity, will ultimately determine if they are positioned strongly for the 2025-26 season. Nevertheless, as managerial choices go, Frank appears a sensible fit for a club that consistently strives to exceed expectations.
Dominic Ashworth