Frank Arnesen had a short spell at Tottenham Hotspur during his long career in management.
The 69-year-old worked as sporting director, coach, scout and board member, and may not be done just yet.
He started as a sporting director at Danish side B1913 Odense in 1989 and moved to PSV Eindhoven in 1991.
Arnesen initially joined as an assistant manager and then became PSV sporting director in 1994. He held that position for a decade and moved to Tottenham in 2004.
The Dane spent one season with the Premier League side and left them for Chelsea in 2005.
At Stamford Bridge, he started as an academy manager and then worked as Blues chief scout, board member and sporting director between 2005 and 2009. Arnesen is now a member of the supervisory board at PSV, a role he has held since October 2023.
Enjoyed Tottenham spell
Friday’s edition of Danish newspaper Børsen has published a detailed interview with the Eredivisie side’s official.
A move to Tottenham made him realise what he learned in his different roles at the Dutch club.
“I didn’t know how much I had learned before I came to the Premier League,” he said.
“I had been in every conceivable situation and had worked with so many different areas during my years at PSV, so I knew what to do. Of course, I still made mistakes, but I could always use what I had with me.”
The Dane says he thoroughly enjoyed his spell at Tottenham. However, a former scout from the Netherlands, who visited him in London had a different view of the director.
“I probably should have taken the plunge a little earlier. I had stayed in my comfort zone for too long and had fallen asleep a little in my old position,” Arnesen explained.
“When I came to Tottenham I thought, shut up, this is new and big, and I absolutely loved it. I went to it, and then one of my scouts visited me, and the first thing he said to me was: ‘You look like a corpse, man’.
“Funny enough, I had a completely different feeling about how I felt. I could see that I had a lot to do and a lot of responsibility, but I felt that I was doing well. Even though I looked like a corpse.”
Back in January, Arnsen urged Tottenham to be patient with his compatriot, Thomas Frank. However, the English club parted ways with the Dane a month later and have continued to struggle.
Arnsen’s notable signings for Spurs
During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, the Dane had signed over a dozen players in two windows.
This includes Michael Carrick from West Ham United, Paul Robinson from Leeds United and Michael Dawson from Nottingham Forest.
Spurs finished ninth in the Premier League and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the sixth round.