The unfolding tale of Fabio Paratici and Tottenham Hotspur is one that one senses has, in many ways, only just begun. Clearly, the Italian has had his obstacles, but it feels in many respects that he was somehow destined to be involved with Tottenham, as he was with Juventus.
Paratici speaks clearly and yet fondly about Tottenham
Fabio Paratici, Tottenham Hotspur’s managing director of football, recently shared his philosophy on the director-coach dynamic in the context of his collaboration with new head coach Thomas Frank. In an interview highlighted by Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Paratici emphasised the importance of alignment and deference to the coach’s vision:
“I blindly believe in the director-coach relationship: you as a director must almost cancel your football ideas, to marry those of the coach you have. My football ideas, today, are that of Thomas Frank.”
This statement underscores Paratici’s commitment to supporting Frank’s tactical approach as Tottenham aims to rebuild and stabilise following recent managerial changes. Paratici has already been linked to early transfer activity tailored to Frank’s preferences, such as scouting a £30m target the coach reportedly admires.
“When you have to build a team, it’s very difficult. Locating a good player. When you have to build it by joining the different players, the various pieces, for them to work together, it’s much more difficult, much more analytical: you have to have a lot more talent. I would call it almost an art to build the team: it’s like a great chef who has so many ingredients .”
“I have always discussed a lot of football with my coaches, and I have learned a lot from them: they are very prepared. When you go to have an argument with them, you have to be ironed, or they destroy you footballingly.
Executives need to support them and put up with them in what they think is the right thing for them. We’re there to help them, not to question them. The role of a manager is fundamental, because it must make sure that everything works well. It must put everyone in the best possible condition to perform at a high level.”
This is a very different perspective from, say, Daniel Levy, who appeared hell-bent on offering cheaper alternatives to just about every player selection ever to have landed on his desk.
The importance of the Venkatesham and Frank relationship
Venkatesham’s endorsement was crucial during the hiring phase, providing Frank with an immediate layer of institutional backing in a high-pressure role at a club like Tottenham. By prioritising Frank’s “humanity” and tactical acumen, Venkatesham ensured alignment with the club’s long-term vision, particularly in nurturing Tottenham’s young squad.
The ongoing relationship looks to be on message
This support extended beyond the interview room; it signalled to Frank and the team that the new regime under co-owners like the Lewis family was committed to stability and strategic decision-making, rather than reactive changes.
Frank has publicly praised Venkatesham’s leadership style, describing him as a “fantastic person” who brings calm, approachable processes to the “sometimes emotional football world.”
In a September 2025 interview, Frank shared his first impressions:
“From day one, he comes across like a fantastic person. Really, a person that I think understands people and is very approachable… [He] takes good, calm decisions.”
This rapport is vital for Frank, as it fosters collaborative decision-making on transfers, youth development, and match-day strategies, areas where Venkatesham has taken a more hands-on role in Tottenham’s football operations.
Time will tell!