Frank hails ‘perfect match’ Fabio Paratici as Italian returns to Tottenham

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• Last Update: October 17, 2025 05:29:04 pm BST • 4 min read

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank says he believes Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange will form “the perfect match” as co-sporting directors following Paratici’s official return to the club.

Spurs confirmed on Wednesday that Paratici, who had been working in a consultancy capacity over the past two years, would resume an official role alongside Lange, who has been promoted from technical director.

Paratici first joined Tottenham in 2021 but resigned in 2023 amid allegations of false accounting at Juventus, for which he later served a 30-month ban. With his suspension now over, the Italian returns to North London to share responsibilities with Lange in a rare dual-sporting director structure.

Frank, who previously worked under a similar model during his nine years at Brentford, believes the partnership will benefit the club enormously.

“The strong abilities both Johan and Fabio have – I think they complement each other so well, so it’s like a perfect match,” Frank said ahead of Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa.

“Obviously, Fabio worked as a consultant for the club, so I met him there a few times in the last couple of months. I’m looking forward to getting to know him more. Of course, when it’s more day-to-day, you’ll get to know each other even better. I’m looking forward to working together.

“I’m not in doubt that Fabio, Johan, I and Vinai [Venkatesham] will create a very strong team, and together I’m convinced that we can create something very good.”

Having operated under two sporting directors at Brentford, Frank said the structure is something he’s already comfortable with.

“I’m used to working with two sporting directors – I’ve done that for nine years at Brentford,” he explained. “First with Phil Giles and Rasmus Ankersen, then Phil Giles and Lee Dykes.

“I actually think you need two these days to cover everything, because it’s such a big job, and I think the two of them complement each other.”

Paratici’s reinstatement came during a busy international break for Spurs, with the club’s majority owners ENIC – run by the Lewis family Trust – announcing a £100 million capital injection to support future growth and on-field success.

While Frank welcomed the club’s strengthening behind the scenes, he made clear that transfer decisions will always rest with him.

“I’ll always have the final say,” Frank said with a smile. “You know that, yeah? But of course, in the end, it’s teamwork.”

On the pitch, Tottenham have been handed a boost with Randal Kolo Muani available again this weekend after recovering from a dead leg.

Thomas Frank has provided injury updates on Bissouma, Solanke and Kolo Muani in today's press conference 🗣️

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 17, 2025

“Kolo Muani has trained now for two weeks with the team, so that’s good, Frank confirmed. “He looks better and better and he’ll be in contention for the squad.”

However, Dominic Solanke will remain sidelined for a little longer after undergoing minor ankle surgery earlier this month.

“Dominic just needs a little bit of time,” Frank added. “He’s progressing, but we don’t want to rush him.”

Tottenham vs Aston Villa TV channel

Kick-off on Sunday is at 14:00 BST (09:00 ET / 06:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.