Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has played down expectations after his side moved into the top four with a 3-0 win at Everton
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has acknowledged the need for improvement in their attacking play and is managing expectations as he continues to instil his methods. A 3-0 victory at Everton propelled Spurs into third place, possibly ahead of schedule after the Dane took over in the summer.
However, there are numerous indications that his strategies – with defensive organisation and set-pieces being two key aspects – are beginning to bear fruit.
"I think we are in the beginning of building something," Frank stated. "I'm very pleased with a lot of things: the defensive side, attacking set-pieces – but there is a bit we need to work on offensively to be more free-flowing.
"The clean sheet mentality is a very good foundation to stand on. Who knows (where it will lead) but I need to take it one game at a time."
Frank is hopeful that improvements in offence will come as on-loan Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani adjusts to the Premier League after making his first start on Merseyside.
"It was pleasing to see his first 60 minutes. He is still building his physicality and sharpness," he said about the Frenchman. "At times he lacks some of the interaction with the front four but that is an ongoing process."
Following the club's Europa League triumph last season, Frank is balancing the demands of the Champions League while still trying to settle himself into the club.
He has been impressed with how his players have handled things up to now, having handed Everton their first loss at the new Hill Dickinson stadium just days after grinding out a hard-fought goalless stalemate in Monaco.
"We really are competitive, especially away from home," he added. "I think it is three years since the club was in the Champions League, so quite an inexperienced squad to go every three or four days.
"It is difficult to compete in both tournaments so to keep the energy and focus, plus we also did it after all the travel, it showed a lot about the mentality."
The manager brought his squad over to acknowledge the away supporters following the final whistle and emphasised that strengthening that bond away from the pitch can only help what he is attempting to accomplish on it.
"I think it is a big part, it is important to do it when we win, when we draw and also when we lose because we are in it in good times and bad," he said.
"The stronger the togetherness between players, staff, fans can be, the better."