Thomas Frank praised Daniel Levy for laying the foundations at Tottenham following the chairman’s departure from the club.
Levy’s exit was announced last week, ending his 24-year spell at the helm of the club.
His tenure was often marked by significant criticism from fans amid lack of success on the field, the 2008 EFL Cup triumph Spurs’ only trophy of his spell as chairman prior to last season’s success in the Europa League.
Frank’s arrival as Ange Postecoglou’s successor marked Levy’s 15th managerial appointment, and his fourth in as many years.
Despite that tumult, Frank sees Levy as a chairman worthy of acclaim.
“He deserves huge praise,” Frank told a press conference ahead of Saturday’s game with West Ham.
“One of the longest-serving chairman 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 to 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.”
Simons and Kolo Muani in contention
Tottenham visit West Ham in a London derby having suffered their first defeat under Frank’s stewardship before the international break.
Spurs were outplayed in a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth, but a return of six points from three games, including an impressive away win over Manchester City, still represents a strong start for the former Brentford boss.
And Frank could be boosted by debuts for new signings Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani.
“Both of them are looking good. Both are in contention for the squad,” Frank said of that pair.
“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.”
Striker Dominic Solanke will not feature, however. He is unavailable due to an ankle injury that forced him to miss the defeat Bournemouth.
“Dominic won’t be available still, but he won’t be long,” Frank added.
“Right now, we’re doing everything we can, the medical team is doing everything they can to get on top of it, and that’s what we’re focusing on. I get the feeling he’s not too far away, but he’s just falling away this week.”
