Frank must bring the thrills to Tottenham

With the fans on his back and a crucial run of games coming up, the new boss needs to establish a proper cutting edge.

- Matt Verri

A packed press conference this week ahead of Tottenham's Champions League match against Copenhagen was not a good sign for Thomas Frank. Partly it was down to the Danish interest in the Spurs boss and this fixture. The strong British media contingent was a reflection on the growing scrutiny of Frank.

Saturday’s pitiful defeat to Chelsea was the lowest point of Frank's reign, with boos at halftime, full-time and more than once in between.

Frank was asked how he is finding the spotlight at Spurs compared to his previous jobs. “Of course I sense there is a tiny bit more attention to everything,” he said. “But that was the one thing I was 1000 per cent sure would be different.”

For all the improvements defensively and with the set-piece record, signs of attacking patterns emerging have been too rare. A 4-0 win over Copenhagen was badly needed but the Danish side offered ample time on the ball and no real physicality. This was a cathartic night for Spurs but not one yet to be marked as a turning point. It did still serve its purpose in restoring confidence, particularly to the impressive Xavi Simons.

Just in time, too. There is a sense that Spurs’ season is in the balance, sixth in the Premier League but only two points off both second and 11th. Spurs host Manchester United on Saturday and then travel to Arsenal after the international break. The seesaw could tip either way.

Major rethink needed at home

In his first press conference as Spurs boss, Frank acknowledged that “the history of the club is massive on attacking football”.

He added: “I always say this one-liner: if you don't take risks, you also take risks.” That has rarely been put into practice. Spurs have not been good to watch and rank 19th in the Premier League for shots per match. No amount of injury problems can excuse that.