Thomas Frank is already facing an uphill battle just days after he was appointed Tottenham Head Coach.
Frank was not everybody’s first pick to succeed Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.
There remain doubts over whether the Dane has the credentials to coach Spurs despite establishing Brentford as a mid-table Premier League side.
And these doubts could all come bubbling to the surface in the form of large-scale protests in N17.
Tottenham fans could revolt against Frank
Daniel Levy replaced Postecoglou with Frank, despite most Spurs players being close with the Australian.
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The players sent out several heartfelt messages when Postecoglou was sacked earlier this month.
Several players publicly backed Postecoglou while his future was uncertain, and were no doubt gutted to see the 59-year-old leave.
It is even believed that defender Cristian Romero could transfer to Atletico Madrid as a result of Postecoglou’s departure.
As a result, Frank is walking into a tense dressing room and could face issues establishing his position. Tottenham supporters were also in Postecoglou’s corner and may be less inclined to give their new manager the time he needs to succeed.
Therefore, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Frank could lose the fans if he does not start well, which could lead to large-scale protests.
“All of the players were visibly behind Postecoglou,” Wenham said.
“Therefore, unless Frank hits the ground running, this is going to be seen as another massive error by Levy, and with the fan protests we’ve already had, I could see them exploding if it doesn’t go well for Frank early doors.
“That is very difficult and unfair on him. However, that is the reality and a build-up of previous Levy decisions. Things need to start well for Frank, and if it does, fans will buy in. However, if it doesn’t, there could be big problems.”
Frank will need to show potential at Tottenham
After last season, Spurs supporters will be expecting silverware during Frank’s first year, but these are unrealistic expectations.
A top-five finish in the Premier League seems like a more tangible goal for the 51-year-old’s first season in charge. This could see Tottenham play in the UEFA Champions League with a team more in tune with the manager’s vision.
If the Dane manages to secure a strong finish in the Premier League, the supporters will more likely back him for the following season. Therefore, Frank will need to play each game as if it were a final.