Despite the recent lack of job security associated with being the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, new head coach Thomas Frank is unfazed by the club's history and is committed to a long-term vision.
In his first press conference since taking the helm in June, Frank humorously remarked that, having never been dismissed from a position, he accepted the Spurs role to "add a little more risk to his daily life."
While Frank's comments were light-hearted, the challenges of the position are undeniable, as evidenced by the club's history over the past four years.
Since June 2021, Tottenham has seen four managers come and go, with Nuno Espirito Santo lasting just four months, Antonio Conte 16 months, and Ange Postecoglou, who ended the club's 17-year trophy drought by securing the Europa League, staying for two years.
"Coming to a big club brings its own pressures," said the Danish manager. "I appreciate the ambitions here, and every decision I make is for the long term. It's not about surviving 18 months; it's about the long haul."
The 51-year-old expressed that winning the Europa League last season was "extremely positive" for the club, and while he aims to bring more silverware, his primary goal is to ensure Spurs can compete consistently across all fronts.
"Winning the Europa League provided the fantastic trophy this club deserved and needed," he stated. "My objective is to build on that. Our first goal is to be competitive in all four tournaments and do so consistently."
Frank made these remarks ahead of Tottenham's initial pre-season match against League One team Reading, scheduled for 15:00 BST on Saturday.
Leaving Brentford 'Very Difficult' but Right Decision
Frank, who was the Premier League's second-longest-serving manager, left Brentford in June after leading them in the top flight since their promotion in 2021.
He acknowledged that departing from the west London club was a difficult decision, but the opportunity to manage Tottenham was one he could not pass up.
"In some ways, it was very difficult, and in others, it was easy," Frank explained. "Leaving was hard because I'm someone who commits fully to every relationship—be it work, friendships, or marriage. You become attached when you invest in a football club. I truly cherished my time there."
He added, "I also felt it was time to challenge myself and seize another opportunity. When a club of Tottenham's stature comes knocking, it's impossible to turn down."
Son and Romero 'Very Important'
Two immediate issues Frank faces at Spurs are the futures of captain Son Heung-min, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, and Cristian Romero, who has been linked with a move this summer.
Frank refrained from speculating on their futures, simply stating that Son and Romero are both "very important" to the club.
"They are two top players. Sonny has been here for ten years and finally earned his well-deserved trophy this summer. He's crucial for the team and the club," he said.
"Romero, a World Cup winner, Europa League winner, and Copa America winner, is also very important to us. Both have trained well and will play on Saturday. I'm very pleased."
Frank also remained tight-lipped regarding Tottenham's pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White, which has led Nottingham Forest to consider legal action over a potential breach of a confidentiality agreement in his £60 million release clause.
Frank stated he would "not discuss players who are not part of my team."
'No Definitive Answer on Son and Romero' - Analysis
Frank's silence on the futures of captain Son and vice-captain Romero spoke volumes.
Both players were instrumental in Spurs' triumphant Europa League campaign last season, yet their futures remain uncertain as the new season approaches.
Son, with a year remaining on his contract, has been heavily linked to a move to Saudi Arabia, while BBC Sport reports that several MLS teams have expressed interest in the South Korean forward for a potential January transfer.
Romero has been a long-term target for Atletico Madrid, and his annual flirtation with the Spanish club appears to be ongoing.
Neither player seems likely to depart before the club's pre-season tour of Southeast Asia, especially Son, who is central to the club's commercial strategy due to his high profile in the region.
When asked if he was counting on the duo for the upcoming season, Frank stopped short of providing a definitive answer.
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