High line. Selective pressing. Long goal kicks. Set-piece dominance. Thomas Frank’s “Frank-Ball” isn’t exactly the same as Ange Postecoglou’s “Ange-Ball,” but the footballing DNA shares some key strands.
Now officially appointed as Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach on a three-year deal, Frank makes the move from Brentford, where he transformed a former League One side into one of the Premier League’s most respected overachievers. His tactical flexibility, eye for player development, and ability to build cohesive squads have earned him widespread respect.
While many Spurs fans were underwhelmed by his appointment, especially in the shadow of Postecoglou’s departure, a growing number have warmed to the idea. Frank’s track record of punching above his weight makes him a fascinating fit for a club looking to solidify its identity.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
So, what can Tottenham expect under Thomas Frank?
1. Tactical Adaptability
One of the biggest differences between Frank and Postecoglou lies in flexibility. While Ange’s high-octane, front-foot style rarely changed regardless of opposition, Frank is far more pragmatic.
At Brentford, he tailored his tactics to suit the situation. In the Championship, his team led the league in goals and xG with a dynamic, attacking style. Yet in their first Premier League season, he opted for a compact, counter-attacking setup, securing a solid 13th-place finish.
Expect Spurs under Frank to shift systems based on opponent and match state. He regularly switches between a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3 and isn’t afraid to change shape mid-game. He makes full use of his substitutes, with each player given a clear role.
Don’t expect perfection, but you can count on responsiveness and smarter in-game management.
2. “Pragmatic Ange-Ball”
While Frank isn’t as idealistic as Postecoglou, there are similarities. Both managers favor a high defensive line, pressing in specific moments, and building attacks with purpose. However, Frank is more conservative in execution.
Rather than relying on width and overloads like Ange, Frank prefers to attack through the middle using two strikers and a four-man midfield—two holding, two attacking. His teams stretch the back line through movement and timing rather than sheer volume.
A back three could become more common at Spurs under Frank, either from kickoff or as an in-game adjustment. That may prompt transfer activity this summer, particularly in defense, or see players deployed in new roles.
3. Long Kicks & Set-Piece Threats
Under Postecoglou, Spurs rigidly played out from the back. Under Frank, expect the opposite—goalkeepers will launch long balls toward strikers, with midfielders ready to win second balls and attackers poised to make runs in behind.
Brentford were also set-piece specialists under Frank, thanks to a dedicated coach focused on maximizing dead-ball situations. They led the Premier League in headed goals last season (14), regularly threatening from corners and free kicks.
Expect players like Cristian Romero, Richarlison, and potentially Radu Dragusin to become more dangerous aerially—something Spurs haven’t fully exploited in recent years.
4. Defensive Solidity
Frank’s Brentford sides were notoriously tough to break down. When defending, they compressed space, dropped players into the back line, and cut off passing lanes.
Tottenham’s defense showed signs of improvement late last season, especially with a fit Romero and Micky van de Ven. Frank now inherits a talented core and could make it even more resolute. He’s also known for improving defenders, meaning someone like Radu Dragusin or even a new signing like Kevin Danso could flourish.
Conclusion: A New Era with Familiar Roots
Thomas Frank may not be a marquee name, but his footballing principles align with many of the ideas Postecoglou brought to Spurs—just with more flexibility and realism.
Whether he thrives will depend on whether his past success was a product of Brentford’s exceptional structure or his own managerial brilliance. However, his intelligence, emotional awareness, and experience working in a data-driven setup like Spurs (including a past relationship with Johan Lange) suggest he’s well-suited to Tottenham’s evolving vision.
With more resources—and greater expectations—Frank now steps onto a bigger stage. If he can bring his tactical balance, adaptability, and developmental touch to North London, this could mark the start of a promising new chapter at Tottenham Hotspur.
