Thomas Frank has brushed off speculation that he could replace Antonio Conte as Tottenham manager. It has begun to look increasingly likely that the Italian will leave Spurs once his contract expires in the summer.
While the north London outfit hold the option to extend Conte's stay by a further year, it's difficult to see an outcome in which the 53-year-old remains head coach of the Lilywhites next season, football.london understands. With the current mood around the club, it's also believed that any existing relationship between the Italian and higher-ups at the club is unlikely to last.
The Brentford boss is one of the many names expected to be on Tottenham's shortlist if Conte leaves - as are Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel. Speaking ahead of the Bees' Premier League clash against Everton, Frank, who is contracted until 2027, played down suggestions that a move to Spurs is on the cards.
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"First, they have a manager which is a manager I have studied for years and I admire massively," the 49-year-old said. "I think he has achieved some fantastic results so I hope he will do well and I hope Spurs do well. Secondly, I am very, very happy here at Brentford."
After the defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League, Conte revealed on Italian TV that he could very well be sacked. The Spurs boss said: "My contract expires in June. We will see - they might sack me even before the end of the season, who knows, maybe they are disappointed."
Then, when quizzed again in the post-match press conference, Conte, changed his tune and was coy. He said: "This is not right day to speak about future but my future. I have a contract with Tottenham and then Tottenham know very well which is my thoughts and at the end of season we will meet and then we'll make a decision."
While the Italian may be under pressure following the club's early exit from the Champions League, he has still guided Spurs to fourth in the Premier League this season. Not only would this likely have been Conte's target at the start of the campaign, the north Londoners now also have fewer fixtures in the calendar, giving themselves an advantage — more time for rest, more time on the training pitch and less travelling.
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