Thomas Frank‘s time at Tottenham ended in disappointment after he was sacked in early February following less than eight months in charge.
Hired to build on the foundations left by Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League win, the former Brentford boss instead oversaw their continuous decline in league form.
Spurs slipped to 16th in the Premier League, won just seven of their first 26 league matches under Frank and endured their longest winless run in the competition for well over a decade before the club decided a change was unavoidable.
Since leaving north London, Frank has remained out of management despite attracting interest elsewhere, trying his hand at pundity during the World Cup.
Crystal Palace were among the clubs linked with the Dane before eventually appointing Pierre Sage, with reports also suggesting Frank had held discussions over a return to the Premier League before deciding to take a break from coaching.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Tavolieri has developed a strong reputation for breaking transfer stories involving Belgian football and Ligue 1, and he now regularly reports for outlets including Sky Switzerland. He is generally viewed as well-connected, with several notable exclusives later confirmed by bigger outlets. However, like most transfer specialists, not every report comes to fruition, so his information is best viewed as credible but strongest when independently corroborated. |
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Finances |
Financially, Strasbourg could make the appointment without paying compensation because Frank has been out of work since his Tottenham exit in February. The main cost would be matching his salary expectations and funding his backroom staff. Those demands could make the overall package more expensive than a typical managerial appointment, even without a release fee. |
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Insight |
Frank built his reputation in youth football with Denmark before moving into club management at Brondby. He truly established himself at Brentford, guiding the club to its first top-flight campaign since 1947 and keeping them competitive through smart coaching, tactical flexibility and player development before his brief spell at Tottenham. |
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Impact |
Frank would bring clear tactical organisation and a proven record of improving young players, qualities that align with Strasbourg’s recruitment model. His experience of building competitive teams on limited budgets at Brentford suggests he could help maximise the club’s emerging talent while creating an adaptable side capable of challenging for Europe. |
The 52-year-old, releasing a statement in June, was adamant that he would not be returning to management before the new season.
However, according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Frank could be about to make a U-turn.
Thomas Frank lined up for Strasbourg job after Tottenham exit
As per his information, Ligue 1 side Strasbourg have opened talks with Frank as they weigh up their next managerial appointment.
Tavolieri wrote on X:
“Racing Strasbourg has made contact with Thomas Frank to explore the possibility of an agreement.
“The coach who has worked at Tottenham and Brentford wants to have a say in recruitment and demands the hiring of a large number of assistants.”
Tavolieri also claimed that former Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy is also on Strasbourg’s radar, but sits behind Frank in the pecking order of candidates.
“Strasbourg sees Wilfried Nancy as option B. To be continued.”
Frank’s desire for influence over recruitment is consistent with the approach that served him so well at Brentford.
Why Thomas Frank could reignite his career at Strasbourg
Throughout his seven-year spell with the Bees, he worked closely with the club’s data-led recruitment model, helping identify players capable of outperforming their transfer fees while ensuring new signings suited his tactical ideas.
Although his Tottenham spell damaged his reputation, it should not erase what he achieved before arriving in north London.
Frank guided Brentford into the Premier League for the first time in more than 70 years via the Championship play-offs in 2021 and then established them as a comfortable top-flight club despite operating with one of the division’s lowest budgets.
His Brentford side consistently punched above their weight. He improved players such as Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, Ethan Pinnock and Christian Norgaard, while repeatedly adapting his tactics depending on the opposition rather than relying on a single system.
Brentford also earned a reputation for upsetting the Premier League’s biggest clubs through organisation, intelligent pressing and outstanding work from set-pieces.
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That is why Strasbourg’s interest makes plenty of sense.
The French club have increasingly focused on developing young talent and building long-term value, and Frank has already shown he can thrive in that type of environment.
If he is given a clear recruitment structure and the freedom to shape his coaching staff, there is every chance he could rediscover the qualities that made him one of England’s most highly regarded managers during his successful Brentford years.
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