There is little doubt that Thomas Frank endured a disastrous spell as Tottenham manager, leaving supporters debating just how poorly his tenure ranks among the club’s worst.
Under his leadership, Spurs lacked attacking intent, showed little bravery, and slipped into a relegation battle in the Premier League. The team now faces the possibility of one of the darkest seasons in its history, relying on new head coach Roberto De Zerbi to turn things around.
It hasn’t taken long for De Zerbi to demonstrate he is a stronger option. From a footballing perspective, he already appears to be an upgrade on Frank, and tactically sharper than interim boss Igor Tudor.
In his first press conference ahead of the clash with Sunderland, De Zerbi outlined a clear and direct philosophy. He emphasized structure both in and out of possession, but more importantly, highlighted the need for character, courage, and attacking intent. His focus is on restoring the team’s identity—playing with spirit and consistently looking to score.
His approach reflects an understanding of the urgency of the situation. Rather than prioritizing long-term build-up principles, he is focused on immediate organisation and instilling belief within the squad.
Building on the foundation Tudor attempted to set, De Zerbi aims to make Tottenham more disciplined while adding a stronger attacking edge. Crucially, he recognizes the importance of goal-scoring as part of the club’s identity—something that was missing under Frank, whose side often looked ineffective and lacking threat.
