Tottenham played out a 2-2 draw against PSG before suffering a penalty shootout loss in the UEFA Super Cup. Despite the late collapse, the game showed promising signs for Thomas Frank’s era.
Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager, Thomas Frank, had every reason to be proud of his team’s performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup. Despite taking a 2-0 lead with just five minutes remaining, Spurs collapsed, allowing PSG to equalize and ultimately win the trophy in a penalty shootout.
The game was marked by moments of brilliance and frustration, but there were enough signs to suggest that Frank’s system and approach can be built upon.
The Dane’s fingerprints were all over the game, with his team showcasing a pragmatic approach that worked wonders for 85 minutes.
Tottenham’s set-piece strategy was a key factor in their goals, with both arriving from dead balls. Frank’s emphasis on set-pieces was evident, and it paid off in the early stages of the game. His 3-5-2 formation was a departure from last season’s setup, but Frank’s flexibility will likely serve the team well in the coming months.
The approach was noticeable in the opening 10 minutes, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario kicking long five times to keep the shape higher up the pitch. This was a calculated move, aimed at catching PSG off guard and exploiting the space behind their defense.
Tottenham’s performance was effective rather than enchanting, with Frank prioritizing winning over style.
Despite the late collapse, Frank was proud of his team’s performance, saying, “I think we played a very good game against one of the best teams in the world, maybe the best at this moment in time.” He added that his team had PSG exactly where they wanted them for 80 minutes before the momentum changed with the 2-1 goal.
The defeat was a setback, but Frank remains optimistic about his team’s prospects. He believes that Tottenham can take on any team in the world, saying, “In one game, I think we have shown we can play against any team in the world. I’m not in doubt about that, and that’s a positive to take away from this.”
As Spurs move forward, they’ll look to build on the positives from this performance. Frank’s emphasis on set-pieces, pragmatism, and high pressure will likely continue to shape the team’s approach. With work to be done on building the team’s mental toughness and resilience, Frank’s side showed glimpses of a system and approach that can be built upon.
The UEFA Super Cup may have slipped through Tottenham’s fingers, but the performance was a promising start to Frank’s era at the club. With work to be done on building the team’s mental toughness and resilience, Frank’s side showed glimpses of a system and approach that can be built upon.
Frank’s Tottenham will face Burnley in their Premier League opener, looking to bounce back from the UEFA Super Cup defeat. The team’s performance against PSG has given fans reason to be optimistic about the season ahead.
The question now is how Tottenham will respond to the setback. Will the team be able to build on the positives and develop a stronger mental toughness?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Thomas Frank’s Tottenham is going to be a force to be reckoned with.
