Frank deserves a chance to prove himself but the new manager will need a strong start after last season’s calamitous league campaign
Guardian writers’ predicted position: 6th (NB: this is not necessarily Ed Aarons’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)
Last season’s position: 17th
The sacking of Ange Postecoglou after he ended Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League divided opinion among supporters, although the appointment of the experienced Thomas Frank has been generally received with enthusiasm. Not even that night in Bilbao was enough to save Postecoglou after Spurs ended last season 17th – their lowest placing since 1977 – having lost 22 games. But Frank, after cutting his teeth with a Brentford team that consistently punched above their weight, deserves the chance to show what he can do with more resources after the chair, Daniel Levy, opted for the Dane over candidates such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola or Fulham’s Marco Silva.
Frank will know a good start is imperative if Tottenham are to build on the momentum of their Europa League triumph that also secured Champions League qualification. The departure of the captain, Son Heung-min, for Los Angeles symbolised the end of an era in north London and there is plenty of work to do to make sure they are equipped to challenge on all fronts. Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel and João Palhinha – who should add some much-needed bite in central midfield after joining on loan – have bolstered a squad since weakened by the knee injury sustained by James Maddison. A move for Morgan Gibbs-White failed to materialise after Nottingham Forest dug their heels in and Spurs have rekindled interest in Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace, having also targeted Manchester City’s Savinho.
