Thomas Frank Delivers Bold Verdict on Tottenham's Premier League Title Hopes
Thomas Frank has rejected suggestions that Tottenham Hotspur might claim the Premier League title next season, acknowledging that "probably three teams" have better chances of securing the championship.
The 51-year-old managed his debut match after taking over from Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham on Saturday afternoon, as Spurs defeated League One side Reading 2–0, with strikes from youngsters Will Lankshear and Luka Vušković.
However, expectations need to be realistic going into the upcoming season. While Tottenham broke their 17-year silverware drought by claiming the Europa League last campaign—securing Champions League qualification along the way—their domestic form was catastrophic, finishing 17th in the Premier League.
Before Tottenham's win against Reading, Frank faced questions about chairman Daniel Levy's goals to capture the Premier League and Champions League titles, but the Danish manager declined to make bold predictions.
"What are the chances of us claiming the Premier League this season?" asked the former Brentford manager. "I believe we're likely not the top contenders. There are probably three clubs at minimum ahead of us, but we will do everything possible to construct a solid and competitive squad.
"The primary objective is that we must be capable of competing across all four competitions and maintain that consistently. I believe 2019 was the final season when the club succeeded in competing across multiple tournaments.
"If we can compete effectively, there's potentially an opportunity to finish at the summit. But we must first establish our ability to compete."
Tottenham have been active in the transfer window as they gear up for four-competition campaigns, with Mohammed Kudus being their marquee summer acquisition. The Ghanaian star joined for £55 million ($73.8 million) and has been accompanied by Kōto Takai, Vušković, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso in north London—the final two completing permanent moves following loan periods last season.