Thomas Frank has wasted no time stamping his identity at Tottenham, and after just a few weeks in charge, there is already a clear shift in the way Spurs are working behind the scenes.
Thomas Frank got off to the perfect start as Tottenham boss after his side secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Reading in his debut game.
A clean sheet and standout contributions from two newcomers, Luka Vuskovic and Mohammed Kudus, served as the perfect introduction for the former Brentford boss, who is looking to leave his mark on this Tottenham side.
All Spurs players have now reported for pre-season training, as preparations intensify ahead of what is shaping up to be a gruelling 2025/26 campaign for the Lilywhites, who are expected to compete on multiple fronts.
The general feeling around Tottenham’s training under Thomas Frank
Frank has openly stated that he considers himself a bit of an old-school coach, giving us a glimpse into his philosophy as Tottenham manager.
Footage from training has shown Tottenham players put through their paces in various running drills, and during one of those intense running sessions, a surprise name emerged as the winner.
Football.London has now revealed the general feeling within the Spurs camp as Tottenham players have enjoyed Frank’s blend of old-school and modern techniques.
It is understood that Frank’s training sessions have so far placed a much heavier emphasis on defensive structure, including for the attacking players, while also finishing most days with fitness work, particularly running.
It is claimed that the head coach is looking to push his squad to the physical levels that his tactical approach demands.
It is also further stated that there is a strong emphasis on aggression in all aspects of play, with players instructed to be assertive in and out of possession, pressing with intent and reacting sharply to transitions.
Spurs’ defensive reset under Thomas Frank is no coincidence
Tottenham endured a difficult 2024/25 season, with frailties both in defence and occasionally in attack derailing their campaign.
Spurs ended the year with a negative goal difference – one of the worst in the club’s recent history – and that statistic alone paints a clear picture of the issues that plagued the squad.
That is why it is not surprising to see Thomas Frank placing a strong focus on defensive shape and intensity ahead of the new season.
Of course, the old cliche holds that defences win titles, and if Tottenham are to genuinely compete on all fronts, as Frank has made clear is the ambition, then becoming resolute at the back is not optional – it is essential.
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