Browsing: Frank

I don’t believe Tottenham’s​ current identity is set in stone because we saw how Brentford evolved under him over a number of seasons and he is only just getting started here.

When they first came into the Premier League, Brentford had a very direct style and were also quite obvious or predictable in what they did.

If you watched them last season, though, it was a totally different approach. They played out from the back through Christian Norgaard and although they could mix it up, they were not a one-trick pony.

This Tottenham team is going to evolve too, but first and foremost Frank has given them a solid base like he had early on at Brentford. For example, with the way their full-backs stay at home a little bit more, rather than flying up the pitch like they did under Ange Postecoglou.

We saw that on Sunday, where again Spurs got a bit of criticism for sitting back and inviting Everton on to them in the second half.

There were times when I was thinking to myself, ‘come on, get out of your half because you are putting yourself under pressure’, but you have to consider what had gone before that game.

Spurs had gone away from home in the Champions League on Wednesday and hung on for dear life for a draw against Monaco.

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Oct 24, 2025, 06:38 PM ET

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has revealed the impression club “legend” Mauricio Pochettino left on him after he equalled his start after 13 matches.

A smattering of boos from the Spurs fans greeted Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Monaco in the Champions League.

It made it one win in five matches, but Frank’s early record is now identical to Pochettino, who led Tottenham to an unlikely runner-up spot in the Champions League in 2019.

– Spurs boss reveals impact on players of Levy exit
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Pochettino, who now coaches the U.S. men’s national team, won six of his first 13 matches with three defeats in the 2014-15 campaign before he embarked on the longest managerial reign by anyone at the north London club in the 21st century.

Including Spurs’ UEFA Super Cup shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain, Frank’s record mirrors that of the popular Argentine coach with six wins and four draws, but his team has scored more and conceded fewer goals.

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Everton, Frank reflected: “Yeah, it’s not only that example but I think it’s a good example because of course Pochettino is a legend here.

Thomas Frank has praised the impact of former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images

“What he built, what he was part of achieving, I think it is definitely a spell I looked at when I was not here and of course I was very aware of when I got offered the job. I always looked at that and thought, ‘wow, what he built, what they built together there was quite unique and quite impressive.’

“I think any success in football history is more or less from clubs and teams that had the same head coach or manager for a long spell.

“That is of course not about me but also includes the key staff members, so they have continuity in key staff members that can be sports directors, CEO, that can be assistant coaches and of course the manager or head coach.

“That is almost a non-negotiable and then of course it is up to me to make sure we have enough progress along the way, but we all know it will be a little bit up and down.

“Then hopefully it will continue being a little bit better and sometimes unfortunately it will go a little bit like this [down].

“There are so many things but step by step we will get stronger. That I am not in doubt of. I am relatively happy with where we are, I would say relatively happy. I always want more, but I just know there is more to come.”

Frank’s cause has not been helped by a growing injury list, with captain Cristian Romero (adductor) and Destiny Udogie (knee) sidelined to join key figures like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke on the treatment table.

The makeup of Frank’s midfield has been a regular source of debate, especially the need for both João Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, but the 52-year-old explained his ideal for Tottenham and why physicality is so key.

“In the Premier League, you need physicality so you need to have a certain level of physicality in the team because if you don’t have that, you don’t have no chance,” he said.

“If you look at the three big boys right now, look at Liverpool, Arsenal and [Manchester] City, they all have unbelievable physicality.

“And then I need to set up a structure that makes sure we play free-flowing football as much as possible.”

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As we begin the 2025-26 regular season, some things in the NHL arenâ€t changing – namely, the Chicago Blackhawks are still a win-challenged team, as theyâ€ve gone 0-2-1 in their first three games.

The Blackhawks have kept the scores close, as all three games were one-goal games. So, having only one standings point to show for it has to be disappointing to Hawks fans, players and executives.

That said, one of the bright lights of Chicagoâ€s first three games is the performance of blossoming star center Frank Nazar. The 21-year-old is currently tied for third place in NHL scoring, with four assists and five points. Itâ€s unfair to expect the second-year NHLer to sustain his current point pace, but after Nazar posted 12 goals and 26 points in 53 games with the Hawks last season, heâ€s now got the opportunity of a lifetime this season.

