Tottenham: Thomas Frank shows value of good coaching ahead of late transfer dash

Spurs need new signings before the window closes but it has been so refreshing for a manager to improve a team through coaching

It came at the end of a press conference that had been dominated by talk of spending or a lack thereof.

Having fielded questions largely centred on Eberechi Eze, Tottenham’s transfer failures and whether he had a strong enough squad to compete this season, Thomas Frank opted to look closer to home when asked for his approach to finding solutions.

“I think I’m pretty sure what my end goal is but also very aware I have a group of players and those are the players I need to work with,” he said.

“I need to work with them inside the principles and how I want to play, but depending on their qualities and abilities I will tweak it accordingly.”

In a sport increasingly defined by uncompromising principles, where substance can play second fiddle to style, how refreshing it was to hear a head coach speak with such pragmatism.