Thomas Frank steps back from management after Tottenham sack, ruling out summer return

Thomas Frank will not return to management this summer, the former Tottenham and Brentford head coach has confirmed, saying he needs more time to recover the energy required before committing to a new job.

Frank, 51, was sacked by Spurs in February with the club sitting 16th in the Premier League, ending a seven-month spell that followed nearly seven years at Brentford. Despite reported interest from Fulham and Crystal Palace in recent months, the Dane has opted against rushing into another appointment.

“There have been conversations and opportunities since leaving Spurs, but I have decided not to rush into the next role,” Frank said. “For me, this summer is not the right time to go back into management. When the time is right, I will look forward to my return as a manager, ready to embrace the job with great energy and dedication.”

Frank’s record at Brentford gave him considerable currency in the market. He guided the west London club to Premier League promotion in 2021 and delivered two consecutive top-half finishes in the top flight — achievements that attracted attention from other clubs even after his Tottenham tenure ended prematurely. At Spurs, despite the league position that cost him his job, he had steered the side to fourth place in the Champions League group phase.

Rather than return to the dugout immediately, Frank intends to use the coming months to study leadership both inside and outside football. He will also work as a pundit at the World Cup for Danish television and the BBC, and plans to attend the Tour de France.

“Football remains a huge part of who I am, and I have chosen to use this time productively,” he said. “Over the coming months, besides spending time with family and friends, I will continue studying, observing and learning from other leaders both within sport and beyond it. Time away from the touchline is allowing me to broaden my perspective and gather insights that I look forward to bringing into my next challenge.”