Tottenham Hotspur have opted for a pragmatic approach under Thomas Frank this season
We are in November, and Tottenham sit fifth in the Premier League with five wins from their opening eleven matches. It is fair to say that Thomas Frank has made a positive start at N17 following his move from Brentford in the summer. The team is also unbeaten in the Champions League, having collected eight points from their first four group-stage matches.
However, despite the relatively strong league position, many supporters still have doubts about Frank’s suitability to manage a club of Tottenham’s stature. His approach has also drawn criticism from sections of the media, who point to his pragmatic game plan. Spurs often spend long spells defending and allow opponents to dictate possession and apply pressure.
Tottenham Hotspur have opted for a pragmatic approach under Thomas Frank this season.
Thomas Frank needs to turn the fortunes around at Tottenham.
Tottenham’s form at home has contributed to the scepticism. The Lilywhites have won only once at N17 in the Premier League this season, with the victory coming on the opening day against Burnley. Since then, most of their points have been collected away from home, highlighting a clear contrast between their home and away performances.
Thomas Frank has brought his own style and beliefs to Tottenham this season
Under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham were known for their attacking, front-foot football. The team played with intensity and intent, always looking to move the ball forward. This approach energised the fanbase, who felt they were finally watching football that reflected the club’s identity. Moving from that style to Frank’s more measured and structured system is a significant adjustment that supporters are still adapting to.
Clinton Morrison has now reminded fans that Frank’s teams focus heavily on set-pieces rather than creating a high volume of chances from open play. Speaking on Sky Sports (via X), Morrison said,
“Thomas Frank, I think he does know what he’s doing majority of the times. I think he’s gone there and done well. The thing with Tottenham is that it’s not going to be the football that they expected, because Thomas Frank is not that kind of manager.”
"The fans pay their hard-earned money, performances like on the weekend are not going to cut it with Spurs fans" ð¬
Following on from the chaotic 2-2 draw between Spurs and Manchester United, has Thomas Frank or Ruben Amorim made more progress at their respective clubs? ð¤ pic.twitter.com/AJMpNf5wj1
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 10, 2025
The pundit added,
“We saw what he did at Brentford. They’re hard to beat, they’re a threat from set-pieces and they win. And that’s how it is. If they thought Thomas Frank coming in was going to be attractive football, then it’s not going to be like that.”
Morrison believes Frank has done a respectable job so far, even if the style of play does not match what some supporters want. He stresses that Frank’s teams are hard to play against and rely on structure and set-pieces, so expecting expansive football was always likely to lead to disappointment.
While results have dipped recently, Tottenham remains a work in progress under Thomas Frank. The team must improve their Premier League form if they hope to stay competitive with their rivals this season. Their next test comes at the Emirates Stadium, where they face Arsenal in the North London Derby. It could be a match well decided by set-pieces, with both sides known to rely on them in key moments.