It was always going to be a tremendous long shot for the Blackhawks to be even in the conversation for a playoff berth, so the winless three-game start to the season canâ€t be a surprise. This is still a franchise with serious holes in the lineup, and thereâ€s going to be pain ahead for Chicago, no matter what Nazar does.

But for Hawks fans whoâ€ve suffered through the bad part of the competitive cycle virtually all teams go through from generation to generation, having another legitimate star player to invest their time, money and emotion into is no small step forward. Nazar is blossoming before their eyes, and Blackhawks fans are stoked to see it.

With a continued strong start, Nazar has the potential to open up even more opportunities for himself. Namely, weâ€re talking about him making Team Americaâ€s 2026 Olympic roster. With the U.S.â€s center spots basically taken up by Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews, Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel, New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes, and New York Rangers star J.T. Miller, thereâ€s not an opening for Nazar. But maybe Nazar gets on the roster to fill one of the two extra forwards spots. Thatâ€s not unreasonable for him to aim for.

So, having Nazar continue his hot streak helps the Blackhawks on numerous levels. If he plays well, he takes some heat off of Bedard, who has had to bear the brunt of the spotlight as Chicagoâ€s foundational player. Nazar isnâ€t at Bedardâ€s stage right now, and he may never be.  But as long as he continues to grow his game, thereâ€s every chance he can establish himself as a fixture in the Windy City for many years to come.

Nazarâ€s usage has skyrocketed in the three games heâ€s played this year. After averaging just 15:52 of ice time last season, Nazar has played more than 20 minutes in two of his three games, and heâ€s averaging 19:53 of ice time in total. Thatâ€s a huge step forward, and new Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill is going to be hitching his wagon to Chicagoâ€s young core of players. That core now clearly includes Nazar, as he has been prominent at 5-on-5, the power play and the penalty kill.

Chicago still needs to stock up on as many elite young players as possible, so when the Hawks do as expected and finish at the bottom of the league again this season, there will be a payoff consolation from the draft system. The Blackhawks are going to wobble and fall over often in the next few years as they put parts in place for a sustained playoff push, but given how rare it is to find legitimate difference-makers, it has to be a thrill for Hawks management and coaching to know they have an emerging gem in Nazar.

A lot can still happen to Nazar as teams scout him and figure out his weaknesses, but Nazar can continue to stay one step ahead of his opponents and thrive in hockeyâ€s top league. His start to this season is very encouraging for the Blackhawks and for Nazar himself, and itâ€s a good idea to keep your eyes on Nazar as he negotiates the ascent up the competitive mountain and carves out a great legacy in Chicago.

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The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Minnesota Wild in preseason game three, 4-1, at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.

Frank Nazar scored the first two goals of the game to give the Blackhawks a 2-0 lead. In the end, he deposited one in the empty net as well, giving him the preseason hat trick.

The one non-Frank Nazar goal scored by the Blackhawks came off the stick of Ryan Donato. He took advantage of a beautiful cross-ice feed by Connor Bedard, who looks as special as ever so far this exhibition season.

Frank Nazar picked a good game to have a hat trick, despite it being the preseason. Wild GM Bill Guerin is also the General Manager of Team USA, who is in the process of selecting the Olympic team. There will be plenty of chances for Guerin to watch Nazar, but this was a great opportunity for the player in that regard.

Alex Vlasic left the game with an injury and did not return. It is unclear what happened, but Jeff Blashill and the coaching staff are sure to have an answer soon enough. That would be a tough loss for Chicago if he misses any time, but it could also just be precautionary.

Drew Commesso played the whole game for the Blackhawks in net, and he was magnificent. He made 28 saves on 29 shots. The Wild had plenty of veterans and players desperate to make the roster in their lineup, so it can be chalked up as an impressive performance for Commesso as he faced strong competition.

With Spencer Knight locked in as the starter, there are two great options for backup goaltending in Drew Commesso and Arvid Soderblom. They prove it night in and night out.

The road portion of the preseason is over for Chicago. Now, they have three left, and they are all at the United Center. That starts on Tuesday with preseason number game four against the Detroit Red Wings.

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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