Thomas Frank
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank recently addressed the ongoing comparisons between himself and former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. As Tottenham continues to face challenges this season, Frank acknowledged the fans’ admiration for Pochettino, who led the club to significant achievements, including a Champions League final appearance in 2019. Despite the current struggles, Frank expressed understanding and respect for the supporters’ sentiments.
Thomas Frank said: “I met Mauricio a few times, great guy, a great coach. I think he’s a legend (here). I don’t think he won a trophy but he was part of transforming the club, from where it was at that stage, to where it ended being in terms of being close to winning the Premier League title. Getting into the Champions League final. If you are close, then you are very close to winning it. Sometimes it’s football, it’s margins. Pochettino did a top job here and is a true legend, so if the fans sing his name it’s well deserved.”
Frank’s comments came amidst a challenging period for Tottenham, who have only secured two wins in their last 16 Premier League matches. The team currently sits six points above the relegation zone, prompting questions about their current form and future prospects. Despite the pressure, Frank has been careful in his language, avoiding the term ‘relegation’ and instead emphasizing the need for urgency and improvement.
Thomas Frank said: “That’s 100 per cent fair. Every club should do whatever they can to perform every single game and do everything they can to end as high as possible. I think if we were a little bit higher then you’d say ‘is top four the end?’ Now it’s not as high, then ‘is relegation the end’? For me, no matter what, I will only focus on the next game.”
The physical demands of balancing Premier League and European competitions have also been a topic of concern for Frank. He acknowledged the difficulties the squad has faced in maintaining performance levels across multiple fronts.
Thomas Frank said: “Clearly we as a squad, it’s relatively transparent we struggled playing Premier League and Europa League last season. And we are still struggling a little bit with that. It’s something we need to build on in terms of physical and mental robustness. It’s not only young players. If you’re robust, physically and mentally, you can be 19-years-old or you can be 38. It’s just to find players who can do that.”
As Tottenham prepares for their upcoming match against Newcastle United, Frank will have to manage without captain Cristian Romero, who is suspended following a red card. Micky van de Ven is set to wear the captain’s armband in Romero’s absence.
Thomas Frank said: “He’s young, 24 I think. It’s not the first time he’s been captain this season, it must be at least four or five times. He did very well, I’m very happy for him. Coming from Brazil, 19-years-old, to Tottenham, to the Premier League, getting his debut in one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. That’s a big thing so I hope him and his family are proud.”
With key players like Dejan Kulusevski facing ongoing injury concerns, Frank’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial as Tottenham aims to climb the Premier League table.
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