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Thomas Frank’s Tactical Flexibility: What Spurs Fans Can Expect

By Ava Thompson | LONDON – 2025/06/18 05:26:52

Following Daniel Levy’s surprising dismissal of their manager, Tottenham players might face further adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming season. The appointment of thomas Frank signals a notable change in managerial approach for the club.

new Spurs manager Thomas Frank emphasized the importance of adaptability, stating, “The best managers adapt.” This contrasts with a more rigid approach.

By choosing Frank, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has shifted from Ange Postecoglou’s steadfast philosophy to frank’s more flexible methodology.

While Frank values principles, describing his ideal team as “aggressive and front-footed” on Brentford‘s website, his career demonstrates a willingness to adapt and modify tactics to secure victories.

What can Spurs fans anticipate from the 51-year-old Dane? Will the team maintain its scoring ability, and can he strengthen the defense? This analysis explores the trends and tactics Frank brings from west to north London.

But what can spurs fans expect from the 51-year-old Dane?

Tactical Adaptations

During Brentford’s final two Championship seasons, where they were the league’s top scorers, Frank primarily used a four-man defense. Upon promotion to the Premier league, he transitioned to a five-man defense.

Unlike managers such as Vincent Kompany and Russell Martin, Frank recognized that Brentford could no longer dominate opponents as they had in the Championship. While Brentford previously employed a possession-based style, earning Frank a “tiki-taka” reputation during his time at Brondby, he understood the need for change.

“The best managers adapt.”

In their first Premier League season, brentford started 29 of 38 matches with a three or five-man defense. This adjustment allowed them to maintain defensive solidity while effectively utilizing pace in attack,challenging even top teams.

During their second Premier League season, Brentford secured six wins and only three losses against the “Big Six,” including a double over Manchester City.

As Brentford gained experience and confidence in the Premier League, Frank gradually incorporated more “layers” into their play, increasingly reverting to a four-man defense. This season, Brentford used a four-man defense in 34 of 38 league games, reserving the three-man setup for matches against Manchester City, tottenham, Chelsea, and Newcastle. Given that Spurs used a four-man defense in 37 of 38 games, the transition should be seamless.

over time, Frank’s team has consistently improved, maintaining possession, executing more passes, generating better opportunities, and scoring more goals.

Their statistics are approaching their high-scoring Championship days. Brentford’s 66 goals this season ranked behind only liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Newcastle, surpassing Ange’s attack-minded Spurs by two goals.

With Ivan Toney as the focal point, Brentford had a target man who could drop deep and link play. Following Toney’s departure, the team shifted its focus to Yoane Wissa’s runs and Bryan Mbeumo’s cutting in from the right, resulting in nearly 40 goals between them.

Frank’s Brentford are back to a back four, after primarily getting through their first three seasons in the top flight with a back three or back five (Chart: Opta/datawrapper)

Brentford consolidated their top-flight status for three seasons,then pushed on in 2024-25 (Chart: Opta via fbref/Datawrapper)

Frank’s tactical flexibility extends to in-game adjustments. He outlined his approach in a sky Sports interview last year.

“I have a plan A,which is when everything going perfectly,” said FRANK in an interview with Sky Sports last year.

“In that Plan A, I have got five subs planned. Then there is a plan A-B, if it’s a draw and we want to push a bit more.

“then I have a Plan B if we are a goal down and it’s not going the right way. There will be more offensive players on the pitch.”

How Will it Translate?

Tottenham’s first-choice XI appears well-suited to Frank’s Brentford setup. James Maddison can excel as a No 10, similar to Mikkel Damsgaard’s role at Brentford, creating opportunities for forwards like Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min.

James Maddison should thrive in Frank’s system, hoping to recreate the success Mikkel Damsgaard had at No 10

Destiny Udogie (second left) and Pedro Porro (second right) could be perfect for Frank’s style of using full backs as attacking options

Dominic Solanke’s tireless running and pressing ability mirror Yoane Wissa’s contributions. Keane Lewis-Potter’s versatility as a winger and left-back suggests Frank will appreciate attacking full-backs like Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.

However, Frank’s challenge lies in implementing his tactical plans quickly at a club competing in the Champions League.

At Brentford, without European football, Frank and his staff developed tactical plans at the start of each week, gradually introducing instructions before finalizing the game plan on Fridays. He won’t have that luxury with spurs in the Champions League.

This move represents a significant step up for Frank and a change in direction for Spurs. Fortunately, tottenham’s young, coachable squad, full of energetic runners, aligns with Frank’s preferred style. They have secured a manager well-equipped to adapt.