Carragher Critiques Frank’s Management of Spurs: A Call for Change

Jamie Carragher identified a significant issue with Tottenham Hotspur’s build-up play prior to the November international break, attributing it to Thomas Frank’s excessive reliance on two defensive midfielders, particularly loan signing Joao Palhinha.

“Palhinha lacks the requisite quality,” Carragher remarked while analyzing a clip from their defeat against Chelsea. “As a central midfielder for Tottenham, that pass is essential. His tendency to revert backwards, as evidenced by the crowd’s boos, indicates he lacks confidence and ability. He takes five touches because he is apprehensive about making a mistake.

“One might look at that result and think it’s not catastrophic, but the performance resembled a League Two team facing a Premier League side in the FA Cup. Statistically, there was a stark difference in possession, which poses a major challenge for any coach transitioning from a bottom-half team to one of the elite.”

The pairing of Palhinha with Rodrigo Bentancur has further complicated matters. Individually, they may be competent at breaking up play, but collectively, they hinder Spurs’ effectiveness both in possession and defensively. They consistently fail to demand the ball or progress play centrally, resulting in a predictable style of play. Defeats in derby matches underscored their ineffectiveness, as Spurs allowed numerous shots from areas they should be protecting.

Pape Matar Sarr, known for his energetic and determined play, has seen a reduction in minutes after a strong start to the season. His notable performances against PSG and Manchester City coincide with the team’s decline in form after being removed from the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall, the closest player to a traditional deep-lying playmaker, and Archie Gray have not received sufficient opportunities despite the underwhelming performances of those ahead of them.

Tottenham’s struggles in advancing play through central areas have made them even more predictable than during the Postecoglou era. Under Frank, the sequence of actions often involves Guglielmo Vicario passing to Micky van de Ven, who returns the ball, leading to a long clearance into channels where no one is challenging for possession.

Frank’s attempts to simplify Tottenham’s approach have, perhaps, backfired. As Gary Neville noted during the Arsenal defeat, there is a clear distinction between direct play and aimless long balls without a tactical plan.

One of the underlying issues appears to be that Spurs are only applying coherent principles of play during set pieces. Frank might benefit from revisiting the methodologies of one of his predecessors, Mauricio Pochettino.

Before Tottenham scored their second goal in a 2015 match against Liverpool, Pochettino was seen urging defender Eric Dier to play to feet and avoid long balls. This foundational philosophy helped Spurs evolve into a more dynamic attacking unit. Frank could similarly benefit from establishing a clearer identity as he rebuilds the squad.

Structural problems persist, particularly with the squad’s full-back options limited and Destiny Udogie sidelined for part of the season. Pedro Porro, regarded as one of the Premier League’s top attacking full-backs, has yet to find his form. While he creates chances, poor execution and lack of coordination with teammates have hampered his effectiveness.

In August, Tottenham came close to signing Eberechi Eze, only for Arsenal to intervene at the last moment. As a consolation, Spurs secured a deal for Xavi Simons, a player they initially considered lower on their list of targets. It was disheartening for Spurs fans to see Eze excel with a hat-trick against them, further highlighting the irony of roster decisions made under Frank’s management.

Simons, like Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, is still acclimating to the Premier League after a successful spell in the Bundesliga. Despite limited playing time, he has shown potential, exemplified by his impactful performance in the match against Brighton. Frank should consider giving Simons more freedom to express himself, particularly given the team’s current struggles in creating scoring opportunities.

During Frank’s introduction as head coach, he emphasized the importance of taking risks to create chances. However, the current state of Tottenham’s play does not reflect this philosophy.

Frank’s earlier success against PSG and Manchester City showcased the potential of his approach, but recent performances have not lived up to that initial promise. After the defeat to Arsenal, Frank acknowledged the team’s need for aggression and better execution in duels, while taking responsibility for their shortcomings.

While he asserts that tactical systems do not outweigh the necessity of basic execution, adopting a consistent playing style could be essential for Spurs’ resurgence. The frequent rotation of players has disrupted team chemistry, suggesting that establishing a singular identity is vital for future success.

Though Postecoglou had his challenges, his ability to engage positively with the media allowed him to weather difficult periods. Frank’s early goodwill seems to be fading, and there are growing doubts about his capacity to deliver silverware to the club.

The pressure on Frank has intensified with each passing game, exacerbated by missteps in press interactions. As Tottenham’s trajectory has shifted from promising to precarious, it is evident that Frank must navigate these challenges effectively.

The upcoming fixtures against PSG, Fulham, Newcastle, and Brentford could be pivotal for his tenure if results do not improve. Tottenham needs to demonstrate a renewed sense of purpose, particularly in challenging matchups, as they strive to reclaim their status as a formidable presence in the Premier League.

Ultimately, Frank’s tenure could be defined by his willingness to embrace risk and ambition, qualities that have been notably absent from Tottenham’s recent performances.