Thomas Frank looks set to become the new Tottenham manager after Ange Postecoglou was sacked over the weekend
The writing was on the wall for Postecoglou for quite some time before he was fired by Spurs, and now, it looks like Frank will be the man to take over.
Tottenham had considered Andoni Iraola their top target at one point, but now, Frank is the clear favourite in this race.
Thomas Frank will arrive at Tottenham with a solid Premier League track record and an innovative approach to many aspects of the game including data analysis and set-pieces.
The Dane always knew how to get the most out of set-plays at Brentford, be that from corners, free-kicks, or even kick-offs.
Indeed, Frank remarkably got Brentford into the habit of scoring early goals straight from kick-off.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Thomas Frank’s kick-off tactics
Tottenham fans may well remember that last season Brentford set a record in the Premier League as they became the first team to score in the opening minute of a match in three consecutive games.
One of those goals actually came against Tottenham as the Bees struck early in three consecutive games.
Game Time before first goal Goalscorer
Brentford vs Man City 22 seconds Yoane Wissa
Brentford vs Tottenham 23 seconds Bryan Mbeumo
Brentford vs West Ham 37 seconds Bryan Mbeumo
“I can’t tell you [the secret],” Frank said after Brentford scored early vs West Ham
“Is it just the Premier League? There are lots of leagues. I need to know if it’s a world record or not.
“It must be a world record, three games in a row under 40 seconds – it’s unbelievable.”
“Of course there is planning that goes into it.”
We have a kick-off strategy and we tweak it from game to game. And as a mindset and philosophy, we like to get straight on the front foot and be positive.
“There are some margins going our way of course, but I want to give credit to the coaching staff and the players.”
Frank has clearly identified a way to create big chances early in games from kick-offs, and that’s something that Dominic Solanke may well thrive on.
Dominic Solanke could thrive in Thomas Frank kick-off tactics
There aren’t many players or managers who take kick-off tactics seriously, but there could be a perfect meeting of the minds here at Tottenham.
Indeed, as Frank has shown this season, he clearly has an eye for interesting tactics from these situations, and one player who knows all about that is Dominic Solanke.
Much like Brentford, Bournemouth had a knack of scoring early from kick-offs at one point as managers such as Scott Parker and Gary O’Neill implemented exciting attacking strategies from kick-off.
Solanke actually scored a goal six seconds after kick off against Fulham a few years ago.
Incredible! 🤯
Within seconds of the restart, Bournemouth strike ⚽
Brilliant move from the visitors, and Solanke provides the finish! pic.twitter.com/RLhZopsO9O
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 3, 2021
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Philip Billing would score one of the fastest goals in Premier League history against Arsenal in similar fashion, and while Solanke wasn’t providing the finishing touch here, he played his part with his sharp, direct running.
Solanke knows what he’s doing from these situations, as does Frank, and these two could become something of a scary duo with that in mind.