Frank has enjoyed a very solid startplaceholder image
Frank has enjoyed a very solid start | NTB/AFP via Getty Images
Thomas Frank’s comments suggest Tottenham have something they have been crying out for.
Everything feels different about Thomas Frank at Tottenham, and it bodes very well for the North London club. All those questions about whether or not so sack Ange Postecoglou on the back of Europa League glory have melted away as quickly as butter on the stove amid a solid start to the season that put Spurs in third coming into this weekend.
Tottenham look far more resolute than they were last season, and above all, Frank’s authority has completely changed the feel around this team.
Frank feels as though he has total authority over everything he does, and that sets the tone throughout the club. The Dane made sure his requirements were met when coming into the club, and he continues to appear a man made of steel as he plans his feet firmly under his Spurs desk.
His latest statements come in relation to Fabio Paratici’s return to the club after serving a FIFA ban. He said: “Obviously, Fabio worked as a consultant for the club, so, I met him a few times in the last couple of months. I'm looking forward to getting to know him more. Of course, when it's more day to day, you will get to know each other even better. I’m looking forward to work together.
“I'm not in doubt that Fabio, Johan, I and Vinai will create a very strong team and together, I'm convinced that we can create something very good. I'm used to working with two Sporting Directors, I did that for nine years in Brentford. I actually think you need two these days to cover everything, because it's such a big job. I think also the two of them complement each other.”
He added when asked if he gets the final say on transfer: “I always have a final say, you know that, of course, in the end. It's team work. I'm pretty sure if one of the, I would say three of us, because Vinai is the same, not technically, technical or whatever you call it.
“Of course, he will have an opinion, but the three of us need to agree and if one, let's take an example, it doesn't matter if it's me, Fabio, and it's very, very, very strong, they should not be the player, then that's probably not that right. So, I'm pretty sure that we will find a good way to do it.”
Spurs have a leader
There are no ifs or buts with Frank, no fear of those working above him, and not in a poisonous or arrogant way. He knows how he wants to work and that’s how he is going to work with no exceptions. Postecoglou was certainly firm in some of his beliefs, but you never felt that sense of authority towards others working at the club.
In an era of sporting directors and an abundance of chefs trying to cook the broth, that is a vital trait and one that is becoming hard to find, with most coaches just grateful to get a job. Ultimately, it’s hard to succeed if you are thinking about keeping your job, and you get the feeing Frank will never approach it that way.
He is going to work the way he does in spite of any pressure or clamour for changes. That’s a leader, and boy have Spurs been crying out for a true leader.
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