Thomas Frank’s arrival at Tottenham was always going to attract attention, but the noise around him grew even louder this week after Simon Jordan launched an unexpected and rather brutal attack on the Spurs boss. Jordan’s harsh comments came after Frank openly revealed he had held discussions with both Manchester United and Chelsea before agreeing to take the Tottenham job in the summer.
While many saw Frank’s honesty as refreshing, Jordan took it in an entirely different direction, accusing the Danish coach of failing those interviews and even claiming he “sucks” at them.
Frank’s path to Tottenham was a long one shaped by years of good work at Brentford. He took the club from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021 and built a team admired for its discipline, organisation and bravery.
Brentford under Frank were never an easy team to face, especially at the Gtech Stadium where they earned a reputation for making life miserable for visiting sides. That consistency and tactical clarity eventually earned Frank the attention of bigger clubs, something that felt justified after what he achieved on a limited budget.
Tottenham had been looking for a new manager after parting ways with Ange Postecoglou at the end of the season. Although Postecoglou delivered a Europa League trophy, the club wanted a different direction, and Frank’s profile fit the vision of a coach who could build long-term success while maintaining competitiveness.
Other managers were also considered Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva among them but Spurs ultimately believed Frank was the right man to take the project forward.
Frank recently revealed that in May 2024 he had spoken to representatives from both Manchester United and Chelsea.
These talks happened on the same day, and although neither club chose him in the end, he said the experience taught him a lot and made him proud to be recognised at that level. To many observers, it was a harmless bit of insight into his journey as a coach.
Jordan, however, took that revelation and twisted it sharply. Speaking on talkSPORT, he suggested Frank was overly confident, even implying the coach believed he was entitled to those top jobs.
Jordan’s argument was that Frank must have been “morally offended” when he didn’t receive offers from United or Chelsea. He went even further by mocking Frank’s interview skills, claiming that failing to secure either role proved he “sucks at interview levels” and should focus more on preparing for those opportunities instead of writing books.
The tone of Jordan’s comments surprised many because Frank is generally seen as one of the more grounded and respectful managers in the Premier League. He has built a reputation for being thoughtful, honest and genuinely connected with supporters.
One of his consistent habits has been walking over to Tottenham fans after difficult matches to apologise or thank them for their commitment, something not all managers take time to do. His approachability is part of what made him appealing to Spurs in the first place.
Jordan’s remarks also overlooked the simple reality that clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea interview many candidates before making decisions. Not getting one of those roles does not automatically reflect poorly on Frank’s ability.
Instead, it shows how competitive the landscape is at the top level. Many high-level managers have gone through those same conversations without receiving job offers. Frank’s willingness to speak honestly about the experience was more a sign of humility than anything else.
Regardless of the debate, Frank will have little time to dwell on the criticism. Tottenham are preparing for one of the biggest games of their season as they face league leaders Arsenal in a North London derby that could have enormous implications.
Spurs have an opportunity not only to damage their rival’s title hopes but also to make a statement about their own ambitions. A win would send a message that Frank’s side are capable of competing for European places and growing into something stronger.
With his team showing good signs early in the campaign, Frank seems fully focused on building momentum, improving performances and keeping supporters onside.
What others choose to say about him off the pitch is unlikely to affect the bigger picture. His work will ultimately speak louder than any pundit’s outburst, and Tottenham’s long-term trust in him suggests they believe his journey is only beginning.
