We lost, which was barely surprising, but the manner of the loss raised some interesting thoughts on what the coming season for Tottenham might look like. Specifically, what Daniel Levy needs to do in order to enhance his new coach’s chances of success.
This Tottenham look a lot more tactically savvy
From Tottenham, this was a tactically much more Mourinho or Conte-like game. Despite being a fan of both of those coaches, this is not a derogatory remark.
It might be of note that Richarlison looked more like an actual threat than usual, but previous juries have come in against the Brazilian, so we’ll wait to see if this mounts to anything.
Until the personnel at Spurs are improved, the result of playing a looser style of football is chaos, but then, we, here, know this to be the case.
We got three centre-halves and two mobile wing-backs, and until the 85th minute, we prevented the tide from turning.
Enrique took his chances
Enrique’s side pressed us all to hell, and it was Lee Kang-in who drove home the first. Then Gonçalo Ramos took another in added time, which meant penalties.
Van de Ven’s tame effort was no threat at all, and Mathys Tel didn’t even hit the target.
Vicario has a poor penalty-stopping track record and needs coaching; he goes too quickly and in the wrong direction.
Richarlison, Pedro Porro and Joao Palhinha, Romero and Van de Ven were all very good.
Frank’s patented Brentford throw-ins were wonderfully disruptive, but the Norwegian needs more than one of Daniel Levy’s ‘They’ll be back soon’ conversations, or he’s unlikely to get into Europe this season.
Should Tottenham simply spend, spend, spend?
We all know where Tottenham needs reinforcing, and more money needs to be spent. For me, we need someone who can assist or score open play goals. Thomas knows how to defend, but sheer pragmatism alone won’t be enough, as the introduction of our substitutions proved.
Long-time readers will be aware of this place’s battle cry of ‘back the damn manager’, and it feels as if little has changed. PSG grew into the game, and by the time we made our substitutions, Enrique found the opportunity he required.
Daniel Levy ought to take comfort from a solid performance, but spare some thought as to how he plans to amplify what Frank brings to the party.