Tottenham's Thomas Frank on Daniel Levy's Departure and Upcoming Match

Thomas Frank 

Thomas Frank hails Levy's contributions as Tottenham prepares for West Ham. Find out what's next for the team.

“He deserves huge praise. One of the longest-serving chairmen in the Premier League ever. He has laid the foundations for the future in terms of the world-class...”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has praised former chairman Daniel Levy, saying he “deserves massive praise” for his contributions to the club. Levy stepped down from his role as Spurs chairman last week after being invited to leave the position he had held since 2001 by majority owners ENIC. Frank acknowledged that Levy's departure was unexpected, stating, “I would say I don't think anyone expected it but a decision is made and we move forward.”

Levy's Legacy

• State-of-the-art training center: Levy oversaw the development of the Hotspur Way training ground, considered one of the best in the Premier League.
• World-class stadium: The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is another notable achievement, providing a top-notch venue for fans and a significant revenue stream for the club.
• Success on the pitch: Levy played a crucial role in Spurs' success during his tenure, with the team consistently competing at the top level.

Frank emphasized that Levy laid solid foundations for Tottenham's future, saying, “The things he's built, the success he's been a massive part of, you can't praise enough.” Frank's focus now is on Saturday's match against West Ham United, a crucial London derby that Spurs hopes to win after a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth before the international break.

The boss gives a team news update ahead of the trip to West Ham 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/F5YXmW5JjW

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 12, 2025

Tottenham is set to face a crucial match at the London Stadium on Saturday, marking their first game since the unexpected departure of chairman Daniel Levy after nearly 25 years at the helm. Levy's exit has sent shockwaves through the club, but manager Thomas Frank remains focused on the task at hand. “I would say I don't think anyone expected it, but a decision is made and we move forward,” Thomas said, highlighting the team's determination to stay focused despite the change in leadership.

The club has appointed new interim chairmen, Peter Cargill and Debbie Gold, to oversee operations until further notice. With Levy's departure, the team faces a new era, but Postecoglou's comments suggest that the squad is prioritizing their upcoming match rather than speculating about the future. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement in the league.

“He deserves huge praise. One of the longest-serving chairmen in the Premier League ever. He has laid the foundations for the future in terms of the world-class training centre and stadium.

“I have spoken him. It has been brief. I said thank you. I can only appreciate that in every aspect. I wish him all the best going forward.”

Tottenham Team News: Simons and Kolo Muani Poised for Debuts

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has provided an update on the fitness of summer recruits Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, saying both players are “in contention” to make their Spurs debuts against West Ham United. Simons, who has been training well and started for the Netherlands in their recent match against Poland, is further along in his preparation than Kolo Muani. The French forward hasn't played in a while, last featuring in the Club World Cup with PSG, and will likely need some time to get match-fit.

Injury Update 

• Dominic Solanke: Out with an ankle injury, expected to be out for a while but not a long-term absence
• James Maddison: Out with an ACL injury, expected to miss most of the season
• Dejan Kulusevski: Out with a knee injury, expected to return in December
• Kota Takai: Out with plantar fasciitis, return to training underway but unclear if he'll be available this weekend
• Radu Dragusin: Out with an ACL injury, several months away from full fitness

Frank's team will face a tough London derby against West Ham United, looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth. With Solanke out, Richarlison is likely to lead the line, while Simons and Kolo Muani could make their debuts, potentially starting or coming off the bench.

“Both of them are looking good. Both are in contention for the squad.

“Xavi, for natural reasons, is further down the line as he has played for Holland and a few games for Leipzig. 

“Randal hasn't played since the Club World Cup and didn't really train at PSG, so he is not as fit as Xavi.”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is excited about the potential of new signings Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, saying he has “some ideas” on how to utilize them in the team. “It is still a team I'm learning,” Frank admitted, highlighting the difference between observing players from afar and experiencing their abilities firsthand. According to Frank, Xavi Simons will likely play as a number 10 or left-sided player, while Kolo Muani could feature as a striker or on either wing.

Frank's plans for Simons and Kolo Muani will be put to the test in Saturday's match against West Ham United, where both players are in contention to make their debuts. Simons, who has already gained match experience with the Netherlands, is further along in his preparations than Kolo Muani, who hasn't played since the Club World Cup in July.

“Dom won't be available still. I don't expect it to be too long, but he won't be available for this game.

“I think right now we are doing everything we can in the medical team to get on top of it, and that's what we're focusing on. I get a feeling he is not too far away, but he's just fallen short for this week.”

West Ham to Pose a Tough Test for Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is expecting a challenging match against West Ham United, a team he believes will “raise their level” against his side. After two heavy defeats to start the season, West Ham bounced back with a convincing 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, showcasing their ability to adapt and respond. Frank acknowledges the difficulty of the upcoming match, emphasizing the need for his team to be prepared for a tougher opponent.

“I'm very excited. I know it means a lot to the fans. We will go there and do everything we can to win the game. We're facing a West Ham team that may not have had the best start, but they got a really good result at Nottingham (Forest).

“I have a big respect for Graham Potter and his staff. I know the game against West Ham will be extremely difficult. They will raise their level, but we will be ready for it.”

Tough Squad Selection Ahead of Champions League

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank acknowledged the difficulty of selecting his squad for the Champions League league phase, describing it as a “difficult” task. Frank noted that he had to make some tough decisions, with French forward Mathys Tel being a notable omission. The competition for places is fierce, and Frank will need to carefully consider his options to ensure the best possible outcome for the team.

“That was an extremely difficult decision. I also think in many ways it was a bit unfair. The UEFA lists are not big enough. The load is getting more and more (on the players). We need a bigger squad. I can't understand why we need to limit ourselves.

“I like the idea of club-trained players by the way. I needed to name it before I really knew Matty (Mathys Tel). I think the way he handled it was extremely mature. It was really impressive.”