Thomas Frank has opened up on how much time he needs to build his Tottenham Hotspur squad in his own identity.
Thomas Frank has a lot of work to do as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, and he is quickly finding out how difficult it will be, especially as the demands at this level grow with every passing game.
We are eleven games into the Premier League season, and the Danish manager has already received stick from his own fans, despite sitting fifth in the league table.
Tottenham supporters have been left dissatisfied with the lack of attacking intent in some league matches where Spurs have been outplayed, leading to fans booing Frank.
Thomas Frank reveals whether he needs more time at Tottenham
It will, of course, take time for Frank to build his team in his own image, but in football, managers are often not given much time, especially at clubs with high expectations.
The expectation from fans and the board is for immediate changes, and Frank has found out quickly, as the pressure has intensified long before he has had the chance to fully implement his ideas.
Arsenal are up next and across north London, Mikel Arteta is one manager who was afforded time in his early years at Arsenal, and he has already built up a team that is competing for the league title, although he has yet to win one.
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In discussing whether he envisions a long process, Frank referenced Arteta’s journey and stressed the importance of patience, explaining how a clear process can yield results if a club stands by it.
Speaking to the press, he expanded on the value of long-term thinking. He said, via club media: “I think it is a good example of a club that sticks to the process.
“I know it is Mikel in charge, me in charge, but there are so many more people working, but sticking to what we believe in over a longer period.
“I think six years… it is very rarely you get that wrong in football. I also think it is fair to say that it took probably three seasons for Arteta, so the fourth season, that is where he competed now, is in the seventh season.
“So, he is really, really ready to compete in his fourth season. So, that is how you should see it. And then we know the difference between having ultimate success to win something or not is like this – and you need margins, but the process is the most important thing.”
What Thomas Frank needs to do to be afforded time at Spurs
The early signs of Frank’s reign have shown promise, but with the fans already giving him stick, Frank will need to change his approach quickly.
The Dane will need to give the fans something to work with if he is to remain for the full length of his three-year contract or even beyond, as patience will only last if performances and results show clear improvement.
Arteta won a few pieces of silverware during his early days at Arsenal, and one could argue that it bought him some time, which ultimately allowed him to build a side that reflects his identity.
Frank might need to do similar, or at least keep Tottenham competitive in games by playing exciting football and getting results, and if he does that, then he could be afforded time.