Thomas Frank, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager, has no immediate plans to seek new employment until the conclusion of the current football season, following his dismissal from the London club. This decision comes after he secured a substantial financial settlement of £8 million, as reported by sources in his native Denmark.
Compensation Details and Club Expenditure
According to these reports, Frank will be compensated with one year's salary for his premature departure, which occurred just eight months into a three-year contract. Tottenham had initially invested £10 million to lure him away from Brentford last summer, and he was earning approximately £650,000 per month during his tenure. In total, the club's expenditure on Frank exceeds a staggering £23 million, highlighting the significant financial commitment made.
Dismal Performance Leading to Sacking
Frank's sacking was announced on Wednesday, less than twelve hours after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United. Once again, Tottenham failed to overcome a half-time deficit, a recurring issue under his management. He leaves the team in a precarious position, sitting 16th in the Premier League and merely five points above the relegation zone. This follows a dismal run of form, with only two victories in the last seventeen matches, raising serious concerns about the club's survival prospects.
Interim Appointment of Igor Tudor
In response to this crisis, Tottenham have swiftly moved to appoint Igor Tudor as their interim manager until the end of the season. The 47-year-old Croatian brings a wealth of experience from European football, having managed clubs such as Juventus, Marseille, and Lazio. He is set to take charge of training on Monday morning, marking the players' first session since Frank's departure.
Tudor's Managerial Background and Challenges
Tudor has been active in management since 2013, but his career has been notably peripatetic, with twelve different roles over the past eleven years. His appointments include stints at Hajduk Split (twice), PAOK, Karabukspor, Galatasaray, Udinese (twice), Hellas Verona, Marseille, Lazio, Juventus, and now Tottenham. He faces an uphill battle, as the team currently sits at the bottom of the form table over the last six games and only one place higher over the most recent ten matches.
Future Prospects and Summer Considerations
If Tudor can engineer a positive turnaround and steer Tottenham clear of the relegation battle, he may emerge as a candidate for the permanent head coach position in the summer. However, the club's leadership, including chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, who led the search for Frank's replacement, intend to evaluate a broader pool of candidates for the long-term role once the season concludes. This strategic approach underscores the club's desire to stabilise and rebuild after a turbulent period.
