It’s no secret that Thomas Frank, the manager of Brentford, is admired for his personable nature and emotional intelligence.
In interviews, he is often described as one of the nicest, most balanced figures in English football.
But there’s another side to him—one that reveals itself when the game gets tough and the stakes are high.
The Padel Game That Revealed a Different Side to Frank
After a chat filled with insightful thoughts and friendly conversation, Frank invited me to a game of padel, hoping to add some competitive fun to our day.
My friend John and I faced off against Frank and his assistant, Kevin O’Connor, who has more than 500 appearances for Brentford under his belt. As the match began, Frank’s calm demeanor was replaced with fierce competitiveness.
Despite my initial banter about my lack of fitness and John’s knee issues, Frank and O’Connor were relentless.
The first set was a swift 6-0, with Frank’s overhead shots effortlessly sailing past us.
He played with precision and determination, a far cry from the amiable figure we often hear about.
As the second set continued, any hope we had of making a comeback evaporated—Frank’s edge had clearly come to the surface.
The Dark Side of Thomas Frank: Competitive to the Core
The match was over in no time, with a final score of 6-0, 6-0. It was a crushing defeat, but in those brief moments of play, I saw a side of Frank that contrasted sharply with the friendly, approachable manager that everyone talks about.
Sure, he’s loved for his respect and emotional intelligence, but it’s impossible to achieve what he has without a tough, competitive nature lurking beneath the surface.
Frank has built Brentford into a formidable force in the Premier League, and that success doesn’t happen by being overly nice.
He’s a manager who is driven, and while his empathy is a big part of who he is, there’s a dark side that keeps him pushing forward—especially when it comes to the game’s competitive edge.
Frank’s Reflections on Leadership and Ego in Football
When asked about Liverpool’s title-winning celebrations and the humility displayed by Arne Slot, Frank spoke candidly about the importance of acknowledging others in football.
“It’s all about the ego,” he explained, emphasizing how some managers can be consumed by their need for validation, constantly pushing the narrative that their success is solely their own.
Frank, on the other hand, believes in balancing self-confidence with humility.
“You need to believe in your own skillset, but be humble enough to know you’re not the only one involved,” he said.
His approach to leadership is grounded in self-awareness, and he’s quick to remind his players that success is a collective effort.
A Manager Who Balances Compassion and Toughness
While Frank is known for his emotional intelligence and the compassionate environment he fosters, he doesn’t shy away from making tough decisions when needed.
Football management, especially in a club like Brentford, involves a delicate balance between empathy and toughness.
Frank makes it clear that he doesn’t manage through fear—his style is about being clear, consistent, and demanding, but not demeaning.
He is also keenly aware of the changing nature of football management, where the old “macho” approach is being replaced by a more modern, balanced approach.
Yet, despite his empathetic leadership, Frank acknowledges that resilience and a “dark side” are essential for survival in the cutthroat world of football.
Brentford’s Success and Frank’s Resilience
Frank’s resilience isn’t just about his personal toughness; it’s also about how he manages Brentford through challenging situations.
As a club that frequently loses top players, Frank has shown remarkable skill in rebuilding and replacing talent.
Whether it’s Neal Maupay, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, or others, Frank has continually managed to refresh the squad while maintaining success.
Even in the face of controversy—like the betting scandal involving Ivan Toney—Frank handled the situation with maturity, refusing to let it derail the club’s ambitions.
His ability to navigate these challenges has earned him recognition as one of the brightest managerial talents in the Premier League.
The Legacy of a Great Coach and a Great Human Being
For Frank, the ultimate measure of success isn’t just about footballing achievements—it’s about the legacy he leaves as a person.
“What kind of legacy do you want to leave in your life?” he reflects. “Do you want to be a great football coach or a great human being?” For Frank, being a great human being is paramount, and he believes that being a great coach naturally follows from this philosophy.
His focus on both personal and professional growth has shaped his leadership style, making him not just a highly effective manager but someone his players respect deeply.
In a world where football management can often be driven by ego, Frank’s humility stands out as a breath of fresh air.
Personal Challenges and the Impact of Loss
The anniversary of his father’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the personal challenges that Frank has faced.
Despite the emotional toll of losing his father, Frank has remained resilient, channeling his energy into supporting his family and continuing to lead Brentford with strength and determination.
He reflects on how the loss has made him more mindful of his own life and ambitions, adding a layer of depth to his already strong character.
In the competitive world of football, Frank’s ability to balance personal grief with professional success speaks volumes about his resilience and his commitment to those around him.
It’s this combination of emotional intelligence and unyielding drive that makes Thomas Frank one of the most compelling figures in the Premier League today.