Football London

Here's every single word the Tottenham Hotspur head coach said on Friday ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester United

Thomas Frank faced the media at his press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League match against Manchester United.

Spurs got back on track with a 4-0 victory in the Champions League against Copenhagen on Tuesday night, including a remarkable box-to-box individual effort from Micky van de Ven. Now the north London outfit will face a United side arriving off the back of four wins and a draw in their past six matches, including victories for Ruben Amorim's side against Chelsea and Liverpool.

Ahead of the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Frank delivered an update on Mohammed Kudus, who missed the Champions League win with a knock, and Dominic Solanke, who has been out for two-and-a-half months with an ankle problem that has dogged him since the summer.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those putting the questions to Frank ahead of the game against United. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at Hotspur Way.

What's the team news after Tuesday night and how is Mohammed Kudus?

Yes everyone came through well, so it's good. We'll say the ones that have been out for a small spell, Cuti and Dest, responded well so fit and available. Kudus is touch and go for tomorrow, we'll see.

What gives you the confidence that tomorrow we'll see a performance more like Tuesday night's than last Saturday's?

I always believe when going to every game that we will put a good performance out there and do well. I think what gives me some confidence that we'll put a good performance out there is that I think most of the performances we've put out this year have been good.

In general over the season, we're not talking about home, there's been some that have not been top. Two of them, don't want to run away from that, was against Bournemouth and Chelsea at home, where the two teams did very well and we on the day didn't find the right solutions to match them. But I'm very confident because I think I see the right layers, the attitude of the players, the ability to want to improve.

It's another big game coming up that we're ready for, that we're looking forward to, get the fans behind us and we're ready to do everything we can to win the game.

Do you think Xavi Simons is a confidence player and do you think the burden of being the main creative output in the absence of Kulusevski and Maddison is something that he is taking on and comfortable with?

I think every player needs confidence. Every player does that. The best in the world, everyone. Some can say when you go to a new club, I think it's a little bit more evident that it's not that easy just to hit the ground running, but the more confidence you get, the better you play, the more you play, the more relationship you find out to get with your team-mates step by step.

I agree, I think Xavi had a good performance. I think it was positive with a lot of bits. I still think it was a good step. I still think there's a lot of layers to be added to his game, but I was happy with his performance.

On Destiny, just how much have you been having to support him one-to-one and has he come to you for support? Has he seemed different, more subdued?

I think the club of course... it's a terrible situation to have been in. I can't speak too much about it, it's a legal case as we know. The club and we have done everything we can to support him and we'll do that. He's clearly doing well on the pitch which is good and we'll keep supporting him.

Do you get the sense that the players are feeling a weight on their shoulders whenever they do play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?

I think this is a big shirt to wear in many ways. Should be proud. It should be something you're really excited about, wearing this beautiful shirt, playing home and away. It shouldn't matter to play home. It should be a massive boost. When we play at home, we should feel even more confident, even more aligned, even more willing to do everything.

I understand that the stats are not too good over a long time. For me now there's a new opportunity and a new opportunity we need to embrace in the best possible way. Coming out there against a great Man United team that's in great form, it'll be a great game and we'll do everything we can to get out on top.

In terms of Man United, most of their Premier League points this season have come when they have had less than 50 per cent possession in games. How do you expect them to play tomorrow and how will you try to look to counter that?

I think, first and foremost, you can see it's a United team that has got more confidence, definitely. I think Ruben and his coaching staff have done a very good job. It's clearly been a tough year for them and for him. I admire him a lot for that, to go through a very tricky spell with a lot of setbacks. To get through that with that focus is well done.

You can see the bits he's been working on, it's more and more clear. I think it's also clear that he plays not only a system but a specific way, which they're very good at and getting better and better at. Right now they are in a moment where they have more or less every key player available and he's found his team, played more or less the same team in the last four or five games.

