By Martin Graham
Tottenham waited nearly two decades to secure silverware. Now, with last season’s Europa League victory still fresh, they have the chance to add a second trophy in just three months.
New manager Thomas Frank’s first campaign could start with a major achievement if his side overcomes Champions League holders Paris St-Germain. While the outcome of this single match may not define the season, a win over Europe’s top team could quickly strengthen his standing among players, staff, and supporters.
Inclusive approach to leadership
Shortly after taking charge, Frank gathered not just the football staff but all employees in contact with the first-team squad, including catering, administrative, and cleaning personnel, for an introductory meeting at the club’s Enfield base.
Such gestures reflect his reputation for creating a united atmosphere, something those at Brentford had also experienced. Known for an optimistic outlook, he maintains a policy that every member of the club, regardless of role, is treated equally.
His firm stance on discipline was clear when he left Yves Bissouma out of the PSG squad due to repeated lateness. Frank expects openness about issues and will not tolerate gossip. He takes an active role in daily training, handling most sessions himself, unlike predecessor Ange Postecoglou, who typically oversaw the final practice before a game.
Detail-focused, he keeps tactical plans close at hand even during friendlies. Players have noted his emphasis on small technical points in preparing the team.
Transfer challenges and priorities
Frank’s pre-season plans were disrupted by injuries to key players, including Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie, and Dejan Kulusevski, while James Maddison suffered an ACL injury and Heung-min Son departed for Los Angeles FC.
He sees summer recruit Mohammed Kudus as central to his style, with an emphasis on getting the ball to the Ghana international. Tactical flexibility will be a feature, with formations likely to shift during matches.
Frank has been directly involved in transfer activity, backing the Kudus signing and pursuing Manchester City’s Savinho. Tottenham’s attempts to land Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White failed due to legal complications with his release clause, and Marc Guehi’s preference for Liverpool has stalled a move.
So far, Kudus and Joao Palhinha, on loan from Bayern Munich, have joined. Some fans remain dissatisfied with the squad depth, prompting talk of protests over spending. The owners have injected funds, and the club is working on potential deals for Savinho and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
Frank says the club is committed to strengthening the squad before the window closes, with several negotiations still in progress.
