Tottenham Hotspur’s poor form has led to growing pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou, with former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara suggesting Brentford’s Thomas Frank as the ideal successor.
Spurs have managed just one win in their last seven matches, slipping to 11th in the Premier League, seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City.
As they prepare to face Rangers in the Europa League, where a win could secure automatic qualification to the next round, Postecoglou faces mounting criticism over his game-management style.
Tottenham’s struggles have included blowing two-goal leads in matches against Brighton and Chelsea, prompting calls for a more balanced approach.
O’Hara has been vocal about the need for change, telling Grosvenor Sport, “If Ange Postecoglou keeps playing in the same way, then I’m afraid he’ll have to go. Daniel Levy can’t continue with that defensive style—it’s not sustainable.”
O’Hara also heaped praise on Thomas Frank, describing him as an ideal fit for Spurs. “I love Thomas Frank. I’d have him at Spurs every day of the week if Ange left. He’s done an outstanding job at Brentford, and if Tottenham could get him, he’d bring the balance the club needs,” O’Hara said.
Reflecting on past managerial appointments, O’Hara contrasted the overly defensive styles of José Mourinho and Antonio Conte with Postecoglou’s attack-first mentality, arguing that Tottenham need a middle ground.
“Jose’s football was tough to watch—rigid and defensive—but it got results. Conte brought some excitement but still leaned on defence. Now with Ange, it’s all attack and no defensive structure. Spurs need a manager who can strike that balance.”
O’Hara pointed to Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo as an example of effective in-game management.
Despite being sacked by Tottenham after a short stint, Nuno’s tactical adjustments have impressed at Forest, where they currently sit fifth in the Premier League.
“Nuno showed over the weekend why he’s top-notch,” O’Hara remarked. “Against Manchester United, Forest led 3-2. Nuno immediately brought on defenders, switched to a 5-4-1, and shut the game down. United couldn’t break them. That’s in-game management.”
O’Hara contrasted this with Spurs’ capitulation against Chelsea. “They were 2-0 up; the game should’ve been over. Instead, they lost 4-3. That’s the difference between managers who can adapt and those who can’t. Nuno understands his team’s strengths and knows how to secure a result. That’s what Spurs are missing under Ange.”
With Tottenham’s season at a crossroads, the debate continues over whether Postecoglou can turn things around or if a new face, such as Thomas Frank, is needed to restore balance and deliver results.