Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy have handed glowing praise to Thomas Frank after his first competitive Tottenham match in the UEFA Super Cup final.
Football is finally back, and for Tottenham Hotspur fans, the opening fixture brought a mixture of emotions as they watched their side in competitive action for the first time under Thomas Frank.
The clash against Paris Saint-Germain unfolded in two distinct phases, with Tottenham looking composed and confident for the first eighty minutes, offering supporters a glimpse of the exciting football that could define the season ahead.
However, the final ten minutes served as a sobering reminder of the work still to be done, as Spurs let a two-goal lead slip before losing the final on penalties.
Danny Murphy praises Thomas Frank and Tottenham after PSG clash
But there is still plenty to take encouragement from, according to Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy, who both lauded Thomas Frank’s debut performance as Tottenham manager.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Murphy highlighted the progress already evident in the side and the optimism that comes with it.
He also claimed that Tottenham were bound to improve after last season’s struggles, stating that there is a lot to look forward to.
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He said: “I mean let us be honest, they cannot not improve after the last season… I think there is a lot to look forward to. They have got better competition for places, some of the young players they have got whom we know are good have had a bit more experience now and they still have a few weeks left in the window”.
Wayne Rooney tips Tottenham to challenge for Europe
Rooney also echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Tottenham looked more balanced across the pitch in the PSG match, before confidently predicting that they could push for European football this season.
“I think the balance of the team looks a lot better even just from ninety minutes watching them play, the balance of the team looks much better.
“So I think if they keep that balance and keep players fit then I think they will certainly be challenging for Europe,” Rooney said.