Thomas Frank must steer clear of repeating the pitfalls that led to Nuno Espírito Santo's hasty departure from Tottenham Hotspur, lest he suffer a similar fate.
The similarity between the two managers' trajectories is stark and undeniable. Both were touted as saviors when appointed to Spurs, with Frank emerging from Brentford as the top choice and Nuno arriving at Wolves after enjoying success in the Championship. However, both struggled to replicate their earlier form, with Spurs' dismal defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal ultimately proving too much for them.
The key difference lies in the quality of talent available to each manager. Nuno's departure was hastened by his inability to adapt to Spurs' superior squad depth, which Frank acknowledges he lacks. Despite missing Dejan Kulusevki and James Maddison, Frank believes his team has made significant strides in addressing this deficit.
However, there is another area where Nuno and Frank share a common thread: playing style. The former's pragmatic approach, prioritizing defensive solidity over flair, ultimately proved unpopular with the Spurs faithful. If Frank fails to inject more creativity into his side, he risks alienating a fanbase that demands excitement and pace.
Fortunately for Frank, data suggests that Spurs have outperformed expectations in several key areas. They have exceeded their expected goals total by a considerable margin, and their defensive improvements are notable. The signing of Conor Gallagher has also injected new life into the team, with Solanke's impending return promising to bolster the attack.
Frank's calm demeanor and emphasis on the support he receives from the board suggest that he is well aware of the challenges ahead. His focus on addressing set pieces and pressing is a significant step in the right direction, and his confidence in the team's ability to overcome setbacks bodes well for the future.
While Spurs are not out of the woods just yet, there is no sense that Frank is in immediate danger. The hierarchy understands the club's realities, and Frank's track record so far suggests that he will navigate this transitional period with aplomb. As long as he avoids repeating Nuno's mistakes – particularly in terms of playing style – there is little reason to doubt his ability to steer Spurs towards a more promising future.
The similarity between the two managers' trajectories is stark and undeniable. Both were touted as saviors when appointed to Spurs, with Frank emerging from Brentford as the top choice and Nuno arriving at Wolves after enjoying success in the Championship. However, both struggled to replicate their earlier form, with Spurs' dismal defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal ultimately proving too much for them.
The key difference lies in the quality of talent available to each manager. Nuno's departure was hastened by his inability to adapt to Spurs' superior squad depth, which Frank acknowledges he lacks. Despite missing Dejan Kulusevki and James Maddison, Frank believes his team has made significant strides in addressing this deficit.
However, there is another area where Nuno and Frank share a common thread: playing style. The former's pragmatic approach, prioritizing defensive solidity over flair, ultimately proved unpopular with the Spurs faithful. If Frank fails to inject more creativity into his side, he risks alienating a fanbase that demands excitement and pace.
Fortunately for Frank, data suggests that Spurs have outperformed expectations in several key areas. They have exceeded their expected goals total by a considerable margin, and their defensive improvements are notable. The signing of Conor Gallagher has also injected new life into the team, with Solanke's impending return promising to bolster the attack.
Frank's calm demeanor and emphasis on the support he receives from the board suggest that he is well aware of the challenges ahead. His focus on addressing set pieces and pressing is a significant step in the right direction, and his confidence in the team's ability to overcome setbacks bodes well for the future.
While Spurs are not out of the woods just yet, there is no sense that Frank is in immediate danger. The hierarchy understands the club's realities, and Frank's track record so far suggests that he will navigate this transitional period with aplomb. As long as he avoids repeating Nuno's mistakes – particularly in terms of playing style – there is little reason to doubt his ability to steer Spurs towards a more promising future.