Tottenham Hotspur failed to hold onto their two-goal lead in the UEFA Super Cup, losing 4-3 on penalties in Thomas Frank’s first competitive game as managern of Spurs.
Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from Tottenham’s 3-4 penalty defeat against Paris Saint-Germain:
Thomas Frank’s poor game management proved costly
Of course, it is a bitter pill to swallow as a Spurs supporter, watching your side fluff their lines after managing to go 2-0 up in a cup final, only to lose the entire game.
However, it was still a valiant effort from Tottenham Hotspur, at least for seventy minutes of the UEFA Super Cup tie, with every player appearing to execute their role effectively and limit PSG’s efforts on goal.
For a moment, if you were a neutral tuning in, you might have thought Tottenham were the Champions League winners, such was the authority in Thomas Frank’s side.
However, sustaining that dominance proved difficult, particularly when crucial players were withdrawn. Palhinha’s influence in midfield was sorely missed after his substitution, as Archie Gray does not yet possess the presence and intelligence of the Portuguese midfielder, who had shielded the backline expertly.
Richarlison’s pressing, intensity and hold-up play were not matched by Dominic Solanke, who is still finding rhythm after injury. Mathys Tel, meanwhile, was largely a passenger in this tie, offering little in attack and eventually missing his spot-kick.
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The contrast between Tel’s display and Mohammed Kudus’ relentless work in the opening seventy minutes was stark. In truth, the substitutions and Frank’s game management cost Tottenham the tie, and for a manager with limited experience in such high-stakes fixtures, this will serve as a valuable learning curve.
Tottenham need more quality signings
While Frank’s in-game decisions can be scrutinised, it is also clear he is working within the limitations of his current squad. If Tottenham wish to compete at the very top, squad depth of the highest quality is essential.
The substitutes must match the intensity and quality of the starting eleven, and that gulf was glaring in today’s match. PSG’s bench changed the course of the contest, while Spurs’ replacements struggled to match the standard.
The solution is straightforward – strengthen the squad. Eberechi Eze and Savinho are players who would undoubtedly raise Tottenham’s attacking threat, and had they been signed earlier, perhaps Spurs could have extended their advantage when they were on top in the first half.
Thomas Frank showed tactical versatility and an adaptable approach against PSG
Frank may have questions to answer regarding game management and the eventual defeat, but credit is due for his tactical setup, which was highly effective in the opening seventy minutes.
His use of a back three masked certain weaknesses and maximised the strengths of the players available. Deploying Kudus behind Richarlison and using Pape Matar Sarr in a more advanced role to press high up the pitch were particularly astute decisions.
This Spurs side bore little resemblance to the one that faced Bayern Munich recently, and that adaptability bodes well. A hallmark of a top manager is the ability to unsettle opponents while also playing to one’s own strengths, and Frank showed encouraging signs in this regard.
Cristian Romero put in a solid captain’s performance for Tottenham against PSG
Tottenham confirmed earlier in the day that Cristian Romero will captain the side for the 2025/26 season, and the Argentine delivered a performance befitting the armband.
While not flawless – one might suggest he could have urged more composure from his teammates after PSG pulled a goal back – Romero was otherwise solid, assured on the ball and unflinching in the challenge, always willing to stand up for his teammates.
It was a display that will inspire confidence in his leadership going forward.
Mathys Tel must learn from the heartbreak, but abuse is unacceptable
Mathys Tel has yet to complete a full year at Tottenham, joining initially on loan in January before making the move permanent this summer. Since arriving in N17, he has struggled to consistently show what he can offer.
Last night’s performance was sadly another underwhelming one, with the Frenchman offering little defensively or in attack. He could have helped Djed Spence track the runs of Achraf Hakimi or Ousmane Dembele, who combined effectively down PSG’s right to create their second goal.
To make matters worse, Tel missed from the spot in the shootout, failing to hit the target – not the first time he has fluffed a penalty in a Spurs shirt. Tottenham paid £30 million for him, but he has yet to justify that outlay. However, he is still young and the racial abuse he has suffered on social media is completely unacceptable.
With Son now out the door, hopefully the wide forward can push on to be staking a claim for that left wing spot.