Ange Postecoglou (60) has left. And the 'chef' is on the way. Reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur has targeted Thomas Frank (52) as their next manager, and there is local attention on how Frank, who has a style 'completely opposite' to Postecoglou's, will implement football at Tottenham.

The BBC reported on the 10th (Korea time) that 'Tottenham is working to hire Thomas Frank, who led Brentford to secure a spot in the Premier League, as they end the Postecoglou era.' Frank raised his profile by successfully managing Brentford after promoting them in 2021.

Since his appointment at Brentford, Frank has achieved 54 wins and 60 losses in 152 Premier League games, accumulating 200 points. His average points per game stand at 1.32, placing him 29th among managers who have coached over 150 Premier League matches.

Interestingly, Frank is not a former player. He has built his career through extensive studying, starting from managing youth teams in Denmark, and has been highly regarded across Europe for his 'tactical flexibility and human leadership.'

European football expert Fabrizio Romano noted on the 10th that 'personal agreements between Frank and Tottenham have been finalized,' indicating that the transfer is imminent. Tottenham is said to have paid Brentford £10 million (approximately 18.5 billion won) for Frank's hire.

'Opposite of Postecoglou... Flexible vs. Rigid'

The BBC described that 'Frank is the opposite of Postecoglou.' While Postecoglou adhered strictly to one football philosophy (high defensive line, build-up focused), Frank has a style flexible enough to change tactics based on the opponent.

Tactical analyst Alex Kebbell stated, 'Frank adjusts according to the tactics of the opponent. He is similar to Unai Emery of Aston Villa.' In fact, Brentford recorded 245 passing sequences in their attacking build-up during the 2023-2024 season, but increased that to an average of 325 in the 2024-2025 season, indicating a gradual shift towards possession-based play.

Conversely, quick counterattacks, precise long passes, and direct plays remain major weapons in their tactics. Kebbell commented, 'Frank employs flexible tactics, and it will be interesting to see how he integrates this at Tottenham.'

Brentford recorded 56 points this season, significantly ahead of Tottenham at 17th place with 38 points, and had better results both offensively (66 goals) and defensively (57 goals conceded). Even after their main player Ivan Toney left for Saudi Arabia, Bryan Mbeumo (20 goals), Yoane Wissa (19 goals), and Kevin Schade (11 goals) combined for 50 goals, maintaining consistent offensive productivity.

'Brentford without pressing vs. Tottenham full of pressing'

The BBC predicted that Frank's biggest test will be adapting to the new environment of Tottenham. Brentford operates on one of the smallest budgets in the league, while Tottenham is a team with high-paid players and high expectations.

Premier League champion Chris Sutton emphasized, 'Tottenham is a completely different club from Brentford. Postecoglou was dismissed even after bringing the club a major European trophy after 41 years. Frank will have to manage the team under immense pressure right from the start.'

Sutton added, 'Frank is a manager with no experience in the Champions League. However, Tottenham's goal is to maintain a spot in the Champions League qualification (4th to 5th). This is not an easy target. This team does not fit a 17th place performance, but the competition in the league has intensified.'

The BBC analyzed, 'Fans have not developed an attachment to Tottenham's football under the Mourinho-Conte regime, so there is a possibility that Frank's flexible style will be received more positively.'

Sutton also predicted, 'In the end, fans will like the manager if the team wins. Frank has various styles, but what reinforcements he makes in the summer transfer market will be more important.'

'Becoming a chef in Tottenham's kitchen'

Frank likens his job as a Premier League manager to being the 'head chef of a fine restaurant.'

" A chef must be able to cook the food himself. Even if 20 chefs have various roles, the head chef must know what the final perfect outcome should look like."

He has received praise for his meticulous attention to detail and analytical leadership on the ground. Brentford midfielder Christian Nørgaard stated, 'Frank builds very personal relationships with the players. He truly cares about our condition and emotions. This is one of the vital qualities successful managers possess.'

Former Brentford midfielder Martin Ødegaard also said, 'Experiencing discussions about solutions with the manager during the game is rare. Frank is a leader who maintains an open attitude while thoroughly adhering to his standards and details.'

Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard remarked, 'Frank is a manager who has developed his own style after thousands of hours of study and observation. You can immediately tell how systematic he is during training.'

BBC commentator Phil Perry evaluated, 'Frank is excellent both as a tactician and as a leader. He is well aware that he is the core of the club organization.'

'The game starts now... How much will Tottenham change?'

Tottenham lifted a major trophy for the first time in 17 years under Postecoglou, but they also experienced the bitter reality of dropping to 17th in the league. From the moment Frank arrives, the demand will be to 'enter the Champions League and maintain European competitiveness.'

Sutton emphasized, 'Postecoglou was dismissed even after having results. Frank needs to deliver results immediately.'

The BBC concluded, 'The key question is how Frank, who has been highly rated for his tactical flexibility and human leadership at Brentford, will navigate the entirely different environment of 'pressure and expectations' at a large club.'

How Frank will cook in the large kitchen that is Tottenham, like a 'chef', suggests that another intriguing story will unfold in next season's Premier League.

[OSEN]