(Credit: Tung/Breaking Media)

'Thomas Frank's special operation fails at first test' as Tottenham miss out on history

Kyrenia is a lifelong Tottenham fan who has been writing for Tottenham News since she joined Breaking Media in 2025. She will graduate with a Master's in Sports Journalism from St Mary's University, Twickenham in 2025. She spent several months working for the Non-League Paper and has written for the Sports Gazette. Her earliest memory of the Lilywhites is sitting alone in her dad's room in front of the telly crying into her bowl of popcorn as she watched as her team were thrashed...yet again. She is happy to report that fonder memories have since blossomed.

Published on:

15 Aug 2025, 12:10 pm

Thomas Frank has fallen at his first major hurdle at Tottenham and now looks to get back to his feet.

Frank faced "revolt" when first appointed Tottenham head coach as he was considered an odd choice to begin with.

Ange Postecoglou had just won the UEFA Europa League at Tottenham even though the players were keen on backing him until the end.

Meanwhile, the weight of the Spurs job was considered too heavy for the Dane to carry. Flash forward two months, and opinions on Frank have shifted for better or worse.

But it seems that his ability to coach at the top level continues to be undermined by powers perhaps in his control.

Frank still wants to make history at Tottenham (Credit: Imago)

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Frank's tactical setup fails to win against PSG

Frank almost pulled off the unthinkable at Tottenham against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final this week.

But when push came to shove and with his back against the wall, the former Brentford manager's tactical masterclass soon unravelled.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero had Tottenham in front before the 80th minute
Kang-in Lee in the 85th minute and Goncalo Ramos four minutes into added time levelled the scoring for PSG
The Parisians won the Super Cup on penalties

However, Lilywhite Rose podcaster John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the defeat still showcased Frank's flexible tactical approach.

“I think the tactical flexibility of Frank was really highlighted,” Wenham said.

“I think he learnt from the Bayern Munich game. That is what friendlies are for, you know, to adapt, learn and develop. He made it clear in his post-match interviews that he came up with his special operation in light of the Bayern Munich game.

“So he learned from that game that there will be times when we can't go toe-to-toe with our opposition exactly. You're talking about PSG, who over the last 12 months, won the treble, including the Champions League, and have been the best club in world football.

“You do need to adapt. And he was very, very close to what would have been, you, one of our all-time Tottenham wins.”

Read more: "Scandalous" incident during Spurs' defeat against PSG

Frank must start the league season with a win

Tottenham face Burnley in the opening Premier League game of the season on Saturday, 16 August.

The game is set to be his next big test as Spurs coach. A win against a recently promoted side is expected. But the sheer importance of this game must not be understated.

It is important to start as he hopes to continue. As such, a win against Burnley would set a precedent that Tottenham plan to win big this season.

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Thomas Frank