The Unravelling of Thomas Frank's Pragmatic Vision at Tottenham
From a prime vantage point by the Spurs Cyprus flag, nestled near the tunnel adjacent to the South Stand, I witnessed one of the most disheartening moments in my football fandom. The scene unfolded with a perfect view of the away end, where AC Milan supporters were jubilantly celebrating, their energy a stark contrast to the subdued atmosphere among the home fans. It was 2023, and Tottenham Hotspur should have been basking in the glory of hosting a Champions League knockout return leg, despite trailing 1-0 from the first match at the San Siro.
My team, while not a vintage Spurs side, boasted recent deep runs in the tournament, the formidable striking partnership of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son, and a world-class manager in Antonio Conte. Yet, the highlight of the entire evening proved to be the pre-match light show. Tottenham, needing to score, displayed a passive approach from the outset, generating minimal chances. By half-time, the stadium could barely muster a whimper, a silence that felt unjustly blamed on the supporters.
The Milan fans bounced relentlessly throughout, as if they had always anticipated victory. It was a gut-wrenching experience. If we could not rally for a Champions League round of 16 clash, what was the purpose? Merely eighteen days later, Conte labelled his players selfish and departed. I was relieved to see him go. He contended, as many have before and since, that Tottenham lack the fortitude to suffer and build champions. Regardless of any truth in that assertion, his attitude that the club should feel fortunate for his presence left me cold from the beginning.
The Delicate Balance of Arrogance and Humility in Football Management
A certain level of arrogance in football management often seems necessary. Managers must thrive in environments where doubters abound. When paired with success, such as Jose Mourinho's cheeky demeanour during his initial stint at Chelsea, it can even endear. However, a combination of arrogance without results becomes toxic. Consider the rapid downfall of Russell Martin at Rangers. A thoughtful and principled manager, he had to learn to stand firm against public opinion. Yet, his refusal to wear a tie on the touchline instantly alienated the traditionalist Rangers fanbase. Understanding and respecting club traditions is paramount; you can adapt them slightly, but you must comprehend their essence.
This principle explains why Manchester United's interim appointment of Michael Carrick resonates with supporters. United face ridicule for relying on individuals who 'know the club,' but when you are part of the tradition you aim to uphold, you gain more leeway. Similarly, during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's temporary reign, his decision not to use 'Sir Alex's parking space' might have seemed trivial, but it symbolised his humility and historical awareness, earning him widespread affection from fans.
The Tottenham Way and Thomas Frank's Pragmatic Mismatch
Of course, it is not merely subtle gestures that signal a manager's alignment with fan expectations. The 'United Way' is a tangible concept, exemplified when United defeated City with a Ferguson-esque style. Tottenham supporters crave attacking, fluid football—encapsulated by Danny Blanchflower's famous phrase about 'doing things in style, with a flourish.' Nuno Espirito Santo was adored at Wolves for his pragmatic methods and hard-earned results, but that approach was destined to falter at Spurs.
In appointing Thomas Frank, Tottenham sought a manager whose defensive focus and pragmatism were intended to elevate the team and reaffirm top-tier ambitions. There was a logical strategy behind this choice. Yet, it has not yielded success. Deep down, I harboured doubts it ever would. The fans have grown disaffected, evidenced by 10,000 empty seats during a recent Tuesday night fixture. A solitary victory over Borussia Dortmund will not suffice to reverse this trend.
Frank arrived promising to manage with this pragmatic philosophy, and his decency and dignity have remained unwavering. He lacks intrinsic club DNA, but he embodies humility. The critical question remains: can his pragmatism adapt to consistently deliver performances in the Tottenham way? Or is it simply a case of too little, too late? His tenure may be doomed, but if an exit looms, it will likely be characterised by the same dignified humility that has defined his time at the club.
