Thomas Frank is Tottenham's best signing

Frank brought a different concept: the attack was still free, but based on discipline and careful calculation.

But that sentiment doesn’t just come from the Danish coach. In the stands, thousands of Spurs fans have also begun to respond, with excitement, trust and renewed hope.

A Summer of Uncertainty

Tottenham entered the 2025/26 season in mixed mood. The Whites had just won the Europa League, but at the same time they had fallen to 17th place in the Premier League. The ambition to break away was obvious, but the summer transfer window quickly turned into a series of disappointments.

Only two signings actually landed: Mohammed Kudus from West Ham (£50m) and Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich. Two big deals – Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze – both collapsed at the last minute, leaving the mood in a cloud.

James Maddison is out with a long-term injury, while Son Heung-min has left the club after the tour. The image of 3,000 Spurs fans chanting “Levy out” in the Etihad stands reflects that disappointment.

In that context, Daniel Levy's decision to sack Ange Postecoglou and appoint Thomas Frank was seen as a gamble. But after only two rounds, that "gamble" is turning out to be a wise decision.

Postecoglou’s Tottenham were once a delight to watch, playing exciting, attacking football. They scored 64 Premier League goals last season, just five fewer than Arsenal. But the downside to that generosity was that their defence conceded 65 goals – more than they scored.

If Frank is the "contract" on the coaching bench, then Palhinha is the clearest proof of adaptability in playing style.

Frank brought a different concept: attacking with freedom, but based on discipline and meticulous calculation. In their first two Premier League games, Spurs kept clean sheets in both, including a win at the Etihad - not easy for any team.

Brennan Johnson said bluntly: “There was a lot of emphasis on detail, especially on set pieces. But at the same time, he gave us freedom to attack. I’ve been to the Etihad many times and always conceded goals, but this was different.”

The difference lies in adaptability. While Postecoglou has always stuck to the philosophy of “it’s our identity”, Frank is much more flexible and pragmatic.

Against PSG in the Super Cup, he used 3-5-2 to suffocate Dembele playing as a “false 9” and limit Kvaratskhelia. Against Burnley – a weaker opponent – he switched to 4-3-3, placing his trust in the young midfield trio of Bergvall, Gray and Sarr. Against Man City, Frank continued to use 4-3-3, but this time with Palhinha and Bentancur to reinforce the midfield.

Former Man City centre-back Micah Richards called it a “masterstroke”: “He brings a cleverness in the way he finishes the game. The ability to change formations, change personnel, that’s what Tottenham have been lacking.”

If Frank is the “contract” on the coaching bench, then Palhinha is the clearest proof of adaptation in playing style. After an unsuitable season at Bayern, the Portuguese midfielder returned to the Premier League and immediately became a “monster” in the middle of the field.

At the Etihad, Palhinha won the most duels (8), made the most tackles (4) and was voted Man of the Match. It’s not just an impressive statistic, it’s an illustration of the solidity Frank is building – something Tottenham have needed for years.

Thomas Frank may not have scored or assisted, but he is proving to be Tottenham's most important signing in this chaotic summer.

Palhinha also confirmed that the choice to come to Spurs had a big impact from Frank: "The coach directly convinced me, showed me the club's project. Now I just want to enjoy this atmosphere with my family."

Big win but challenges ahead

Frank has made a dream start with two wins and two clean sheets. But in reality, Tottenham still have a lot to prove. Their squad lacks the depth of the top contenders, while shocks in the transfer market leave many questions.

However, the most important thing right now is that Spurs have confidence again. Fans see not only results on the scoreboard, but also a team that knows how to adapt and protect results. That is a far cry from the erratic Tottenham image of last season.

In a summer where Tottenham have repeatedly failed to make big signings, it is the new manager who has become the most valuable investment. Frank is not a star player, nor a £60 million signing, but he brings something Tottenham have long lacked: courage, tactical flexibility and a renewed belief.

If Spurs are to truly escape the shadow of instability, they need more than expensive signings – they need a leader who can piece together a cohesive unit. And right now, Thomas Frank is doing exactly that.

Thomas Frank may not have scored or assisted, but he is proving to be Tottenham's most important signing in this chaotic summer.

Source: https://znews.vn/thomas-frank-la-ban-hop-dong-hay-nhat-cua-tottenham-post1579487.html