Thomas Frank and the direct hit on Pep Guardiola

Thomas Frank beat Pep Guardiola.

There aren’t many managers in the world who can receive such public praise from Pep Guardiola. So when Pep once said that Thomas Frank was “one of the best coaches” and that it was “just a matter of time” before he took the hot seat at a big club, it wasn’t just a matter of courtesy. What’s happening at Tottenham right now shows that Pep was right.

Impressions from big matches

Recently, people still remember Thomas Frank and Tottenham almost made Luis Enrique regret in the European Super Cup. At Stadio Friuli, Spurs led PSG - the reigning Champions League champions - 2-0 until the 80th minute.

Even though the English representative later fell in the penalty shootout, experts still gave Frank a lot of praise. Spurs no longer have Harry Kane, no longer have Son Heung-min, but they still showed discomfort, organization and discipline in their playing style.

The game in Italy was a reminder that Frank was slowly turning Tottenham into a team capable of surprising any opponent. And it wasn't long before Pep Guardiola became a direct victim.

On the evening of August 23 at Etihad Stadium, Manchester City hosted Spurs in the second round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, in high spirits after a 4-0 opening win over Wolves. But that confidence was quickly dashed by Tottenham. Spurs won 2-0 convincingly, while Pep could only helplessly watch his team lose.

Man City had a lot of possession (61%), but that control lacked lethality. On the contrary, Tottenham implemented exactly as Frank intended: proactive defense, reasonable pressing, and launching direct counterattacks.

Spurs beat Man City at Etihad.

Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson were the two sharp drills on the flanks, while Richarlison was the wall in the middle. The opening goal in the 35th minute was the crystallization of that strategy: Richarlison broke the offside trap, crossed accurately for Johnson to run in and shoot past James Trafford.

It was all neat, clear and efficient, showing that Spurs under Frank did not need flashy stars, but relied on organisation and discipline to make the difference.

If I had to point out the most outstanding thing that Frank has brought to Tottenham, it would be the collective spirit and the clarity of tactical intentions. Spurs are no longer as fragile as before. They know how to sit back when needed, but also know how to explode in counter-attack situations.

Kudus and Johnson - two players used to add pace - showed a quick understanding. Combined with Richarlison, they formed a dynamic trio, stretching the Man City defence and constantly creating space. In midfield, despite facing stars like Tijjani Reijnders, Tottenham maintained their balance, providing good support for the defence and solid protection for Vicario.

With Frank, he transformed a team that relied too much on Kane and Son into a team that knows how to win with discipline. 6 absolute points after two rounds is not only meaningful in terms of achievements, but also an affirmation: Spurs are truly ready for a journey to compete in the top group.

When Pep also had to take off his hat

Interestingly, Guardiola was one of the first to openly express his admiration for Frank. After City's 2-1 win over Brentford last season, Pep admitted: "I'm a big fan of Thomas Frank. I don't remember in the last eight or nine years a team playing the kind of football Brentford played in the first 30 minutes. They deserved to win, whether it was 0-1, 0-2, 0-3. I admire Brentford for what they've done over the years, and they're so well managed."

It was a rare recognition from a coach who is known for being strict. And now, Pep probably understands the value of his own words even more, after witnessing Frank and Tottenham defeat Man City right at the Etihad.

Thomas Frank is proving his worth.

There is no denying that Thomas Frank is emerging from the shadow of a “troublemaker” to become a manager who can shape the Premier League landscape. Receiving recognition from Pep Guardiola is no less than a “stamp of approval” for his talent. But more importantly, it is his achievements on the pitch – from the Stadio Friuli to the Etihad – that are the clearest proof.

Tottenham no longer have the expensive star squad of many of their rivals, but with Frank, they have a new identity: disciplined, direct and hard to break down. That is the foundation for Spurs to nurture their hopes of returning to the top candidates, while challenging the seemingly immutable power of the Premier League giants.

From Brentford to Tottenham, Thomas Frank has proven that he is not only good at making life difficult for strong opponents, but also knows how to turn a team into a vibrant and unified unit. The 2-0 victory over Manchester City was not just three points, but also a milestone: Frank officially placed himself in the ranks of the most formidable managers in English football.

For Tottenham, they have the right to believe that the Thomas Frank era will not only stop at praise, but can also write new pages of history.

Source: https://znews.vn/thomas-frank-va-cu-danh-thang-vao-pep-guardiola-post1579377.html