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Romero is in the final two years of his contract but Frank insists his new captain is committed to Spurs

Skipper: Cristian Romero was this week named Spurs captain after Heung-min son’s exit

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Matt Verri

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Thomas Frank hopes Cristian Romero will sign a new contract at Tottenham after being named club captain.

Romero was one of the vice-captains last season and has now taken over the armband following Heung-min Son's move to LAFC.

The 27-year-old went into the summer with his future in doubt amid links with Atletico Madrid, with Romero speaking in April about his desire to one day play in Spain.

However, Romero is understood to be happy in north London and the captaincy is obvious evidence that he is not seeking a move.

The centre-back has only two years left on his contract but talks have not yet begun over an extension.

Spurs would be reluctant to let Romero enter the final 12 months of his deal and are hoping to reach an agreement this season, but the club are relaxed over the current situation.

Romero scored against PSG in the Super Cup on Wednesday

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Frank said the decision to make Romero captain was not one done to try and persuade him to extend his time at Spurs, but he would be keen for the centre-back to do so.

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"I think when you name a captain it’s because you think he’s the best that can help the team no matter what, now and also in the future," Frank said.

"It’s not really linked with the contract situation. Of course he’s a very good player so I want him to stay longer."

Frank insisted he has no doubts over Romero's commitment to the club, suggesting he is training better now than at any previous time in his Spurs career.

"I would say I’ve worked with him now closely for more than five weeks," the Spurs boss said.

"I’ve seen a very, very committed player who’s trained very well. The staff have said to me they’ve never seen him train that well. He’s in a very good place. I see a player that will want to lead the team and push the team."

Romero formed part of the team's leadership group under Ange Postecoglou and has stepped up when given more responsibility.

He received 21 yellows cards and three red cards in his first two season at Spurs. That has dropped to 12 bookings and one sending-off in the past two campaigns.

Frank is confident Romero has the necessary attributes on and off the pitch, but believes there is still room for him to grow as a leader.

"I know I see a very big and very good player," Frank said.

"What I like about him and why I have chosen him as captain is his leadership qualities on the pitch, there is a big respect for him from the players.

"Off the pitch as well he also sets the standards. But it’s fair to say, he’s 27 and there are a few older than 27. When I was 27 of course I thought I could do everything, but I also found out that as a leader I am 1,000 per cent better now.

"So he also needs to learn and become better and better so I will do my best to guide him."

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Thomas Frank insisted the Tottenham hierarchy are “working night and day” to strengthen the squad ahead of a planned protest from a section of supporters.

Fan group ‘Change For Tottenham’ will hold a protest outside the stadium ahead of Spurs’ opening Premier League match of the season against Burnley on Saturday. It is said to be the first of a number of demonstrations planned throughout the campaign.

Frustration aimed at Daniel Levy and the club’s owners was also clear last season and it has carried into the new campaign after a relatively slow summer of transfer business.

Mohammed Kudus signed from West Ham last month and Joao Palhinha has joined on loan, but the club were unable to complete a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White. Talks continue over deals for Eberechi Eze and Savinho.

Asked for his views on a protest being held before his first Premier League match in charge, Frank initially responded: “Why are they protesting?”

Told that group are unhappy with the club’s transfer activity and the cost of ticket prices, the Spurs boss continued: “The team needs the support of the fans, which as far as I have seen and heard and experienced in the past has been very good.

“I'm pretty sure the game will not be straightforward. I would love it to be easy - boom, job done, clear win - but we are going to face a Burnley team I have huge respect for so throughout the game we will need their backing.

"What I see internally I just see Daniel [Levy], Vinai [Venkatesham] and Johan [Lange] working night and day to do everything they can to strengthen the squad.”

It was also put to Frank that chants towards Levy had created a toxic atmosphere during matches at times last season.

On whether he would prefer that sentiment against the board to be voiced before games to avoid any negativity in the stadium, Frank said: “Without the fans we are nothing.

“We play for the fans. The fans are hugely important for us. Personally I am really, really looking forward to tomorrow and to lead the team in front of the fantastic fans. That’s what I’m actually looking forward to.

“That other question, I think I’d like to think a little more before we have a qualified answer for that.”

Spurs have held talks with Crystal Palace over a move for Eberechi Eze as they look to fill the gap created by long-term injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Asked if Eze is the kind of player Spurs are looking to sign before the transfer window closes, Frank responded: “We are looking of course in the market.

“Not only for 10 position but just to see if we can strengthen the squad. The players we are looking [at] are only players we think can improve the squad. That's the right thing we want to do. If we can pick the right player and it fits, then we will do something."

It has been a relatively quiet summer so far for Spurs, with Mohammed Kudus the major signing last month and Joao Palhinha arriving on loan from Bayern Munich.

Frank emphasised the work that is going on behind the scenes to further strengthen, but pointed to Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain as evidence of how competitive the current squad can be.

“I think there’s a lot of good players. I think we saw a team that was very, very, very competitive, and on any other day we would have beaten the best team in Europe.

