Frank Era Begins: New Spurs Manager Sets Ambitious Goals
Thomas Frank officially began his tenure as Tottenham Hotspur's head coach on Friday, July 18, 2025, holding his first press conference since taking over from Ange Postecoglou last month. Frank, formerly of Brentford, outlined his vision for the club, emphasizing an attacking style of play and a commitment to competing on all fronts.
His first match in charge will be a pre-season friendly against Reading on Saturday, July 19, where new signings are expected to debut.
"To Dare Is To Do": Frank's Philosophy
Frank stressed his intention to implement a "brave, aggressive, and attacking" style of play, aligning with the club's motto, "To Dare Is To Do." He stated his ambition to elevate Tottenham to "new heights" and to be competitive in the Premier League, Champions League (qualification pending), FA Cup, and League Cup.
Taking the Reins: Replacing a "Legend"
Frank acknowledged his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, as a "legend," despite Postecoglou's sacking following a disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League, a stark contrast to their Europa League triumph. Frank, who spent seven years at Brentford, guiding them to Premier League promotion and consistent mid-table stability, brings a proven track record to the North London club.
Captaincy Conundrum: Son and Romero Lead the Way (For Now)
The new manager confirmed that Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero would share captaincy duties in the upcoming friendly against Reading. However, the decision regarding a permanent captain for the season remains open. Frank described Son as a "top player" and crucial to the team's success. Similarly, he lauded Romero as a "top player" and "very important" for the club.
Transfer Talk: Gibbs-White Saga and New Arrivals
While Frank remained tight-lipped about the potential signing of Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, stating he would "not speak about players who are not mine," he praised the previous acquisition of Mohammed Kudus as a "great signing" and commended Daniel Levy and Johan Lange for their work. Reports indicate that Spurs triggered a £60 million release clause for Gibbs-White.
Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai, and Luka Vuskovic are all expected to make their debuts in the pre-season friendly against Reading.
Frank also commented on Bryan Mbeumo's impending £70 million transfer from Brentford to Manchester United, wishing his former player "all the best."
Injury Updates: Maddison's Return and Other Absences
James Maddison is reportedly part-training with the team, a positive sign for his recovery. However, Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski are further behind in their rehabilitation.
Squad Morale: A Positive Atmosphere
Frank described a positive atmosphere within the squad, stating that the players are "happy, positive, smiling, and full of energy." He noted a "good vibe" around the training ground, which he partly attributed to the team's recent Europa League victory.
Controversies and Challenges: Gibbs-White Dispute and Managerial Pressure
The proposed £60 million transfer of Morgan Gibbs-White is facing legal challenges, with Nottingham Forest reportedly considering legal action over an alleged breach of a confidentiality agreement regarding his release clause. This dispute could potentially delay or even prevent the transfer, despite reports suggesting that both the player and Tottenham are eager for the move to proceed.
Adding to the intrigue, Frank jokingly acknowledged the "risk" associated with the Tottenham job, given their history of managerial changes. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to deliver long-term results. Daniel Levy and Johan Lange have secured some vital signings, but continued managerial merry-go-round is something Frank will be eager to avoid.
Son and Romero: Contract Status and Transfer Speculation
While Frank expressed satisfaction with both Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero, their long-term futures remain a subject of speculation. Son is entering the final 11 months of his contract, while Romero has been linked with potential moves to La Liga.
