Tottenham fans can already see the differences between Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou after footage of their new manager’s pre-match team talk on Thursday was released.
Frank was taking charge of his first-ever north London derby with the iconic fixture staged outside of the UK for the first time in front of nearly 50,000 fans in Hong Kong.
Spurs claimed a 1‑0 win and the pre-season bragging rights thanks to Pape Sarr’s stunning 45-yard lob just before half-time.
The Senegal midfielder picked the ball up after a mix-up in the midfield, spotted David Raya stranded, and punished him from close to the halfway line.
It was an encouraging display from the Europa League champions and fans were given an insight into what led to it.
Footage and audio of Frank’s message to his players before they went out on to the pitch has been shared on social media.
Footage and audio of Thomas Frank’s pre-match team talk on Thursday has been shared
Frank shook hands with his players after delivering his message before the Arsenal game
‘Yes, everyone in? Anyone missing? No?’ began former Brentford boss Frank.
‘Big thing – duels and second balls, OK? So when they go long in our high pressure and when we go long, we need to land on the second balls, OK? And make sure we win those 50-50s.
‘They will be aggressive, we need to be aggressive. Make sure we’re brave, OK? Play forward, trust yourself, play each other good. And play enough in behind. Enough in behind.’
He finished by saying: ‘OK boys, let’s go!’. This prompted applause from the Spurs players.
And supporters were quick to respond, highlighting the differences they saw between Frank and former manager Postecoglou.
‘Quite interesting observing the differences between Frank and Ange – and I am not using the differences to s**g either off,’ wrote one.
‘Ange was clearly about motivation and philosophy and Frank more about principles and standards. Very different approaches.’
Another wrote on X: ‘Pre season vibes. Calm and straightforward. Can’t compare to Ange’s Cup final emotion. It’s going to be different.’
Fans rushed to social media to give their verdicts on Frank’s actions in the footage
Others were less convinced by the short and sharp approach.
‘I mean I want to like it but it’s a far drop from Ange’s pre match talks,’ said one while another while another claimed: ‘He’s no Ange in this department.’
