Gary Neville praises Thomas Frank for getting the best out of the Tottenham Hotspur squad
Tottenham Hotspur could not have asked for a better start to life under Thomas Frank. Two wins from two in the Premier League, both with clean sheets, and a tactical freshness that feels like a breath of fresh air in N17. Spurs swept aside Burnley 3-0 before earning a statement 2-0 victory at the Etihad against Manchester City, reminding supporters that this team has real bite again.
From Postecoglou to Frank: A tactical reset
Daniel Levy’s decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou after a turbulent league campaign was always going to spark debate. Postecoglou did deliver European silverware in the Europa League, but his refusal to adapt cost Spurs dearly in the Premier League. Tottenham were far too predictable, too easy to play against, and in the end, it proved unsustainable.
In comes Thomas Frank and the early signs are striking. Frank has shown flexibility from day one, tailoring his approach for PSG, Burnley, and City with different shapes and tactical tweaks. It’s a level of adaptability that has been missing at Spurs for years, and it’s already paying dividends.
Gary Neville backs Spurs’ new approach
Speaking on NBC Sports, English Football Hall of Famer, Gary Neville praised the work Frank has done in such a short time, highlighting how Spurs “ran all over” Manchester City with their pressing and intensity. Neville noted that Tottenham look far less predictable and far more dangerous, adapting game-to-game rather than sticking rigidly to one philosophy.
“what you’ve seen with Thomas Frank: he’ll go five at the back, he’s gone four at the back, they’ll press high, sometimes they’ll sit deep, and we’re seeing a little bit more, I think, of a change in this last 12 to 18 months, where we’re seeing the old style of football return”
Neville added:
“Thomas Frank has come in and done a really good job in the first couple of weeks… Spurs pressed and hurried really well, and it looks like he’s getting the best out of his players.”
Neville went further, suggesting that Frank’s ability to switch systems, moving between a back four and a back five while adjusting pressing triggers, reflects a wider trend of managers rediscovering the value of tactical variety.
Rediscovering Spurs’ identity
For Tottenham fans, this feels like a rediscovery of the club’s identity: energetic pressing, quick transitions, and a squad playing to its strengths. With Mohammed Kudus already looking like a game-changer, Joao Palhinha delivering a man-of-the-match display against City, and Richarlison finding form again, Spurs suddenly look like a side capable of mixing it with the very best.
The contrast with last season is stark. Instead of predictability, there’s now a sense of unpredictability, the kind that unsettled City and delighted Spurs fans. If this is just the start, Frank could be laying the foundations for something special.
