Thomas Frank has been speaking after Tottenham’s Champions League win over Villarreal.
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Spurs claimed an opening night 1-0 win over Villarreal in their first Champions League group phase clash, and it was a pretty fortunate win, Yellows goalkeeper Luiz Junior fumbled one into his own net after four minutes, and that was that for the scoring, with neither side managing to carve open their opponents.
It was a very evenly-contested clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and it will feel like a huge three points for Spurs given they were not at their best, albeit the same can probably be said of Villarreal who have shown even against the best La Liga clubs that they can be more dangerous up going forward than they were on Tuesday night.
Speaking after the game, Spurs boss Thomas Frank took a sarcastic swipe at his offensive players despite being pleased with the win. he told Amazon Prime: “It is (a special win). And of course I'm very happy with that. I definitely learned you have to be happy with your wins and appreciate them. I think there was many good things. We defended really well and gave little away throughout the game against a really good Villarreal side. I think offensively we didn't hit the highest level. There was definitely a spell second half where we decided let's give it to the Villareal guys and then we'll sprint back, that's a very good fun thing. It was a very even game that we just edged."
Asked what he learned from his team, he added: "I learned that they are working very hard and we have a very good foundation to stand on in terms of our defensive organisation. I think it's good and we gave little away. This is the Champions League against a good team. Also, I knew it we took a step forward against West Ham, offensively is the area we need to get better."
Bergvall’s review
Lucas Bergvall, who provided the cross that led to the own goal early in the game, also spoke after the game. He admitted: “It was really tough. Villarreal did a great performance but a 1-0 win at home is amazing. We managed to get three points today and we talk a lot about 'clean sheet mentality' and they did not have a shot on target, so we did a really good job."
On the influence of Frank, he added: “New, fresh air. We talked a lot about 'clean sheet mentality' this year because we conceded a lot last year. My relationship with him is really good. I just want to get back to the form I had at the end of last year, and I feel like I am. I have help from him and the video analysts to get better every day."
Bergvall also spoke about how he has been working on forward runs of late. "Yes definitely [been working on it], especially when Mo [Kudus] gets the ball, to run in behind,” continued the creative spark. “The goal I scored last game against West Ham, to make the run in behind when the centre half can ping it. There is space there [to run into] and we can score goals. Of course I always want the ball but when I play as a 10, as I do now, we need those runs forward. Last year I played as a six and an eight but this year I'm in the 10 and need to do those runs."