Thomas Frank has made feelings clear on leaving Brentford as Tottenham sack Postecoglou
Thomas Frank has made it clear in the past that his commitment to Brentford runs deep, potentially putting a significant obstacle in Tottenham Hotspur’s path as they search for a new manager. The Danish coach has already suggested that he might turn down a move to north London, favouring stability and long-term vision at Brentford over the glitz and pressure of a bigger job.
Tottenham are currently on the hunt for a new head coach following the abrupt departure of Ange Postecoglou, who was relieved of his duties on Friday. While Postecoglou made history by delivering the club’s first major silverware in 17 years, his Premier League form collapsed in the second half of the season, ultimately costing him his job.
In the early stages of the managerial search, Frank has emerged as a strong contender and is reportedly viewed as the frontrunner for the Spurs hot seat. The 51-year-old has gained widespread acclaim for his impressive work at Brentford, transforming them from Championship hopefuls into a solid mid-table Premier League outfit with a clear identity and tactical discipline. His ability to operate with limited resources while developing players has not gone unnoticed across the top flight.
Despite being touted as a serious candidate by the Tottenham hierarchy, persuading Frank to swap west London for north London may prove challenging. In an interview from August of last year, the Danish manager spoke candidly about his contentment at Brentford and cast doubt on the idea that he needed to move to a so-called “bigger” club to validate his ambitions.
“I might already be in one of the best football jobs in the world,” Frank told Sky Sports News. “And I truly believe that. The environment here is so good – the people, the ownership, the support structure – it’s all top class. I’m working in a place where I feel valued and where I believe I can achieve something meaningful.”
Frank added that while the temptation to try something different might arise in the future, he doesn’t feel a pressing need to chase a more high-profile opportunity. “Of course, everyone thinks about new challenges, but it’s not like I need to take a step to something that’s supposedly ‘bigger’ or ‘better.’ Because what is better, really? I’m ambitious, yes, but I genuinely believe I can reach all my goals right here with Brentford.”
Despite Frank’s previously stated loyalty, Tottenham are reportedly not deterred. According to The Guardian, the club has already held preliminary discussions with intermediaries about the possibility of appointing the Brentford boss. The Spurs board is said to be giving “serious thought” to bringing him in, particularly impressed by the consistency and structure he has instilled at his current club.
However, Brentford are not expected to let their manager go without a fight. The club’s leadership reportedly remains optimistic that Frank will stay at the Gtech Community Stadium for at least another season. His current contract, which runs until 2027, includes a significant buyout clause that any potential suitor would need to activate to even open negotiations. That financial hurdle alone may cause Tottenham to pause, as they weigh the cost of prising Frank away from a club where he holds significant influence.
Should Spurs choose to meet that buyout figure, the final decision will fall to Frank himself. He will then have to weigh the appeal of taking over a club with larger resources and a bigger fanbase against the project he has built from the ground up at Brentford—a club where he enjoys total backing and stability.
Frank first joined Brentford in 2016 as an assistant coach before being promoted to the top job in 2018. In just three years, he led the club to Premier League promotion through the Championship play-offs and has since kept them competitive in the top flight, earning admiration for both his tactical intelligence and calm leadership.
As Tottenham look to re-establish themselves among the Premier League’s elite, the decision they and Frank face could be pivotal. For now, Spurs fans can only watch and wait, hopeful that the Dane may be tempted by a new challenge, even if the signs suggest he’s in no hurry to walk away from what he already considers a dream job.