Brentford boss Thomas Frank has revealed he held discussions with both Manchester United and Chelsea last spring, before either club made managerial changes. The Danish tactician spoke with representatives from both Premier League giants in May 2024, as they explored potential options for their dugouts.
According to TV2, Frank’s morning began with a meeting with Ineos owner Ratcliffe at a London garage, before travelling to the prestigious Mayfair Hotel overlooking Hyde Park for discussions with Chelsea. Ultimately, Frank chose to remain at Brentford for another campaign, whilst United brought in Ruben Amorim following Erik Ten Hag’s departure in November, and Chelsea placed their trust in Enzo Maresca.
Speaking to the publication, Frank admitted he was overwhelmed by the opportunity to engage with two of football’s biggest institutions. He said: “I know I didn’t get either job, but it was still huge.
“I remember walking through Battersea Park between the two interviews and thinking, ‘Thomas Frank from f***ing Frederiksværk – am I really experiencing this?'”
Following a modest playing stint with Frederiksværk spanning 1995 to 2004, Frank moved into coaching in 2008, beginning with Denmark’s U16 side. He subsequently progressed through the U17 and U19 age groups before departing international football to take charge of Brondby in 2013.
Frank’s tenure with the club lasted a mere three years before he stepped down following revelations that the club’s chairman, Jan Bech Andersen, had been anonymously criticising him on a fan forum.
This led to a two-year hiatus from football, before he secured a position with Brentford.
At the time a Championship side, Frank guided the team to Premier League status in 2021 by clinching the play-off final with a decisive 2-0 victory over Swansea City.
While many newly-promoted teams have faced relegation in their first year due to struggles adapting to top-tier football, Frank not only maintained Brentford’s Premier League status in the subsequent years but transformed the team into genuine mainstays – finishing an impressive 10th last season.
However, the 52-year-old’s stint at the Gtech Community Stadium came to an end this summer.
Frank was soon linked with the managerial role at Tottenham following the departure of Ange Postecoglou, and was officially announced as the club’s new head coach on June 12.
Despite Spurs ‘ disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season under Postecoglou, it seems the club is experiencing a resurgence under Frank’s leadership. Currently, the Lilywhites are sitting fifth in the league table after 11 matches, boasting five victories, three draws and three defeats.
They’ve also maintained an unbeaten streak in Europe, boasting victories over Villarreal and Copenhagen, as well as draws with Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. Frank and his squad will be keen to continue their momentum when Premier League action resumes next weekend, although a colossal challenge may be on the horizon.
That’s because Spurs are set to lock horns with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on Sunday, 23 November.
The Gunners are currently leading the pack in the league standings, sitting eight points clear of Tottenham and maintaining an unbeaten run in their last eight top flight matches.
