Thomas Frank has shed light on an unexpected encounter with Richarlison that occurred on the very first day the Danish manager was introduced to the Tottenham squad for pre-season training. As Frank recounts, the Brazilian forward made his intentions clear from the outset, expressing his commitment to staying at Tottenham.
Richarlison, whose recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular with dazzling displays against the likes of PSG and Burnley, where his contribution included a sensational brace capped by an acrobatic scissors kick made a poignant entrance under Frank’s new regime. There have been lingering uncertainties surrounding his future at Spurs due to a history of injuries, and the rumour mill has been rife with talk of his inclusion in potential negotiations for Eberechi Eze. Nevertheless, Frank has consistently communicated his desire to retain the Brazilian star.
On their first day at Hotspur Way, Richarlison sought out the newly-appointed manager. “Day one, he came in, knocked on my door, and said, ‘I want to stay’,” Frank recounted. “I said, ‘Good, I like you. I think you’re a good player. Perfect, let’s crack on.'”
Richarlison’s determination has been evident in his commitment, both on the training pitch and in the gym. He’s been an integral part of the squad, albeit with cautious management to mitigate any injury risks. “We know we need to be very aware of that to build him up, layer by layer, one step at a time,” Frank added.
The potential move for Eze ultimately fell through when Arsenal entered the fray, adding to a series of high-profile transfer “near-misses” for Tottenham. Frank, while acknowledging the complexities of such negotiations, pointed to the universal challenges faced when landing targets. “There are a lot of moving parts the players, their families, agents, and clubs making the transfer process inherently complex.”
When asked if he anticipated fewer hurdles compared to his tenure at Brentford where Tottenham notably won out on players like Archie Gray and Brennan Johnson Frank candidly reflected, “If I’m honest, no. It’s the same problems, just with a few more quid to spend. The challenges remain; it’s just a different bracket.”
Despite the setbacks in the transfer market, with Spurs beginning the season somewhat unchanged squad-wise, Frank was resolute in refusing to succumb to panic-induced decisions that might compound the club’s market frustrations. “I think it’s as key we can’t be sloppy and take a bad decision at the beginning of the transfer window, so I think it’s the same focus,” he noted.
Internally, Spurs are under pressure following the dismissals of Ange Postecoglou despite a Europa League victory, as chairman Daniel Levy casts his eyes on even greater prizes the Premier League and Champions League. Yet, Frank remains unfazed by lofty aspirations. “I’m focusing on one thing, go up to Manchester, do my very best to win and get three points, and after that, I’ll focus on the next game.”
Frank believes the mood among the Tottenham fanbase can be lifted by sustained on-pitch success. “Good performances and winning on the pitch are key. Let’s see what will happen in the next eight or nine days.”
Confident but grounded, Frank seems determined not to be swayed by the ebb and flow of transfer speculation, preferring a steady focus on the day-to-day tasks. Whether it’s through signature signings or harnessing the talent already at his disposal, Frank remains devoted to steering Spurs towards a promising season, with Richarlison poised to play a pivotal role.
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