Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has breathed new life into his beleaguered career after pulling off an audacious surprise in their Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund. The Tottenham boss had been left reeling from a disastrous 4-1 defeat to West Ham on Saturday, and with his job hanging precariously in the balance, Frank knew he had to take a bold gamble.
In a move that would have raised eyebrows even among the most adventurous of managers, Frank opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, pitting Djed Spence against Dortmund's left flank. The gamble was not without its risks, as many assumed it was a one-and-done situation, with the likelihood of another crushing defeat hanging over his head like a sword of Damocles.
However, Frank's decision to stick with this unorthodox setup proved to be inspired, as Tottenham dominated possession and controlled the tempo of the game. The visitors' attacking quartet, led by Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons in midfield, tore into Dortmund's defense, leaving them reeling at every turn.
While it was still a 2-0 victory for Spurs, the manner of the win lent an air of confidence to Frank's team, and hinted that they were on the cusp of something special. With his team playing with tempo and incision, it was clear that Tottenham had finally found a formula to unlock their opponents.
This surprise win may prove to be Frank's lifeline, as he navigates the treacherous waters of Spurs' Champions League campaign. While the road ahead is still fraught with peril, Europe could yet shield him from the sack, allowing him to regroup and reassess his team's fortunes before facing the daunting task of trying to outdo their Premier League counterparts in the months that follow.
For Frank, this win represents a testament to his unorthodox approach and willingness to take calculated risks. The Spurs boss has shown bravery in sticking with his guns, even when the odds were stacked against him. And it could just be enough to give him another chance to prove himself as Tottenham's manager – at least until mid-March, when the next round of Champions League ties come around.
In a move that would have raised eyebrows even among the most adventurous of managers, Frank opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, pitting Djed Spence against Dortmund's left flank. The gamble was not without its risks, as many assumed it was a one-and-done situation, with the likelihood of another crushing defeat hanging over his head like a sword of Damocles.
However, Frank's decision to stick with this unorthodox setup proved to be inspired, as Tottenham dominated possession and controlled the tempo of the game. The visitors' attacking quartet, led by Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons in midfield, tore into Dortmund's defense, leaving them reeling at every turn.
While it was still a 2-0 victory for Spurs, the manner of the win lent an air of confidence to Frank's team, and hinted that they were on the cusp of something special. With his team playing with tempo and incision, it was clear that Tottenham had finally found a formula to unlock their opponents.
This surprise win may prove to be Frank's lifeline, as he navigates the treacherous waters of Spurs' Champions League campaign. While the road ahead is still fraught with peril, Europe could yet shield him from the sack, allowing him to regroup and reassess his team's fortunes before facing the daunting task of trying to outdo their Premier League counterparts in the months that follow.
For Frank, this win represents a testament to his unorthodox approach and willingness to take calculated risks. The Spurs boss has shown bravery in sticking with his guns, even when the odds were stacked against him. And it could just be enough to give him another chance to prove himself as Tottenham's manager – at least until mid-March, when the next round of Champions League ties come around.