Thomas Frank spoke to the media at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after our 3-0 win against Doncaster Rovers in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Here's what he had to say...
Q1: What did you make of the performance?
Thomas: "First and foremost, happy with the win, happy with the clean sheet, happy that we are through to the next round. That was the aim. I think the first half was good, controlled the game, created chances that we wanted and needed- we could have scored more goals in the first half actually, some big opportunities to Mathys Tel, Rodri and a few other situations that were dangerous. Second half was more disjointed. I think we threw the ball away too easily. The pressure was not top but also praise to Doncaster. They came very brave, very good to stretch us. So if the pressure is not perfect they made it difficult, so praise to them as well."
What did you make of Joao Palhinha's performance at centre-back?
Thomas: "Very happy. He has been very good for us since he joined. Again, just stepping into that centre-back role and played very well and scored a very good goal. So, yeah, pleased."
Why wasn't Pape Matar Sarr involved?
Thomas: "It was a minor precaution. A minor, how can you say... a little stretch to the thigh, so we didn’t want to take any risks today. There is a good chance that he could be ready for Saturday."
What did you make of Mathys Tel's performance. How do you build up his confidence?
Thomas: "I don’t think he has a bad run, if I’m honest. He played striker against West Ham, which I think he did quite well. He worked very hard to arrive in the right areas, which I think he did today. In terms of performance that was a step up. Then we can look at the end product to score the goal but the performance to arrive in the box I was very happy with, close with the first ball from Brennan, ready for the cutback. Second half, got in there on two other good situations and had a nice shot. I think it was a step up in terms of performance."
What about Archie Gray in midfield?
Thomas: "I think we saw his running power, very willing to run in behind, very good when he has that drive with the ball and he can get up the pitch. I think it was a fine performance."
What are the qualities that Mathys Tel brings to the team?
Thomas: "You can see his ability to arrive in the box, his pace to run in behind and get into the right areas. His pressing is very good. I like the way he works. His link up play is good, but could also be better."
What did you make of Luca Williams-Barnett on his debut?
Thomas: "Yeah, very happy with that. I think it's always a pleasure to be part of a young player's debut. So, yeah, happy with that."
Is Archie Gray's position in midfield going forward?
Thomas: "I think Archie can play centre-back and right-back, but I see him more as a midfielder. I liked to see him today in that position. I was confident and I was happy that I was backed in that feeling about Joao Palhinha as a centre-back."
Luca is 16 - it feels like football is getting younger - is that how it seems to you?
Thomas: "I think that definitely over the last many years the focus on the talent development and academies across the world is so big, so the talent pool is bigger. The talents coming through are younger and younger. One thing is the debut when you're 16. The next step, and much more important, is how Luca or other players take those steps forward. It's very tough to keep going and then get into the first team as a really regular player. But the first step is very important."
On Mathys, does he just need a lucky goal?
"Yeah, I think that's fair to say. Of course, he really wanted to score and do well. Unfortunately, as a striker, that's what you get measured on. Exactly the same as a keeper, you need to get measured, you can't throw it into your own goal, but I think, as I said before, the overall performance was really a step forward, but of course, I really wanted him to score as well, because that would make it an even better story."