Thomas Frank Criticised After Comparison to Celtic Icon Martin O’Neill Amid Spurs Pressure
Thomas Frank was brought in by Tottenham Hotspur over the summer as the successor to Celtic favourite Ange Postecoglou. Despite Postecoglou leading Spurs to a Europa League triumph, the club dismissed him, and Frank’s early months in charge are already facing scrutiny following his move from Brentford.
While Martin O’Neill was guiding Celtic to an impressive Europa League win away from home on Thursday night, Spurs suffered yet another setback — this time losing to European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
O’Neill, Britain’s oldest active manager at 73, has rejuvenated Celtic after a poor start to the season, restoring momentum and confidence to the Scottish champions. Speaking in Rotterdam ahead of Celtic’s clash with Feyenoord, O’Neill commented that “the performance is secondary to the result.” That line caught the attention of former Tottenham and Celtic defender Ramon Vega.
Vega took to social media to criticise Frank’s conservative approach, insisting the Spurs boss could “learn” from O’Neill’s winning mentality.
Spurs’ recent form has intensified the pressure — including a humiliating 4–1 derby defeat to Arsenal — and Vega pointed out the contrast in mindset between the two managers.
“That’s the difference between a winning coach like Martin O’Neill and Frank,” Vega wrote. “A winner says, ‘The performance is secondary to the result.’ Frank needs to get that attitude and learn from it. Well done, Martin, on today’s win — brilliant job once again from a Celtic legend.”
The situation highlights a striking shift in Spurs’ criticism: the club moved from questioning Postecoglou’s attacking, high-tempo football to now doubting Frank’s defensive philosophy.
The broader debate raises concerns about Tottenham’s direction — especially when managers are being sacked even after delivering silverware, something the club has historically struggled to achieve.
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