Thomas Frank has officially taken the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, and his first interview as manager has already sparked considerable discussion. While many expected the typical introductory remarks, Frank made a point of acknowledging his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, in what some are calling a bold and classy move. Postecoglou's tenure at Spurs was unexpectedly cut short despite securing the club's first trophy in 17 years – the Europa League title – and guiding them to a Champions League spot.
Frank, formerly of Brentford, didn't shy away from addressing the situation. He stated that Postecoglou would "forever be a legend at Tottenham," a sentiment that resonated with many fans and pundits alike. Recognizing the foundation laid by the Australian manager, Frank emphasized that he intends to build upon Postecoglou's work. "It's very important to understand that we all stand on the shoulders of others, so I am going in on the foundation that Ange and his coaching staff built, and I am very humble about that," he said. "I will do my very best to continue the great work that he put in."
This statement is particularly noteworthy considering the circumstances of Postecoglou's departure. Despite the Europa League triumph, Spurs finished a disappointing 17th in the Premier League, a key factor in the club's decision to make a change. Frank's acknowledgement of Postecoglou's "special" contributions, even in light of the league performance, speaks volumes about his character and understanding of the sport.
Beyond paying tribute to Postecoglou, Frank outlined his vision for the future of Tottenham. He aims to create a team that plays "aggressive, front-footed football" and ultimately transforms Spurs into "serial winners." He highlighted the attacking talent already present in the squad and stressed the importance of taking risks to achieve significant success. “I know the ethos and the history of the club is massive on attacking football and there is so much attacking talent in the squad,” Frank said. “I'm very, very big on principles … what we do in the final third in terms of creating chances, crosses, bring balls in the box, play (in) behind. “I always say this one-liner — if you don't take risks, you also take risks. So it's important we take risks."
Frank also emphasized the importance of unity and alignment within the club, from chairman Daniel Levy to the players on the pitch. "If you want to do something big or achieve something big, you go together. So, it's definitely about doing things together – me, the staff, the players," he stated. He acknowledged the "turbulent season" the club has endured and stressed the need for everyone to be on the same page to build on their recent Europa League victory.
His appointment has been described as a "fairytale" by Frank himself. "There'll be ups and downs - right now, it's a fairytale. Everyone's happy, the sun is shining, it's fantastic," he said. However, he remains grounded, recognizing that the real work is yet to begin. "We haven't played one game yet. Hopefully, we'll win a lot. We'll work very hard every single day to make sure we create as many magic moments for the fans and put them together and at the end of the season we'll have had a very good season."
Frank's initial comments have been met with a generally positive response. His respect for Postecoglou, combined with his ambition and clear vision for the team, has instilled a sense of optimism among Tottenham fans. Only time will tell if he can deliver on his promises, but his first interview suggests that he is approaching the job with the right attitude and a deep understanding of the club's history and potential.
