Tottenham boss addresses claims of being a defensive coach ahead of Copenhagen clash
Tottenham prepare to host Copenhagen in their next UEFA Champions League clash as manager Thomas Frank addresses growing talk about his coaching style. While his team continues to search for a consistent attacking rhythm, Frank made it clear he doesn’t see himself as a defensive coach. He admitted Tottenham haven’t always looked sharp going forward in recent games, but said the team have played strong attacking football in several moments.
Frank said that scoring goals has always defined his approach to coaching. He recalled his time at Brentford, where his side created plenty of chances even with fewer well-known players. He believes the record shows his commitment to attacking football. The Spurs manager added that his staff and players train every day to improve movement, teamwork, and confidence in the final third.
Frank focuses on building chemistry within the squad and improving structure instead of worrying about outside opinions. He believes once the players settle into rhythm, they will find their attacking flow naturally.
“I think it depends on whose narrative that is. The journalists? A few fans? I guess we have quite a few fans out there, so maybe the ones who write on social media. I’m not on social media, but I’m very aware we haven’t been free-flowing. In some games, there have definitely been moments where we’ve been quite good.
“It’s something we work very hard on every single day. It’s fair to say that every team I’ve managed has been able to score a lot of goals. Even a Brentford team with, let’s say, on paper, fewer players, created a lot of top goal scorers. I’m convinced we’ll do the same here. I think it’s fair to say we’re also working very hard on it.
“The players are doing everything they can, and it’s my job, along with the coaches, to make sure they have good relations, good structure, and can play with confidence.”
Quote via Football.london
Frank’s tactical balance faces its first real test
Frank has been looking to build a flexible and organised team, but he is now facing questions about his approach. The 52-year-old wants his team to be adaptable instead of focusing on a fixed identity. The manager has changed formations based on the opponents that Spurs have faced, but has always stuck to his back four.
Under him, Spurs have pressed high, marked players aggressively in man-to-man marking, and looked to force mistakes. However, as time has flown by, his structure has not sparked the attacking fluidity.
Tottenham’s pressing and defensive organisation has brought stability, but their attacking play still looks predictable. In matches like the one against Chelsea, the side lacked creativity in open play and struggled to break down deep defences or create consistent chances. Frank’s emphasis on defensive balance has improved discipline but limited the spontaneity fans expect.
Rediscovering creativity through sharper attacking choices
To fix this problem, the manager needs to place greater focus on creativity. The technical midfielders, like Xavi Simons, must influence the game more, helping move the ball through central areas instead of depending too much on wide overlaps and individual dribbles.
The front line also needs a sharper focal point, a striker who attacks space and finishes with confidence. Players such as Samu Aghehowa will fit that profile and can bring the direct threat Tottenham currently lack at key moments. If Frank combines defensive order with attacking variety, his system will reflect both his footballing ideas and the expectations of the fans.