Thomas Frank has already nailed ‘major difference’ at Tottenham after what has been spotted
Thomas Frank has had a strong start to his career as Tottenham manager.
Tottenham coach Frank has a history of success at the elite level. Earning Premier League promotion with Brentford and keeping them up has helped him build a reputation as a sound tactician.
There is no doubt that he has already begun working his tactical mind in North London. His decision to start with a back five in Spurs’ defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final was just the tip of the iceberg.
While Tottenham’s defeat against Bournemouth, which continued a poor record, was one of the first of the expected growing pains under a new manager, Frank’s start at Spurs has been widely praised.
Tottenham News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
Thomas Frank ‘smarter tactically’ than Ange Postecoglou
There were concerns when Frank replaced Postecoglou as Tottenham head coach. The biggest one was his lack of experience coaching one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’.
However, he has since proven his doubters wrong with a string of solid performances. Meanwhile, former Tottenham manager Postecoglou has started his next chapter at Nottingham Forest.
While Spurs supporters will miss the chaotic nature of ‘Postecoglou ball’, Ian Darke – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Frank is the smarter tactician of the two.
“I’d have to say the major difference is they look a lot smarter tactically than they did sometimes under Postecoglou,” Darke said.
“It was a very cute performance, I thought they put in against PSG in the Super Cup final, and they were unlucky not to win that match. Again against Manchester City, City were flying from their opening days, and Pep Guardiola was talking about a fresh energy about City.
“But Tottenham went there and did a number on them.”
What is Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou’s record as managers?
Postecoglou’s approach to football can be characterised by his high-intensity attacking approach. Meanwhile, Frank is content to switch between formations depending on the opposition.
Both methods have resulted in success. The Australian won five trophies in two seasons at Celtic before lifting the UEFA Europa League with Spurs. Meanwhile, the Dane guided the Bees to Premier League promotion in 2021.
- Frank won 136 games while Brentford boss, and was defeated in 110
- Postecoglou won 47 matches while Spurs coach and lost 40
While Frank slightly edges it on win-to-loss ratio, both managers have a pretty similar tally at their previous clubs. However, there is an argument to be made that, considering the resources at both managers’ disposal, the Dane’s feat is more impressive.
Either way, it seems that Tottenham are in safe hands for the foreseeable future.
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