2 hours ago
36
Thomas Frank has reacted to Micky van de Ven’s comments about Ange Postecoglou and has revealed whether the Tottenham squad are buying into his plan.
There is no denying that the man whom Frank replaced at the helm was very popular among the Spurs squad.
One only has to look at the emotional tributes that the Tottenham players paid to Postecoglou after his dismissal to understand just how good a relationship they had with the Australian.
The current Spurs boss has seemingly found it more difficult to get a tune out of the squad, and there have even been instances of Tottenham players behaving disrespectfully to Frank.
Thomas Frank is happy with the buy-in from the Tottenham squad
In his recent interview on The Overlap with Gary Neville, Van de Ven spoke about Postecoglou’s system and how the team adapted last season to win the Europa League.
During the course of the interview, the Dutchman insisted that he still believes in the 60-year-old’s system, even though he confessed that it was too open at times.
When Frank was asked what he made of those comments by Van de Ven, he told Football.London: “I haven’t seen it, so… I’ve talked (with press officer) about the interview, but I haven’t seen it.”
The Dane was then informed that the centre-back came across as if he really believed in Postecoglou’s system. Frank was then asked if getting a buy-in from the players had been difficult, given the contrasting styles, and he responded: “No, I think it has been a good buy-in.
“You could say that from the beginning of the season, we started quite well without being sensational. I thought we were very good in some games and good in other games.
“And then like in every season, you have some setbacks and spells where it is maybe not going the right way, but I don’t see anything that they are not with me or going in the same direction.
“I think Micky it is fair to say scored more goals, played more consistent minutes and been more fit than he has ever been, so looks like he is buying into it.”
Van de Ven and the Spurs players clearly had their reservations with Postecoglou’s system
It is difficult to understand how anyone can watch the whole Van de Ven interview and come away with the idea that he and his teammates completely believed in Postecoglou’s system.
While the Dutchman was obviously being as diplomatic as possible, he made it clear on multiple occasions that the players felt it was too open, and he did not like being left so defensively exposed.
Van de Ven also made it clear that he likes how Tottenham are playing under Frank and the defensive protection he has.
Have something to tell us about this article?
English (US) ·