Tottenham news: Thomas Frank is in - Will Levy finally back his manager?

Tottenham Hotspur’s new boss Thomas Frank struck an optimistic chord for Spurs fans in his first interview. 

However, his words felt like the beginning of a cautionary tale Spurs fans know all too well.

Sports News Blitz’s Aidan Leo weighs in on whether Frank’s arrival means owner Daniel Levy’s backing.

Frank comments on “legend” Ange 

Offering his thoughts on previous manager Ange Postecoglou’s trophy-winning success, Frank said: “I think Ange has done something special. He'll forever be a legend in Tottenham.

“It's important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. I'm going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I'm very humble about that.

“I'll do my very best to continue the great work he put in.

“The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans' faces, the pictures were 'wow'.

“Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that,” Frank said on Sky Sports.

Frank seems raring to go. Now at the helm of one of the traditional big-six clubs, Spurs’ new boss will need to find ways to maintain his optimism ahead of a challenging, busy season ahead.

Frank’s hesitancy 

There seemed to be an undercurrent of an expected limited backing from the Spurs hierarchy in Frank’s words.

He seems aware that he may have to try and achieve more, with less.

“It's a good squad. It's an exciting, massive club with massive potential. So, it's just super, super exciting. 

“I had very good conversations and meetings with [Daniel Levy, Vinai Venkatesham, and Johan Lange] where we discussed everything in depth.

“Details about the club structure, processes - and of course I came with my views on things, how I saw it, my ideas, and the way I want to do things and how I try to build a team and a club.

“There'll be ups and downs - right now, it's a fairytale. Everyone's happy, the sun is shining, it's fantastic,” Frank continued. 

READ MORE: Premier League news: 2025/26 season – Man Utd v Arsenal and the biggest clashes of Matchday 1

There certainly is a dark shadow of familiarity to Frank’s appointment—one that Spurs fans should be cautious of.

Is he just ‘happy to be there’ or is he the chosen one that will claim Champions League qualification via league position in the upcoming season?

Something that The Lilywhites have become well accustomed to over the last 10 to 15 years.

Time will tell, but crashing out hopelessly from the Champions League won’t do his side’s confidence any good.

Therefore, despite his new side’s shameful league finish last season, Frank will need to imprint a level of structure and continuity for the fans and players to get behind.

Levy’s notoriety 

Spurs fans have exhibited palpable frustrations towards Levy, who has fostered a notorious reputation over the years in the minds of the fanbase.

His lack of financial backing to his appointed managers have left Spurs fans notably aggrieved, considering their club’s lack of progression since the Poch era.

And even in the case of Mauricio Pochettino, he achieved beyond his means throughout his tenure at the club.

Furthermore, from Jose Mourinho, to Antonio Conte, and most recently, Postecoglou, Spurs have struggled to assert a winning imprint on the league and cups, and more concerningly, haven’t been able to establish a long-term successful identity. 

The same way the buck stops at the manager regarding poor performances, a manager’s failure sees that buck arrive at the owner’s doorstep next.

Levy will have to take accountability for Spurs’ past financial limitations, whether that was an inability to spend or a decision not to.

Frank arrived from a successful time at Brentford, who are not expected to make big-money signings. 

So the heightened expectations put on him at his new club should mean a higher spending bracket if he is to achieve anything.

Frank may have said that ‘the sun is shining, it's fantastic,’ but the weather changes quickly in North London—and a sombre, stormy day is never far behind.

READ NEXT: Thomas Frank takes the reins at Spurs: Can the Danish coach steady Tottenham’s ship?