The final whistle in Udine told a frustratingly familiar story. Tottenham Hotspur had thrown
away a two-goal lead against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, losing on
penalties after being 2-0 up for most of the match. It was the kind of capitulation that has
defined this club for 15 years – moments of brilliance, undone by mental fragility when it
matters most.
Yet, that night also hinted at why there is optimism around N17. Thomas Frank’s first
competitive match in charge showed a glimpse of a Spurs side with improved defensive
organisation, clear tactical structure, and the adaptability the Dane perfected at Brentford.
Even with the sting of another late collapse, there are signs of a team ready to turn the page
after one of the most bizarre seasons in the club’s modern history.
Interestingly, Spurs still hold 40/1 odds for both winning the title and being relegated — a
rare double, that makes them one of the season’s biggest “what ifs.” For those tempted by
available free bet offers, they’re arguably one of the most intriguing teams to follow, with a
campaign that could swing dramatically in either direction
With tough opening fixtures against Manchester City at home and a trip to West Ham on the
horizon, establishing good habits from the very first weeks will be crucial. The question isn’t
whether Frank can get a tune out of this squad – the PSG performance proved that – but
whether he can instil the resilience needed to see out results when the pressure mounts.
Here, we look at what he needs to do.
What Thomas Frank Brings This Term
If Daniel Levy’s summer target was a manager who could steady the ship and install a long-term plan, Frank ticks every box. At Brentford, he took a newly promoted side and turned
them into Premier League regulars, capable of mixing it with anyone.
His reputation is built on clarity of ideas, flexibility, and execution. In 2022/23, Brentford beat
Pep Guardiola’s City home and away — the only side to manage it — using two very
different tactical approaches. Versatility is gold dust in a league where no one style wins
every game.
In Ange Postecoglou, Spurs had an enigma that was popular with the players and awarded
freedom, but ultimately lacked the consistency to get league results. His style was very much
‘death by football’, and, while it made his matches entertaining to watch, especially for
neutrals, Frank brings five seasons of top-flight experience.
The Danes’ track record of player development is impressive. At Brentford, he turned Ivan
Toney from a Championship striker into an England international, elevated Bryan Mbeumo
into one of the league’s most dangerous wide forwards. He helped Yoane Wissa discover
his Premier League legs. If he can do just a fraction of that with this group of objectively
more talented players, then there are all the signs of long-term stability.
New Faces, But Avoid The Same Issues
The first and most important task for Frank will be to win over the dressing room.
The departure of Son Heung-min marks the end of an era, removing not just goals and assists
but leadership and experience from the dressing room. In his place, Cristian Romero has
been handed the captain’s armband, but questions remain about whether Spurs possess
enough natural leaders to guide them through difficult moments.
James Maddison’s knee injury during pre-season has cast a shadow over their preparations,
robbing Frank of his most creative midfielder just when working new tactical patterns is
crucial.
The England international’s absence highlights Spurs failure to adequately
strengthen in attacking midfield positions, with the pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White stalling
and no alternative targets pursued.That said, the opening games provide a potential catalyst to build form and cohesion. It is in
these early weeks, when chemistry is forged and trust is built, that Frank’s off-pitch qualities
could prove as valuable as his tactics.
Perhaps most importantly, Frank brings emotional intelligence. His post-match analysis
following the PSG defeat demonstrated his ability to find positives while acknowledging
shortcomings. Players respond to managers who understand them personally, and Frank’s
reputation for building strong relationships could unlock potential in a squad that needs to hit
the ground running.
In the transfer market, the signings they have made show promise. Mohammed Kudus
brings the pace, dynamism, and versatility that Frank’s system demands. The Ghanaian's
experience at Ajax and West Ham, combined with his standout World Cup performances,
suggests he can handle the pressure of expectation.
Richarlison’s performance against PSG, harassing defenders and creating chances on the
counter, offered a glimpse of what he can offer when used properly.
European Balance
Tottenham’s return to the Champions League brings both an opportunity and a challenge.
The night in Bilbao that ended their trophy drought has earned them passage back to
European football’s elite competition, but questions persist about whether they possess the
depth and quality to compete consistently at this level.
Their performance against PSG offered encouragement, albeit with a small sample size.
Spurs matched — and at times outplayed — one of the best teams in the world. But at this
stage, good spells are not good enough.
Champions League campaigns get decided by fine margins. Spurs must stop surrendering
control in the closing stages. Against the calibre of opponent they could face this season,
late lapses will be punished without hesitation.
Domestically, games will also come thick and fast. Whatever the scale of midweek
responsibilities in Europe, home form remains the bedrock of a successful season. Spurs
dropped too many points in north London last year, often against sides they were expected
to beat.
Turning their home ground into a place visiting teams dread, regardless of what has
happened under the floodlights days earlier, will be essential if they are to balance the
demands of competing on multiple fronts.
– –
A successful season for Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur comes down to building
sustainable progress. Securing automatic Champions League qualification, in other words, a
top-four finish, would be a huge improvement on last season’s 17th-place embarrassment
and give Frank a platform to build on.
Supporters will demand a clear identity, resilience in big moments, and a home ground that
once again feels like a fortress.
The board, meanwhile, will expect those qualities to translate into results. Levy’s decision to part ways with Postecoglou despite the Europa League triumph underlines that sentiment counts for little at Spurs, and Frank will know he has to deliver both performance and points to stay the course.
