At the pre-match press conference for the Premier League 2025/26 Round 10 game against Chelsea, Tottenham’s head coach Thomas Frank showered Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, with high praise. He also admitted that this derby was the reason he joined Tottenham.
Under Thomas Frank’s leadership, Tottenham have been in outstanding form. In the Premier League, Spurs currently sit third on the Premier League standings with 17 points from 9 matches, trailing league leaders Arsenal by 5 points. In the UEFA Champions League, the Danish coach’s squad is also impressive, remaining unbeaten after 3 games (1 win, 2 draws).
Despite their superior form, Thomas Frank remains humble. On the contrary, he holds Chelsea in high regard, despite their inconsistent performances this season. At the press conference before the match against Chelsea in Round 10 of the Premier League, Thomas Frank openly expressed his admiration for Chelsea’s head coach Maresca:
“Enzo Maresca is doing an excellent job at Chelsea. In his very first season, he led the team to qualify for the Champions League and win the UEFA Conference League, showing Chelsea’s ability to compete on multiple fronts simultaneously. They also secured the Club World Cup and started the new season solidly, which is truly impressive. It’s clear that Enzo Maresca and his staff know exactly what they want to achieve and how they want the team to play. Therefore, this will be another exciting challenge for me in the Premier League, facing a very skilled coach and a strong squad.”
Additionally, when pressed by reporters, Thomas Frank admitted that the reason he accepted the Tottenham job was because he wanted to experience the atmosphere of a London derby:
“Yes, I think you [the reporter] hit the nail on the head about why I’m here. Having a match against Chelsea, especially playing at home under the bright lights, will be a very special and unique experience. I can’t wait any longer. My players are also extremely eager. This will be a fantastic occasion.
We need the support of our fans. I know they always do everything possible to create a more passionate atmosphere, turning this stadium into a place where any visiting team feels intimidated. As I’ve said before, there is always a strong connection between the club and its supporters. The strongest teams are those united, overcoming both highs and lows together.
We need to perform better and generate positive energy. If we can draw that energy from the stands, it will be a tremendous boost, a kind of ‘resonance’ that we must create tomorrow. The whole team is really looking forward to this match.”
On Chelsea’s side, they are currently struggling in the Premier League, sitting 9th after 9 rounds and having lost 3 of their last 5 league games. A win is crucial for Maresca’s team as they desperately need points to keep their hopes alive for a top 4 finish this season.