Tottenham Hotspur remain a work in progress under Thomas Frank this season
Tottenham defied all odds last season by winning the Europa League and ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy. The Lilywhites, under Ange Postecoglou, put all their eggs in one basket and focused solely on Europe to save their season from being an embarrassment. And it is fair to say that the gamble paid off for the Australian tactician, who stayed true to his promise of winning a trophy in his second season.
Now, the responsibility falls on Thomas Frank to build on the Europa League success and help the North London club close the gap on their rivals. The ex-Brentford boss has endured a positive start to the new season, winning four of his opening eight matches in the Premier League as the Spurs boss. They are within touching distance of the top-four spot, and even have a game in hand.
Frank’s focus must now shift towards capitalising on this platform and ensuring Tottenham finish the season strongly. The Danish tactician has made it clear that he wants his team to compete on all fronts this time around. But to make that possible, the Lilywhites will need to rediscover their early-season form and maintain consistency through the busy festive period.
Thomas Frank must win silverware with Tottenham
So, what would constitute a successful season for Thomas Frank? In all honesty, the Danish tactician should first aim to improve Tottenham’s Premier League form, given they finished 17th last season. He must also look to build on Ange Postecoglou’s foundations and guide the club deep into one of the domestic cup competitions to give himself a genuine shot at silverware.
However, Tim Sherwood thinks otherwise. For him, Thomas Frank must win a trophy again to call his first season a success. Speaking on Sky Sports (via Mitch Fretton), Sherwood said,
“Cup run is not good enough. You won a trophy last year, cup run is not good enough. Tottenham have cup runs. Better premier league form is a given. But you also had a manager who just prioritised one competition and you won it and all the fans enjoyed that day out in the parade.”
The ex-Spurs boss added,
“Progression has to be winning a trophy again. If Thomas doesn’t win a trophy, but he takes you to eighth in the league…. is that success? I don’t think so.”
Sherwood maintains his stance that only a good cup run will not make Tottenham’s season a success under Thomas Frank. The ex-PL manager believes the only way the Lilywhites will progress is by winning a trophy come the end of the season, regardless of where they finish in the Premier League. Sherwood wants the Danish tactician to build on last season’s Europa League success and add some more silverware to the trophy cabinet, instead of finishing strong in the league and not winning anything.
However, it is hard to fully agree with Tim Sherwood’s stance. Failing to win another trophy this season shouldn’t automatically be seen as a failure for Thomas Frank. Tottenham are still in the process of rebuilding and remain some distance behind powerhouses like Arsenal and Manchester City. For now, the Dane’s realistic target should be securing European qualification, while also pushing for a strong run in the domestic cups.