Supposedly a pragmatic upgrade on Postecoglou, the Dane’s relationship with fans unravelled after early cup exits and league defeats in which they showed negligible attacking threat
When Tottenham have made managerial changes in the 21st century, they have seemingly been guided by a specific principle. The new man must represent a fresh start and so it would surely help if he were radically different to his predecessor; often the complete counterpoint.
It began when Glenn Hoddle came in for George Graham in 2001 and over the ensuing years the club have bounced, for example, from Juande Ramos to Harry Redknapp to André Villas-Boas. From Mauricio Pochettino to José Mourinho. From Antonio Conte to Ange Postecoglou.
When Postecoglou ran out of road at the end of last season, his Europa League triumph no insulation against historically dreadful league form, the club were always going to turn the dial towards pragmatism: a head coach who could instil a little more defensive structure, who might not go for broke with every player pushed up on halfway after two red cards. And it was not only because any manager would look pragmatic after Postecoglou.
Thomas Frank was a sensible appointment because he is a sensible professional: solid and well-balanced, like his teams. A people person and excellent man-manager. Not to mention someone who had enjoyed outstanding success at Brentford over the previous seven years relative to the club’s means. Frank had received rave reviews for his work from Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, among others. He was ready for the step up to a big club.
