New Tottenham boss Frank demands brave attacking football
Speaking ahead of Saturday's friendly against Reading, Frank, who succeeded Ange Postecoglou last month, underlined his commitment to a high-intensity style rooted in courage and ambition.
'I'm very clear in my principles. I want to see the team be brave, aggressive and attack. Brave is linked to 'dare is to do',' Frank told reporters.
'If you are not brave, it is very difficult to achieve anything. Being aggressive is very important and, of course, we need to attack.'
Frank made a strong impression during his seven-year tenure at Brentford, where he built an attacking side that consistently exceeded expectations after earning promotion to the Premier League through the 2021 playoffs.
In their four Premier League seasons under Frank, Brentford finished 13th, 9th, 16th and 10th and last term only four teams scored more than their 66 goals.
'It was very difficult (to leave Brentford) and also very easy. I'm a person that goes all in. I got attached and had great relationships there,' he said.
'I also felt maybe it was time to challenge myself and when a club with the magnitude of Tottenham come, I wanted to be a part of it.'
The Dane had empathetic words for his Australian predecessor Postecoglou, who was dismissed by the club despite leading them to their first major trophy in 17 years with victory in the Europa League final.
'First and foremost, Ange will forever be a legend here at Tottenham. One of only three who have won a European trophy here and the first in 41 years,' he added.
'I think it was extremely positive that they won (Europa League). The first aim is that we need to be able to compete in all four competitions. That has to be the aim. I think 2019 was the last time they managed to compete in different competitions.'
Asked whether the club's frequent changes in the dugout were a concern, 51-year-old Frank - Spurs' fifth full-time manager in six years - said he embraced the risk.
'I like to challenge myself. I've never been sacked before so that is one of the reasons why I took the job, so I can get a little bit more risk into my daily life,' he added.
'Coming to a big club, there is pressure. We need to perform because it is 'we', it is me, the staff, the players. We need to do that together.'
'I like the ambition and everything I do, every decision I made so far, everything, is for the long-term. It is not about surviving one game, or one year or what is the average 18 months? No. It is for the long run.' - REUTERS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Soccer-Premier League CEO Masters pleads for patience in Man City case
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Chelsea - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - May 21, 2023 Premier League chief executive Richard Masters stands next to the Premier League trophy before the presentation REUTERS/Carl Recine/File Photo (Reuters) -Premier League chief executive Richard Masters defended the league's judicial process on Wednesday amid criticism over the slow pace of Manchester City's disciplinary case involving 115 charges of alleged financial rule breaches. Speaking at a Premier League season launch event in Liverpool, Masters said that once charges are brought forward, the matter is handed over to an independent panel, which operates autonomously. "It's an independent judiciary essentially," Masters told Sky Sports. "They are then in charge of the process and its timings. They hear the case, they decide the outcome and we have no influence over it or its timing." Masters refrained from speculating on when a decision might be reached, but acknowledged the frustration surrounding lengthy legal processes. "My frustration is irrelevant really, I just have to wait. Legal processes rarely take less time than you anticipated. But we have to be patient," he said. Masters also addressed speculation around staging Premier League matches abroad, after LaLiga's plan for a game between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami receivedapproval from the Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Monday. He said the controversial "Game 39" concept of an extra competitive match hosted outside of Britain remained off the table. "I think that (LaLiga)match that's been talked about, there's a long road to go yet about whether that will actually happen," Masters said. "It hasn't changed our view about matches abroad. We did look at the 39th game way back when with lots of controversy... Our objective at the time was how to grow the Premier League around the world. We've been able to do that through different means," he said. Masters also responded to concerns over the competitiveness of newly promoted clubs, after all three teams relegated last season - Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton - had only just come up. The same thing happened in the 2023-24 campaign when Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United returned to the second-tier after only one season in the top-flight. Masters pointed to success stories like Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Fulham, who were promoted for the 2022-23 season and are "performingextremely well in the Premier League three years later". "It's never going to be easy... The Premier League is becoming more competitive. The Championship is a fantastic division. We want it to be successful. We want there to be an influx of different clubs coming in and out. So it's something we need to keep an eye on." Masters also confirmed that the newly established independent football regulator is expected to begin operations in October or November. "We are the first country, major football nation to be regulated in this way," he said. "The Premier League operates in a global environment. So naturally we have some concerns, but the main thing is that I think the regulator doesn't start from the position that football is somehow broken in this country... "All of the key indicators are really positive for the whole of the pyramid, for the England teams, men's and women's. So, I think there is lots to be really proud about and the regulator should really be intervening where absolutely necessary." The new Premier League season kicks off on Friday when defending champions Liverpool host Bournemouth. (Reporting by Lori Ewing in Manchester;Editing by Christian Radnedge)
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Rashford criticises Man Utd's lack of strategy leaving club in no man's land
MARCUS Rashford has openly criticised Manchester United's lack of a clear strategy, claiming it has left the club in 'no man's land.' The 27-year-old forward, who recently joined Barcelona on loan, spoke about United's struggles in a candid interview. Rashford made 426 appearances for United after rising through their academy before leaving for Aston Villa on loan in January. United endured their worst season since 1973-74, finishing 15th in the Premier League and missing out on European football. The England international believes frequent managerial changes since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 have destabilised the club. 'We have been way below where we deem United to be but then if you take a step back, which I've been able to do, especially over these last six months, what do you expect?' Rashford said. He compared United's situation to Liverpool's patience with Jürgen Klopp, which eventually led to success. 'To start a transition, you have to make a plan and stick to it,' Rashford explained. He argued that constant changes in management and strategy have left United directionless. United have failed to challenge for major trophies since Ferguson's departure, despite Rashford's individual success. The forward scored 138 goals for United, winning two FA Cups and two League Cups during his time at Old Trafford. Rashford highlighted the importance of maintaining a clear footballing philosophy, as seen under Ferguson. 'When Ferguson was in charge, not only were there principles for the first team but they were for the whole academy,' he said. He stressed that successful clubs maintain a consistent identity regardless of personnel changes. Rashford suggested United's recent approach has been too reactionary rather than strategic. His move to Barcelona includes a reported £30 million option to buy, likely ending his United career. - AFP
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Cristian Romero named new Tottenham captain after Son's departure
CRISTIAN Romero has been confirmed as Tottenham Hotspur's new captain following the departure of Son Heung-min. The Argentine defender takes over the armband after Son's move to LAFC earlier this month. Son had captained Spurs for the past two seasons, including their Europa League triumph in May. Romero served as vice-captain during that period and led the team in the Europa League final before Son's introduction. The 27-year-old will make his debut as permanent skipper in Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain. New manager Thomas Frank revealed the decision on Tottenham's official website. 'I had a good conversation with Cuti Romero and he's going to be our captain,' Frank stated. The Danish coach praised Romero's leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. 'He was very honoured and very happy about it,' Frank added about Romero's reaction. The centre-back joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and was part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Frank emphasised Romero's ability to drive the team forward through his performances and attitude. The appointment comes as Spurs prepare for their first competitive match of the 2025-26 season. Romero's first test as permanent captain will be against European champions PSG in Helsinki. - AFP
