Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has delivered a clear message about the style of football he expects, stating he was far happier with his team's ambitious display in a 5-3 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain than their timid 4-1 loss to Arsenal just days earlier.
A Philosophy Forged Over 30 Years
Frank faced significant criticism for setting up with a defensive back five in the North London derby, a approach that backfired spectacularly. The response in Paris, however, was markedly different. Despite the eventual result, Spurs showed more attacking intent, leading the European champions twice before being overwhelmed by a Vitinha hat-trick.
The match also saw positive individual contributions. Randal Kolo Muani, on loan from PSG, scored his first goals for the club, while teenagers Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray were handed starts in central midfield, suggesting Frank is willing to trust youth in his quest for a new identity.
The Pressing Need for Home Improvement
All eyes now turn to Saturday's Premier League fixture against Fulham, where Tottenham will be desperate to secure only their second home win of the season. Their form at home has been a major concern, with just five points from six games making it the second-worst home record in the division this campaign.
This statistic is part of a wider, more troubling trend. In their last 20 home league matches, mostly played under previous manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have managed just three victories. The task against Fulham is made harder by the suspension of captain Cristian Romero, adding to the pressure on Frank, who has overseen only three wins in the last 12 outings.
Building a New Tottenham Identity
Amid the scrutiny, Frank's vision remains unwavering. He pointed to his successful tenure at Brentford, where he cultivated a specific, effective style of play, as the blueprint for what he wants to achieve at Tottenham.
"Over all the years I've been in charge, no matter if it was when I was with my under-eights team in Frederiksværk 30 years ago to now, I want to play offensive front-footed football," Frank stated emphatically.
He acknowledged that this philosophy doesn't always work, citing the Arsenal game as a recent failure. However, he drew a clear distinction between the two defeats. "After Sunday I was angry, painful, hurt. [After PSG] I was irritated, but the feeling in the body was better because we really, really, really competed. There was more of the identity I want to show."
Frank expressed confidence that, with patience and hard work, his current squad can find the same kind of chemistry that made his Brentford team so potent, famously featuring a prolific front four. He remains hopeful that signs of this new, attacking Tottenham will be evident against Fulham, believing that the results will follow as the team's identity solidifies.
