Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is ready to tackle his first-ever campaign as a Champions League coach after finally sealing a high-profile move to a 'big six' side, with the Dane's private assessment of his new squad now coming to light.
Thomas Frank confirmed as new Tottenham manager
Following many productive years at Brentford, Frank sealed a switch to Spurs earlier this week as Ange Postecoglou's immediate replacement, just days after the club announced chairman Daniel Levy's tough decision to sack the Australian.
Postecoglou guided the Lilywhites to their first major trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League on a famous night against Man United in Bilbao, but Spurs cited their woeful domestic form as the catalyst behind his dismissal.
The north Londoners lost a record-breaking 22 Premier League games under Postecoglou last season and finished just one place above the relegation zone, with Levy showcasing ruthlessness over the emotion surrounding their European triumph by firing Frank's predecessor.
Yet another new era has now begun at Spurs with Frank's arrival, and the 51-year-old has now become their fifth manager since Mauricio Pochettino's exit in 2019.
"Thomas is very personal with the players," Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard told BBC Radio 5 Live, telling Spurs supporters what they can expect.
"He cares a lot about how we are and how we feel. It's a very important quality for a manager to have.
"Not every manager has it, and the ones that do seem to have more success. He's definitely a leader and someone who guides us. He's done a fantastic job in the years that I've worked with him at Brentford."
However, pundit Chris Sutton believes Levy has taken a major gamble on his appointment.
"Thomas Frank has done a brilliant job at Brentford, but this is a whole different kettle of fish," said Sutton.
"Because of the expectation at Tottenham, Frank won't get time to get his feet under the table. He will be under pressure from the off. Postecoglou has just won them their first major European trophy for 41 years and has gone. So already you have to wonder what does Frank need to do this season to keep his job?
"The aim for Frank will be to keep them in the Champions League, and whether that is by making the top four or five, that is not going to be easy."
Amid reports that Frank is looking to sign Bryan Mbeumo to upgrade his Tottenham squad, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared what the tactician really thinks of his current team.
What Thomas Frank privately thinks about Tottenham's squad
According to the reporter, who spoke to The Boot Room this week, there is a feeling that Frank is privately thrilled with his options at Tottenham, even if they're reportedly battling Man United for Mbeumo right now.
"Spurs think there is a need for another player on the right," said Bailey.
“But, from what I am told, the belief at Spurs is that Frank is a fan of this squad. They think he will love working with it – someone like Brennan Johnson is going to love playing for Frank."
The Scandinavian has bigger names to manage than ever before, and away from the lack of pressure at mid-table Brentford, far more eyes will be on how Frank does at N17.