Thomas Frank takes to the home dugout for the first time since moving to north London
Thomas Frank must decide whether Dominic Solanke is fit to start when Tottenham host Burnley in their opening match of the Premier League season.
Richarlison was hugely impressive in Udine, holding the ball up superbly for his side and working tirelessly, but Solanke made his return to action off the bench.
Solanke featured in the first pre-season fixture of the summer against Reading and had been out since then with an ankle injury.
Frank could opt to be cautious with Solanke’s fitness, particularly after describing Richarlison’s performance against PSG as “really phenomenal”.
Yves Bissouma will return to the squad after being dropped for the Super Cup for disciplinary reasons.
“Destiny is progressing, but it’s too early for him to be involved in the squad,” Frank said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Frank opted for a back-three system against PSG with a three-man midfield in front, but is likely to revert back to a 4-2-3-1 formation here for a match in which Spurs should dominate possession.
That means Kevin Danso could drop out of the side to make room for an extra winger in the lineup.
Mathys Tel got the nod as a substitute in Udine but struggled to make an impact and then missed a penalty in the shootout, and Frank could opt for one of Wilson Odobert or Brennan Johnson instead.
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Tottenham: Thomas Frank looks to recover from Super Cup defeat in home Premier League bow
Spurs face a very different test on return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Close: Thomas Frank
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Matt Verri
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After a summer that has taken him to Hong Kong, Seoul, Munich and Udine, Thomas Frank finally has the chance to enjoy some home comforts.
The Tottenham boss will take his place in the home dugout in north London this afternoon as his side host Burnley in their opening match of the Premier League season.
On paper, at least, it is a kind introduction to the campaign, but it could prove to be anything but.
Spurs’ best performances this summer came against Arsenal, when they defended resolutely in a narrow friendly win, and then on Wednesday night in the UEFA Super Cup.
As Frank put it himself, Spurs were “perfect” for much of the night against Paris Saint-Germain. That they conceded twice in the closing stages and then lost on penalties should not detract from the overall performance.
Frank is superb at setting his side up to execute specific game plans designed for the toughest opposition. For example, the long-throw auditions held at the start of the pre-season were held with the PSG match, almost a month away, in mind. Kevin Danso’s ability quickly became apparent in training and he duly caused PSG real problems in Udine.
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There is already a sense that Spurs will have some joy in the biggest games this season, where they will be well-prepared, tough to beat and maximise set-pieces. With a full week to prepare for Manchester City next weekend, Spurs will travel north believing they can get a result.
First, though, it is Burnley and a very different test. The focus in pre-season training has been on Spurs’ defensive shape, whether that be sitting deep or pressing high.
Against the Clarets, Spurs must prove they are capable of dominating possession and breaking down a side who will set up to frustrate them. Burnley kept 29 clean sheets and conceded only 16 goals in 46 Championship matches last season.
For all the progress that has been made without the ball, Spurs fans will be demanding something more ambitious in games like these.
"It's definitely something of course I'm aware of,” Frank said at his pre-match press conference. “That we need to be dominant against a lot of teams in the Premier League.”
A fast start feels crucial to stop any impatience creeping in. Spurs have the right man in the dugout - Frank’s Brentford side broke records last season by scoring inside the first 40 seconds in three consecutive Premier League matches.
The challenge for Spurs is producing the necessary creativity from midfield in the absence of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.
The trio of Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr were superb on Wednesday night, but the chances they created came from turning the ball over high up the pitch, rather than the kind of incisive passing that is likely to be required against Burnley.
Frank admitted that Spurs are not “fully firing yet” in attack, but there was a more telling answer later in the press conference.
It would be easy to look at Brentford’s recent seasons and see that as a model for how Spurs could look to play. However, there is the context of the Bees’ wage bill and resources compared to most of the teams they faced.
Frank was therefore keen to cast the net wider as he presented evidence that Spurs fans can expect to be excited this season.
“I know it's a while ago, but the two years in the Championship before we got promoted, we scored the most goals both seasons and were one of the best offensive teams,” Frank said.
“I've got a clear idea of how I want to do it and of course now it's up to me and the staff to implement that into the team."
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Thomas Frank has decided against starting Dominic Solanke as Tottenham host Burnley in their opening match of the Premier League season.
Richarlison was hugely impressive in Udine, holding the ball up superbly for his side and working tirelessly, but Solanke made his return to action off the bench.
Solanke featured in the first pre-season fixture of the summer against Reading and had been out since then with an ankle injury.
The Brazilian returns to the Spurs XI, while Frank opts to be cautious with Solanke’s fitness, leaving him on the bench.
Yves Bissouma is left out again after being dropped for the Super Cup for disciplinary reasons.
Spurs picked up no fresh injury issues against PSG, but Destiny Udogie remains unavailable with a knee injury.
“Destiny is progressing, but it’s too early for him to be involved in the squad,” Frank said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Frank opted for a back-three system against PSG with a three-man midfield in front, but has reverted back to a 4-2-3-1 formation here for a match in which Spurs should dominate possession.
That means Kevin Danso drops out of the side to make room for an extra winger in the lineup, with Brennan Johnson coming in opposite Mohammed Kudus.
Mathys Tel got the nod as a substitute in Udine but struggled to make an impact and then missed a penalty in the shootout, meaning he remains among the substitutes.
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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