“Of course, we want as strong and competitive squad as possible. I know that Daniel (Levy), Johan (Lange) and Vinai (Venkatesham) are working night and day, and they have, by the way, been working night and day the last, whatever, six, seven, eight weeks.

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Thomas Frank has confirmed that Tottenham are still active in the transfer market after their penalty shootout defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.

Spurs were 2-0 up with five minutes to go in Udine, but were pegged back by goals from Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos after Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero had put the north Londoners in the driving seat.

Frank lined up in a 3-5-2 shape - something he became very well known for in his time at Brentford - and the system worked a charm, nullifying Paris’ fearsome four in their frontline, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue all kept quiet by the regimented and resolute Spurs defence.

Richarlison took his chance in the spotlight with an impressive performance in a front two alongside Mohammed Kudus, who was making his own competitive debut for the club, while Dominic Solanke returned from injury off the bench.

However, Frank still feels that his squad could do with strengthening before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.

“We do work very hard to see if we can do that. In general, I’m very happy with the squad, but of course, in every window, you’d like to see if you can make the squad stronger before the window closes. That’s what we’re working hard on.”

Frank, taking charge of his first competitive game at his new club, could not deliver a second European trophy in four months, but emphasised the importance of a pragmatic approach when playing against sides like PSG, the Champions League winners.

“We played a very good game against one of - maybe the best - teams in the world,” the former Brentford boss said.

“I think we had them exactly where we wanted them for 80-something minutes. Until the 2-1 goal, which shifted momentum. So many positives. So proud of the team, the players, the club, the fans. It’s a lot to be happy with. It’s a coin flip when it goes to a penalty shoot-out.

“We showed that we can be adaptable and pragmatic. We needed to do that against a team like PSG. The way we wanted to defend - both high pressure and low defending - was exceptionally good. The first half was top, almost perfect.”

Set-pieces were a huge factor of Frank’s success in west London, and it appears that he has brought it to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with both Van de Ven and Romero both netting from dead ball scenarios.

New Spurs head coach was taking charge of first competitive game

Defeated: Tottenham

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Matt Verri

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Tottenham fell to a painful 4-3 penalty-shootout defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.

Thomas Frank’s side led 2-0 with five minutes to play in Udine, having been the better and more energetic team as PSG returned from a month away from action.

Set-pieces proved the difference for Spurs, with Micky van de Ven opening the scoring before the break and Cristian Romero doubling the advantage with a header from a free-kick early in the second half.

However, Lee Kang-In’s fine finish with five minutes remaining set up a grandstand finish and Goncalo Ramos’ stoppage-time strike took it to penalties.

Misses from Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel proved costly to send Spurs into the new Premier League season in agonising fashion.

Here’s how Matt Verri rated the Spurs players in Udine...

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Distribution not always convincing but long balls from free-kicks caused PSG problems. Barely had a save to make in the match and felt like a spectator in the shootout.

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Pedro Porro 7

Shot fired early in opening moments. Didn’t always pick his moments well to press but largely stood up to the test well when one-on-one.

Kevin Danso 6

His long throws provide another weapon for Spurs. Struggled with the pace of Bradley Barcola, with Porro’s pressing leaving him exposed at times.

Cristian Romero 8

Captain’s performance in his first match since being given the armband permanently. Marshalled things from the middle of the back three and dealt confidently with crosses in. Headed goal in front of the Spurs fans sparked wild celebrations.

Captain fantastic: Cristian Romero

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Micky van de Ven 7

Poor penalty saved but a supreme display in the 90 minutes. Trademark pace to mop up loose balls, reacted quickest in the box to open the scoring and a brilliant sliding block in his own six-yard box in second half.

Djed Spence 7

Going to give Frank a real headache when Destiny Udogie is fit again. Set the tone when dealing superbly with an early Achraf Hakimi run in behind and was rock solid defensively up until Ousmane Dembele got cross past him for stoppage-time equaliser.

Joao Palhinha 7

Much sharper in midfield than a week ago against Bayern Munich, snapping into the challenges. His effort was tipped onto the bar for opening goal.

Rodrigo Bentancur 8

Selfless performance saw him make several bursts forward out wide, which is not necessarily his game. Dropped into a deeper role late on and still put in a real shift when visibly exhausted. Great penalty.

Pape Matar Sarr 8

Easy to see why Frank loves him. Relentless in pressing high up the pitch, twice winning fouls just outside the PSG box as a result, and popped up in his own box to cover when Danso and Romero were out of position.

Mohammed Kudus 7

More central role and he combined nicely with Richarlison. Limited influence in the final third though and hardly had a kick in the second half.

Richarlison 8

Worked tirelessly up front, holding the ball up expertly and winning cheap free-kicks. Still a nagging frustration that the end product is not there, but this was an impressive all-round showing.

Unlucky loser: Richarlison

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Substitutes

Dominic Solanke (Richarlison 72’) 6

Put his body around to hold the ball up and confidently dispatched penalty. His return from injury a big boost ahead of the new season and now in contention to start against Burnley.

Archie Gray (Palhinha 72’) 6

Encouraging for him that he was the first midfielder called upon off the bench

Mathys Tel (Kudus 78’) 4

Conceded a dangerous free-kick on the edge of his own box, fortunate not to be punished. Failed to even hit the target with his spot-kick.

