Top 5 for Thomas Frank, Pre Season

With his feet now firmly under the desk at Hotspur Way, Thomas Frank faces a defining early task as Tottenham’s new head coach, navigating a maze of sensitive, strategic conversations that will shape the club’s future. From transfer strategy to player management and boardroom influence, the Dane must assert his vision quickly and effectively to ensure a smooth transition into a demanding role.

Here are five of the most critical discussions he must have in the coming weeks.

1. Johan Lange

Frank’s history with sporting director Johan Lange dates back to their early coaching days in Denmark, when they shared an office at Lyngby. Their personal and professional rapport could be one of Tottenham’s biggest assets, but only if it’s channelled correctly.

Lange must now shift from building a squad for Ange Postecoglou’s dynamic attacking style to assembling one for Frank’s more balanced and often pragmatic system.

That transition will require honest dialogue on player profiles, recruitment priorities, and Champions League-level ambitions. Their shared understanding may ease the process, but the stakes are higher than ever, Tottenham can no longer afford another misaligned rebuild.

2. Daniel Levy and Vinai Venkatesham

In conversations with chairman Daniel Levy and new CEO Vinai Venkatesham, Frank must tread a careful line between ambition and reality.

Levy has publicly stated his expectations of winning both the Premier League and Champions League. To even begin entertaining that, Frank and Lange need the club’s financial and structural backing.

Venkatesham, fresh from Arsenal and known for his role in backing Mikel Arteta during turbulent times, could be an essential ally.

His influence in streamlining football operations may finally give a Tottenham head coach some stability beneath the ever-watchful gaze of Levy.

Frank must ensure that he is not merely tolerated, but trusted, and that his vision is funded appropriately.

3. The Medical Department

Tottenham’s medical and performance teams came under intense scrutiny last season following a relentless injury crisis. Players returning from layoffs only to suffer re-injuries became a grim pattern under Postecoglou, fuelling behind-the-scenes friction.

Frank brings with him Chris Haslam, his long-time Head of Performance from Brentford, to serve as a crucial link between the dugout and the treatment table. Haslam’s arrival signals a cultural reset, and the communication between medical staff, coaching team, and players must improve dramatically.

Director of Performance Services Adam Brett will oversee the transition. Frank’s role here isn’t just managerial, it’s diplomatic. Unity and transparency across departments will be vital to avoiding another campaign hamstrung by medical uncertainty.

4. Cristian Romero

World Cup winner Cristian Romero was arguably Tottenham’s standout player last season, delivering commanding displays en route to Europa League glory and earning Man of the Match in the final. But Frank’s first major player conversation must address the elephant in the room: Romero’s future.

The Argentine is under contract for two more years, but his admiration for La Liga, and his close relationship with Postecoglou, leaves Tottenham vulnerable. His emotional farewell post to the former coach, sent just under an hour after Frank’s appointment, was telling.

Frank’s high-intensity, front-foot style suits Romero perfectly. Now he must sell the project. If the centre-back can be convinced to stay, he becomes the cornerstone of Frank’s back line. If not, Tottenham must demand a premium, and prepare accordingly.

5. Son Heung-min

Tottenham’s beloved captain and club legend Son Heung-min is entering the final year of his contract, having just turned 33. After finally lifting a trophy with Spurs, there is a sense that Son may feel his story in north London has reached a natural end.

But that decision should not be unilateral. Frank must sit down with Son and gauge his appetite, not just for another season, but for his role within a new tactical structure. The South Korean remains a potent threat, but Spurs must also be realistic about succession planning, contract strategy, and the emotional cost of parting with their talisman.

The dialogue must be candid. Does Son want one last dance in the Champions League with Tottenham? Or is it time to make way for the next generation?

A Delicate Balancing Act

With the UEFA Super Cup against PSG looming on August 13 and a Premier League opener three days later, Thomas Frank has little time for slow diplomacy. These early conversations will set the tone for the season, and possibly for his entire Tottenham reign.

The margins are fine, the ambitions lofty, and the spotlight unforgiving. But Frank is not a man afraid of big decisions. He just needs to make the right ones.