Thomas Frank, who took over as Tottenham Hotspur manager in the summer of 2025, has brought organisational stability and strong away form to the club, including notable results like a 2-0 win over Manchester City.
However, after 11 Premier League games, Spurs sit with just 18 points—below expectations for their high-value squad (€646m average matchday value)—due to poor home results, dropped points against weaker sides, and an over-conservative approach.
Attacking Depth and Goal Threat
Spurs have struggled in the final third, failing to score in three of their last six games across competitions and drawing criticism for lacklustre displays up front.
Injuries to key forwards like Dominic Solanke (missing 82% of games), Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison have exposed a lack of reliable options beyond Richarlison (whose future is uncertain).
What he needs: A proven striker. Reunion target Ivan Toney (72 goals under Frank at Brentford) is “keen” but the deal is faltering over Toney’s £900k/week salary demands, tax issues from his Saudi stint, and his reluctance to return to England.
Alternatives like Everton’s are linked for January to add pace and finishing.
Better Utilisation of Young Talent
Frank’s biggest flaw so far is underusing promising youngsters, sidelining players like Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Pape Matar Sarr, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, and Mathys Tel in favour of safer picks. This has led to isolated attacks and unnecessary losses to mid-table sides.
What he needs: Trust in youth integration, especially building the system around Xavi Simons (a summer signing scapegoated for early struggles). Experts say the team must be tailored to his creativity to unlock the squad’s potential.
Tactical and Consistency Tweaks
While Frank’s pragmatic 4-2-3-1 has stabilised defence and road results, home form is dire (no wins since the opener), with “unimaginative” play against rivals like Arsenal and Chelsea.
Data shows Spurs’ underperforming squad quality vs. opponents.
What he needs:
Bolder tactics to capitalise on talent, plus squad rotation to manage the congested fixture list (Premier League, Champions League, cups). The board remains supportive amid early pressure, but results against “bottom-half” teams must improve.
