Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has expressed his respect for Arsenal, calling them one of the best teams in the world ahead of their pre-season North London Derby match.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has set the tone for the upcoming North London Derby against Arsenal, acknowledging the Gunners as one of the best teams in the world.
In a press conference in Hong Kong, Frank expressed his admiration for Arsenal’s exceptional performances over the last two seasons. “We’re up against one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “They’ve been exceptional for the last two seasons, so it’s a great test for us.”
The North London Derby always brings an added level of intensity, and Frank is no stranger to this rivalry. “It’s the North London Derby — these games always matter,” he said. “We’ll treat it as seriously as possible because we want to see how we stack up against a top, top opponent.”
Frank’s respect for Arsenal’s quality is evident in his words. “They’ve got stars all over the pitch and a clear identity,” he said. “This is the type of test you want as a manager — to see where you are and what still needs work.”
The match will also provide an opportunity for Frank to assess his team’s abilities against a team that plays with an aggressive press and fluid attacking patterns. “We’ve looked at how they move, how they create space,” Frank said. “We’ve done our homework, but now it’s about putting it into practice.”
Frank’s praise for Arsenal’s quality is well-deserved, given their impressive performances last season. The Gunners finished second in the title race and have retained a strong squad going into the new season. Frank acknowledged that Arsenal’s aggressive press and fluid attacking patterns will force his side to stay sharp.
Despite missing some key players due to injury, Frank is confident that his team can rise to the challenge. “When we step on the pitch, we know the level of competition we’re facing,” he said. “Arsenal are a team full of quality, and we’ll have to be at our best.”
The North London Derby kicks off on Thursday evening in Hong Kong, with both sides eager to lay down a marker.