Thomas Frank has been one of the managerial success stories in recent times with the job he’s doing at Brentford, but could the Dane move on to a new project in the near future?
Since being promoted to the Premier League in 2021, Brentford have rapidly established themselves as a top-flight club under the tutelage of Thomas Frank.
Frank has overseen some massive wins with Brentford, beating Manchester City twice and Chelsea three times – with only Brighton (40) taking more points against the ‘Big Six’ sides since Brentford’s promotion.
The Dane has been undeniably brilliant since arriving in the Premier League with Brentford, so if he were to seek a new challenge, where could he go?
Liverpool
With Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, the club’s board are already well underway in their pursuit of his replacement. Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi have been tipped as the frontrunners, but Thomas Frank is an outside shout.
Similar in some ways to Klopp, Frank’s tactical preference is for an imposing pressing game, with some of Brentford’s most eye-catching performances coming at the Gtech Community Stadium where they often run teams into the ground. Anfield would certainly endear to Frank’s exuberance and it is a fascinating combination to think about.
Embed from Getty ImagesFrank has also built an everlasting bond with the Brentford fanbase and community, something that would be essential if he were to manage Liverpool. There are other names ahead of him in the pecking order, but it is no wonder he’s so admired on Merseyside.
Manchester United
A slightly rogue suggestion, but Frank could be the solution to United’s 10-year mission to replace Sir Alex Ferguson. After years of appointing world-class managers and ex-players, United have never come close to challenging for the Premier League under the eight managers they have had since Ferguson departed in 2013.
Erik ten Hag has been under pressure throughout this season and given that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% stake in the club has resulted in a wipeout of personnel, he may opt to do the same with the manager.
Embed from Getty ImagesFrank would be an ideal fit. He’s not a glamourous, high-profile name so that would somewhat reduce the pressure and expectation on him, and his personality and imposing presence could instil some much-needed discipline into an unstable Manchester United dressing room.
Of course, United have an almighty task on their hands with cleaning up the mismanagement at boardroom level that has plagued the club for years, but if they were to relieve Ten Hag of his duties then Frank could be an ideal fit.
Denmark
The idea of managing your home nation surely always entices a manager. Frank was manager of the U16s, U17s and U19s Danish youth teams for a brief spell and it wouldn’t be untoward to suggest he might one day take over the men’s team.
Last year Frank was asked about the idea of managing his country to which he said: “It’s a fantastic job, and as a Dane, it’s a top job. Having said that, we currently have the best we can get in Kasper (Hjulmand), who we all think is a fantastic coach. I hope he is there for many, many years because it will be very good for Denmark.
Embed from Getty Images“So we have to take that if it ever has to be. Right now I’m happy here, and I know Kasper is happy where he is, so what should I say? We have to see what the future brings.”
After finishing bottom of a group consisting of Tunisia, Australia and France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Denmark’s campaign was hugely disappointing, so all eyes will be fixated on head coach Hjulmand during the Euros this summer.
Brighton
Given that Roberto De Zerbi is one of the most sought-after managers in world football, it’s expected that at some stage in the future, he will depart Brighton to move onto a new challenge.
Across all areas of the club Brighton have been shrewd with their appointments, quickly replacing notable players who have departed and of course, swiftly moving on from Graham Potter’s exit to Chelsea.
Frank’s experience in the Premier League and the job he’s done with Brentford- a club with a similar setup to Brighton in terms of recruitment and the general running of the club- makes him a good fit.
