Thomas Frank appears to be one of the nicest guys in football management, even if there’s a steely ambition under the wrapping. For years, as he succeeded with Brentford, the manager would speak to the Danish media and drop hints he wanted a bigger club.
Frank explained on multiple occasions that whilst he was happy to stay in England he needed to fight for titles. To be in competitions like the Champions League.
The manager got his way in the summer as Tottenham decided he was the one to replace Ange Postecoglou. Spurs were able to offer Champions league football after their Europa League victory. They’ve now picked up four points from their first two matches.
Tuesday evening saw a 2-2 draw with Bodø / Glimt in Norway, and big coverage in Scandinavia.
“The nicest man in the world”
Ståle Solbakken is the manager of the Norwegian national side and a big fan of Frank.
The feeling is mutual with Tipsbladet quoting Frank as saying: “Ståle is a man and a football coach that I have great admiration for. What he built over many years in Copenhagen was incredible. I’m really happy for him. A good colleague and a friend in the world of football.”
Norway are well placed to qualify for the World Cup, having started their qualifying campaign well.
Solbakken has time to praise the Tottenham boss: “There are two things that characterise him. He is the nicest man in the world and he is very social. I remember that we used to have lunch together, despite the fact that we were in charge of FCK and Brøndby.
“He is very open and reflective. And he is incredibly normal in relation to being a football coach. At the same time, as a coach he is very pragmatic. He is not the one who has a crystal clear playing style, but instead he adapts to the squad he has.”