Thomas Frank makes ‘wow’ statement about comparisons to Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has urged patience as he continues to shape his side, drawing parallels between his early spell in charge and the beginnings of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign in north London.
Thomas Frank’s start to life as Tottenham Hotspur boss has had its ups and downs, with the Dane still trying to find his feet.
Spurs are sixth in the Premier League table and five points off the top, having picked up 14 points from their opening eight games of the campaign.
There have been solid performances, but criticism has also been directed towards the Spurs boss for often being too pragmatic in his approach.
Spurs have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions, and although they remain unbeaten in the Champions League, there is still a sense that things could be better for Frank and his side.
Thomas Frank draws Mauricio Pochettino comparison at Tottenham
However, the Dane can take encouragement from the fact that his record so far mirrors that of Mauricio Pochettino, who guided Spurs for over five years and left a lasting impression on the club.
If Frank’s UEFA Super Cup penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain is counted as a loss, then both he and Pochettino managed six wins, four draws, and three defeats in their first 13 matches in charge.
Frank’s record edges slightly ahead of the Argentine’s, with his team scoring three more goals and conceding three fewer during that run.
Those similarities were brought up during Frank’s pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Everton, and he reflected on the comparison, saying it was one he greatly respected.
He told reporters (The Standard): “It is not only that example, but I think it is a good example because of course, Pochettino is a legend here.
“What he built, what he was part of achieving, I think it is definitely a spell I looked at when I was not here and of course, I was very aware of when I got offered the job. I always looked at that and thought ‘wow’. What he built, what they built together there was quite unique and quite impressive.
“I think any success in football history is more or less from clubs and teams that had the same head coach or manager for a long spell.
“That is, of course, not about me but also includes the key staff members. That can be sports directors, CEO, assistant coaches and of course the manager or head coach.
“That is almost a non-negotiable and then of course it is up to me to make sure we have enough progress along the way, but we all know it will be a little bit up and down.”
Frank confident there is more to come from Spurs
Thomas Frank also insisted there was more to come from his Tottenham side despite being relatively pleased with their progress so far.
Speaking after their recent run of mixed results, he said he was encouraged by the team’s direction.
“That is football and that is down to a swing of a leg sometimes, a margin, a ball is dropping to you on the other side, injuries, there are so many things but step by step we will get stronger,” Frank said.
“That I am not in doubt of. I am relatively happy with where we are, I would say relatively happy. I always want more, but I just know there is more to come.”
The Spurs boss then made it clear that he wants his side to play with intensity and physicality, especially ahead of tough away games against Everton and Newcastle.
“I want to play with high intensity and big aggression and in the Premier League, you need physicality,” he said. “So you need to have a certain level of physicality in the team because if you do not have that, you have no chance.
“If you look at the three big boys right now, look at Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, they all have unbelievable physicality and then you of course need some players that can make the difference.
“Then you – that is me – I need to set up a structure that makes sure we play free-flowing football as much as possible.”
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