Lucas Bergvall (Sarr 90’) N/A

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Tottenham have Dominic Solanke back tonight for their UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain, but the striker has only made the bench.

The Europa League champions take on the Champions League winners in Udine as Thomas Frank’s side look to go into the new Premier League season on a high.

It has been a frustrating summer for Solanke so far, with the striker playing in just one friendly at the start of pre-season before being sidelined with an ankle injury.

However, Solanke has been named in Spurs’ squad for the Super Cup after Frank suggested last week that he would “be available quite soon".

Spurs have opted to be cautious with his fitness, though, which means Richarlison continuing up front.

Luka Vuskovic is back in the matchday squad, while Destiny Udogie misses out as he continues his recovery from injury.

Dejan Kulusevski is out for “a long time” with a serious knee injury sustained at the end of last season, while James Maddison is set to miss the majority of the campaign after suffering an ACL injury.

Pape Matar Sarr started in front of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha in last week’s friendly defeat to Bayern Munich, and he plays with those two again in what looks to be more of a regimented midfield trio.

Tottenham are out for a second European trophy in quick succession when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup this evening. Thomas Frank takes charge of his first competitive game of the north Londoners since his move from Brentford earlier this summer, and he will lock horns on the touchline with the experienced Luis Enrique.

Enrique led PSG to that elusive Champions League glory in Munich, where Paris thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 at the Allianz Arena as their young stars struck fear into the footballing world. Now, it is up to Spurs to keep them out and upset the apple cart in Udine, where they face the Ligue 1 champions.

Cristian Romero will lead out Spurs for the first time since being named club captain this morning, after Heung-min Son departed for pastures new at LAFC. Midfielder Yves Bissouma misses out entirely after Frank decided to leave him at home after turning up for training late “one too many” times, according to the Danish manager. Stay tuned for all the updates with our live blog below!

After a 41-year wait for a European trophy, Tottenham have the chance to do it all over again 84 days later.

Victory over Paris Saint-Germain in Udine on Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup would not quite spark celebrations to match those seen in Bilbao and north London three months ago, but it would be a key statement to kickstart the Thomas Frank era.

In his first press conference as Spurs boss last month, Frank was asked for his early impressions after taking the job.

“It’s the easy part now - the honeymoon,” Frank said. “Everyone is happy, the sun is shining, we haven’t played a game yet. I think the honeymoon is five, six weeks of pre-season. Then it’s reality."

The sun is set to be shining on a blisteringly hot evening in Udine, but the honeymoon is over and the serious business has arrived.

The Super Cup appears a more significant game for Spurs than PSG, who have not played for a month. Spurs, on the other hand, have come to the end of a not entirely convincing pre-season.

They were well-beaten by Bayern Munich last week, bringing a swift halt to any momentum picked up from the impressive defensive showing in the win over Arsenal in Hong Kong.

Frank has placed an emphasis on improving the team's structure since taking charge and there have been clear signs of improvement, though that has come at a cost.

Spurs have scored twice across their past four pre-season matches - a goal from close to the halfway line from Pape Matar Sarr and a deflected Brennan Johnson strike.

Sarr has largely played as the most advanced midfielder, with Frank searching for solutions after a serious knee injury to James Maddison saw him join Dejan Kulusevski as a long-term absentee.

That is not a problem of Frank's making and he has not been helped by a quiet transfer window. It feels essential that Spurs add more creativity to midfield this month and talks over a move for Eberechi Eze have started.

On current evidence, if Spurs are to win games this season, particularly against teams of PSG's calibre, it will come by narrow margins. Frank will maximise set-pieces and make this Spurs side harder to beat, but a familiar debate at Spurs could soon emerge.

Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte prioritised results over style. Nuno Espirito Santo did little to excite during his fleeting visit to the Spurs dugout. Ange Postecoglou, at least before the Premier League form collapsed, had his swashbuckling style to fall back on. Sections of the fanbase were to an extent willing to forgive the team shipping goals and dropping points while being entertained.

The hope will be that Frank can strike a middle ground. He deserves the necessary time and patience to try and do so, but there is a need for him to hit the ground running with results. A European trophy in his first competitive match would earn some early goodwill.

Defeat to PSG, though, particularly after such a poor showing against Bayern, would pile the pressure on Spurs ahead of the Premier League opener against Burnley. The Clarets had a remarkable defensive record in the Championship last season and will provide an immediate test of Spurs' ability to break teams down.

With Kulusevski and Maddison injured, Heung-min Son no longer at the club and Dominic Solanke having endured an injury-hit summer to date, Spurs need a talisman to step up and provide the spark in the final third.

Mohammed Kudus' pre-season displays have suggested he could be that player. He has caught the eye on the right wing but could be used as a No10 to help solve that particular headache for Frank.

Sarr has done a decent job in that role, but Kudus would offer the unpredictability and attacking spark that has been missing for much of pre-season.

Until that cutting edge is displayed by this Spurs side on a regular basis, the scrutiny on results will only increase. Frank knows that is his new reality.