Rio Ferdinand reveals how the Tottenham players would have felt about Frank’s tactics ahead of Arsenal kick-off
Rio Ferdinand Claims Thomas Frank Is Entering Uncharted Territory After Spurs’ Derby Defeat
Rio Ferdinand believes Thomas Frank is now facing a level of scrutiny unlike anything he has dealt with in his managerial career so far, following Tottenham Hotspur’s heavy 4–1 defeat to Arsenal in the North London derby.
Much of the post-match discussion has centred on Frank’s unexpectedly defensive game plan. Tottenham spent long stretches of the match camped on the edge of their own penalty area, with the manager deploying a back five in an attempt to nullify Arsenal’s pressing and attacking combinations. Instead of frustrating their rivals, the approach left Spurs passive and pinned back, and it ultimately collapsed once Arsenal found the breakthrough.
Eberechi Eze’s stunning hat-trick only deepened the sense of embarrassment for Spurs, who never looked capable of shifting momentum after conceding the first goal.
Ferdinand: Frank’s Setup Sent the Wrong Message
Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand argued that Frank’s tactical setup inadvertently told his squad they should be afraid of Arsenal’s threat. According to the former Manchester United defender, the reaction from supporters even before kick-off suggested that the mood around the team was already negative because of how cautious the lineup appeared.
“When the teams were announced, my WhatsApp groups blew up,” Ferdinand explained. “Everyone was saying, ‘This is really defensive, this looks like we’re on the back foot.’ That’s before a ball was even kicked. Players feel that. That message filters straight into the dressing room—they’ll be thinking, ‘Are we worrying about them too much?’”
Ferdinand went on to highlight a new and unfamiliar challenge for Frank: the level of attention and criticism that comes with managing a club of Tottenham’s stature.
At Brentford, he noted, tactical experimentation—especially conservative or pragmatic approaches—rarely generated major headlines. But at a club like Spurs, every decision is dissected, especially in games as emotionally charged and globally watched as a North London derby.
“If Frank went defensive six matches in a row at Brentford, no one would really talk about it,” Ferdinand said. “But at Spurs? In a derby? People will question everything. He’s got critics to answer now, and he has to look his players in the eye and say, ‘We’re going to be positive again in the next one.’”
Ferdinand suggested that one of Frank’s biggest upcoming tests will be finding the right balance—switching from an ultra-defensive setup to a more assertive style without losing the dressing room or confusing the team’s identity.
A Tactical Dilemma Ahead of PSG Showdown
Frank’s defensive approach isn’t without precedent. A back-five system worked brilliantly for Spurs in their season-opening Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain, where Tottenham impressed Luis Enrique despite ultimately losing on penalties. After that match, Enrique even admitted Tottenham had been the better side for long stretches.
But the derby defeat has cast doubt on whether that same strategy can be relied upon in high-stakes fixtures. With a major Champions League meeting against PSG at the Parc des Princes on the horizon, Frank now faces a significant tactical dilemma.
Should he double down on a system that once succeeded against the French champions? Or should he abandon the cautious setup entirely after it backfired so dramatically against Arsenal?
Whatever he decides, the manager will be making that choice under a level of scrutiny he has rarely experienced before—one that Ferdinand believes will define how quickly Frank adapts to life at one of England’s biggest clubs.