Thomas Frank warning to his Tottenham players that Yves Bissouma must heed
As Tottenham Hotspur enter a new era under head coach Thomas Frank, one thing is already crystal clear — the Danish tactician will not compromise on discipline. Known for his structured and demanding approach during his time at Brentford, Frank’s arrival at Spurs signals a continuation of high standards both on and off the pitch. And for players like Yves Bissouma, who have previously clashed with these types of expectations, adapting to the new regime will be crucial for their future at the club.
Frank, who officially succeeded Ange Postecoglou at the helm, is bringing his wealth of Premier League experience to north London after transforming Brentford into a competitive and well-drilled top-flight outfit. With Tottenham returning to the Champions League next season, expectations will be sky-high — and Frank is determined to instill a culture that thrives on accountability, effort, and respect.
Earlier this season, Frank appeared on the High Performance Podcast, where he was asked to name his top three non-negotiable standards for players and staff. His answer was short but significant: “Hard work, respect, and be on time.” The last of those, “being on time”, is not just a trivial demand — it’s a foundational principle for Frank, and one that Bissouma knows all too well can have consequences when ignored.
Under Postecoglou last season, Bissouma had a well-publicized misstep after receiving a vote of confidence from the former Spurs boss. “I told him, ‘You can be a leader in this group.’ I already knew his ability, and from the way he was training, I saw he had taken a step up,” Postecoglou shared. “But the next morning, he was late. I told him, ‘To be a leader, you have to lead by example — that means showing up on time.’”
Postecoglou added that creating a no-excuses culture was essential to helping players reach their full potential. “It’s about providing an environment and framework where there are no excuses — I won’t allow excuses. If you’re going to be the best you can be, it starts with holding yourself accountable. The rest is up to them.”
Bissouma later addressed the incident, explaining: “That day, I had an issue with my car. I had a flat tyre and the traffic was terrible. But I know that’s not an excuse. Every player knows the importance of being punctual. I was late, and the manager noticed. I apologised and explained the situation.”
He continued: “He told me that if I wanted to be a leader or a top player, I needed to respect every detail, including being on time. That’s about respect — for the club, the staff, and your teammates. We resolved it. I apologised to the manager and the team, and since then, I’ve made sure I’m the first one at training every day.”
Now, with just one year left on his contract and his future at Spurs uncertain, Bissouma faces a critical period in his career. If he hopes to earn a new deal or secure a key role in Frank’s plans, he must fully embrace the Dane’s no-nonsense expectations — especially when it comes to punctuality.
Thomas Frank’s arrival is more than a managerial change — it’s a cultural shift. The emphasis on discipline and responsibility could help restore consistency to a Tottenham squad that has often struggled with focus and mentality. For players like Bissouma, the message is clear: meet the standard, or risk falling behind.
As pre-season preparations begin and Frank begins to evaluate his squad, eyes will be on how quickly the players adapt to his leadership style. For some, it may require adjusting old habits. For others, like Bissouma, it’s a chance to show they’ve learned from past mistakes and are ready to lead by example in this new chapter.