Thomas Frank to Spurs: Move from Brentford to Tottenham is risky but Danish manager earned chance

There is a particular reason Molby believes Frank will be the ideal fit for Spurs.

“I see a squad ready to play Thomas Frank football,” Molby said.

“It is about putting the opposition under pressure at every given opportunity. The one thing you don’t want to do as a team is defend. He likes to put the opposition under pressure.

“That is in open play, set-pieces. He makes no bones about his use of long throw-ins. Put teams under pressure. Play long. Play quick. He is adaptable tactically as well.”

Frank has tailored Brentford’s style so they are not quite as reliant on set-pieces. Excluding penalties, 33.3% of their goals came from set plays in 2021-22, followed by 31%, 19.6% and 21.2% in the subsequent three seasons.

Frank’s lap of honour with his players around Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, often when one of the Premier League’s elite names had been defeated, became a familiar sight – his common touch often leading him to acknowledge faces in the crowd with whom he became familiar.

He also strikes the balance between the pressures of the top flight and enjoying his victories, often talking about his “few glasses of red” when basking in the afterglow of a win.

It might be harder to employ the personal touch at one of the game’s aspiring superpowers in a magnificent 60,000-capacity stadium, but anyone who has been in close proximity to Frank would see a genuine people person as well as a shrewd football strategist.

There is unquestionably an element of a gamble in leaving the comfort zone and sound structure of Brentford under owner Matthew Benham and director of football Phil Giles. Levy-led Spurs are a very different specimen.

When Postecoglou was sacked, the Australian left as the man who delivered long-awaited silverware, with many players upset and a large portion of support torn over whether he should have been given a third season.

“No doubt there is risk,” said Molby. “As much as people look at the season Spurs have had, they have just picked up a trophy after 17 years. Players have come out and spoken about their respect for Ange Postecoglou.

“Often, you take over at a club where the previous manager has been run out of town, but that’s not quite been the case at Spurs. Even though they had a poor Premier League season, it was still maybe 50/50 whether Spurs wanted to keep Ange, so he needs to hit the ground running.

“I think Thomas is pragmatic enough to do what he feels is needed, whereas Ange was maybe a little bit stubborn.

“The big question is whether that is enough. What is enough for Spurs? Ange won a European trophy but it didn’t save him. I would suggest top five – but that is a big ask after where they finished last season.”

Frank has, however, has served his apprenticeship, moving through the managerial gears in Denmark then England.

He has earned, and deserves, the elite stage Spurs will give him.