‘Levy to meet Frank’s Tottenham demands’ as recruitment changes mooted
Daniel Levy will be expected to back Thomas Frank as the manager settles in at Tottenham.
Levy has faced widespread criticism over the years for his failure to adequately back managers, ultimately contributing to Spurs’ relative lack of success.
Ange Postecoglou joined a long list of former employees who pointed a finger at the recruitment strategy of signing young prospects over experienced, ready-made players during his tenure.
The Australian believed it left Tottenham short-handed last season and unable to compete in the Premier League, and fans will hope Levy has learned from his mistakes and is willing to adapt to Frank’s needs.
‘Spurs will employ the Brentford method of bringing in players’
Tottenham have already had a shake-up in the boardroom, with Levy set to continue his overhaul as the North London club prepare for a new era.
The majority of Postecoglou’s coaching staff have followed the 59-year-old out of the door, while Frank has brought his own personnel, including former Spurs youth coach Justin Cochrane, with him.
One of the few to retain his position is the under-fire Johan Lange, who has previously worked with the former Bees manager and is expected to have a big influence on the summer transfer window.
The two Danes share a common approach to using data, veering away from the Fabio Paratici way of operating.
And ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Levy will have to back Frank and Lange in this direction of recruitment, which is similar to how Brentford have operated.
“I thought Frank’s contract would be three or four years,” King said.
“When you’re a new manager, you’re in the driving seat, so most of his demands will be met. I think it’s good that new staff have been brought in. Too many staff members have survived managers at Tottenham. Therefore, I think it was time for a clear-out.
“Of course, Frank will be under pressure, I’m sure he’s getting paid big bucks, so Tottenham will want big results. Now that Frank is in, Spurs will probably employ the Brentford method of bringing in players, which is all stats-based.
“I don’t agree to it. However, that seems to have worked well for Frank at Brentford.”
Frank will want new players in quickly at Spurs
Frank’s goals will have been made clear to him before his appointment, but similarly, the 51-year-old will have set out his stall, especially regarding player recruitment.
Even though he will wish to assess the bulk of the squad during Tottenham’s pre-season tour, he will have sought assurances that Levy would back him in the transfer market.
Spurs’ pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo will be a welcome sign for the former Brondby manager. However, Frank will hope that any such deals will be concluded quickly to give him time to work with the players ahead of a challenging first season in North London.