Thomas Frank Named Tottenham Head Coach with Three Untouchable Players
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly appointed Thomas Frank as their new head coach, replacing Ange Postecoglou, with a £10 million agreement reached with Brentford to secure the Dane’s services. The 51-year-old, celebrated for his transformative tenure at Brentford, is set to bring his adaptable, high-intensity style to north London. As Frank prepares to reshape the Spurs squad, club chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly informed him that three players are deemed “untouchable” and not for sale: captain Heung-min Son, winger Dejan Kulusevski, and centre-back Cristian Romero. This directive signals Tottenham’s intent to build around a core of proven talent as they aim to rebound from a challenging 2024/25 season.
Frank’s appointment, confirmed by sources including Sky Sports and The Athletic, follows Postecoglou’s sacking despite his Europa League success, with Spurs finishing a disappointing 17th in the Premier League. Frank’s track record at Brentford—where he achieved promotion and established the Bees as a competitive Premier League side—made him the frontrunner. His tactical flexibility, blending possession-based play with pragmatic adjustments, is seen as a contrast to Postecoglou’s rigid approach, offering hope for a squad disrupted by injuries last season.
The designation of Son, Kulusevski, and Romero as untouchable reflects Tottenham’s strategy to maintain a strong spine. Heung-min Son, the club’s captain and talisman, remains a cornerstone at 32. Despite speculation about his future due to his age and contract status, Son’s leadership and versatility—capable of playing across the front line—make him indispensable. His heartfelt tribute to Postecoglou underscored his commitment, and Frank is likely to deploy him as a left-sided forward or No. 10 in his preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 setups.
Dejan Kulusevski, the 24-year-old Swedish winger, is another key asset. His versatility, work rate, and creativity align perfectly with Frank’s system, which demands dynamic wingers. Kulusevski’s ability to operate as a right-midfielder or central playmaker gives Frank tactical options, though he may compete with James Maddison for a starting role. Reports suggest Frank values Kulusevski’s adaptability, making him a non-negotiable part of Spurs’ future.
Cristian Romero, the Argentine centre-back, is the defensive linchpin despite missing significant time due to injury in 2024/25. His aggressive defending and ball-playing ability suit Frank’s high-pressing philosophy. While interest from Atletico Madrid has been noted, Tottenham’s firm stance on retaining Romero signals their belief in his potential to anchor the backline alongside Micky van de Ven.
Frank’s challenge will be to integrate these untouchables with potential signings, such as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, while navigating a packed Champions League schedule. With Levy’s backing and a reported interest in reuniting with former colleagues like Justin Cochrane, Frank is poised to instill a winning mentality. As Tottenham prepare for an official unveiling, fans are optimistic that Frank’s pragmatic yet progressive approach, anchored by Son, Kulusevski, and Romero, will spark a revival in the 2025/26 season.
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Sources: Sky Sports, The Athletic, football.london, The Independent
Sources: Sky Sports, The Athletic, football.london, The Independent