We know exactly what to expect from them. I think they have an incredibly dangerous front three. They're starting to get more up to pace and we need to close them down.

But on the flip side, make sure they run a little bit more backwards because we attack them.

One of those key players is someone you know really well, Bryan Mbeumo, he's been named October's Premier League Player of the Month. How pleased are you to see how he's doing? I imagine you're not surprised at that?

No, I'm not surprised. Of course I'll step out of my role at Tottenham. When you work with a player for six years, you get a close relationship. To see him develop from being a young man, 19-years-old when he moved to London and Brentford and left six years later, going into one of the biggest clubs in the world with all that focus and the way he stepped up. For me, looking from the outside, maybe a little bit biased, I think he's been their best offensive player.

He can create, he can score, he works hard, he's a team player. He's the perfect example, in my opinion, for a player what I call about attitude, confident but humble. He's a top player. I think he will have fantastic success there. I hope that for him, not tomorrow, but in general I hope and wish him all the best.

You've been here three months, has it gone how you expected and are we now seeing a Thomas Frank Spurs or is that still a work in progress?

That will be a work in progress. No doubt about that. I think the first three months have been super exciting. A big learning curve because I think if you're not humble enough to learn of course every single day. You walk into a new club, you learn the players, you learn the staff, you learn about the club, you learn about how it works, the fans, everything. But I think it's been overall fine.

I think we've been doing quite well to be able to get the amount of points we got in the Champions League and in the Premier League, competing in two fronts at the same time. I think that's been quite good in terms of how we play. I think there's been some really positive bits, especially on the defensive side and set-pieces.

We're clearly adding layers to the offensive part of the game. I think we're far from where I want us to be. I'm not in doubt we'll get there, but we're taking steps in the right direction.

About the learning curve, when you first went into Brentford, is it not the same learning curve, but just a little bit steeper because the size of the club is bigger?

I think I said it before. Learning, I think, when I walked in here, it's different. No, it's not different. In some ways, it's exactly the same.

It's coaching 11 players, put a game plan up, evaluate a little bit, nurturing their egos, show them they're good enough, take them up when it's not going too well, manage expectation from the outside, a little bit more questions, try to implement the culture. All that is exactly the same. It's just different people.

The level of what you want to do in terms of tactical is a little bit because they came from another set-up. Not worse, not better, just another set-up. So you try to implement your principles the way you want to do it with culture, with my fantastic staff around me.

So when I say the learning curve, it's to learn the people, how they function in good days and bad days, how the team reacts to a disappointing game against Chelsea. We love the response. So all those bits, that's learning.

How you find out what's the right players that play together, what is the relationship on and off the pitch. The staff, the board, all that, that's learning. The last days in Brentford, I could walk in, not say anything, walk out, and I just knew it would be smooth, easy. Now, it's a few more hard yards, but it's part of it.

Is it good for players to have egos? How difficult is that to control?

I think we all have egos. Even you. And even I. No, we all have it because if we don't have an ego I don't think none of you would be in this room in your position. I would not be sitting here. Some are just a little bit better to manage it themselves. Others need a little bit of guidance. So, yeah, that's part of it.

You've said you expect more steps forward from Kolo Muani, is that fitness or sharpness or both?

I think it's a little bit of both. I think sharpness because fitness-wise, he is fit to start and play and he played against Chelsea 70 minutes ago? And then 75 against Copenhagen, so he is that, but to do it at the highest possible intensity throughout 90 minutes, I don't think he's there yet. But also to have that sharpness where you don't think in your action, you just do it intuitively. I think that bit, he's getting there. I think it was a very promising game against Copenhagen and I think he's on the right track.

How is he different to Richarlison and Solanke?

I think he's got a little bit, I think Solanke also is quite good to run behind, but I think maybe a little bit of that pace down the side, I think that's a bit of it. I think he's in general, just talking about him, I like his combination play, I like his link-up play. Well, I just think he's a good player.

How is Solanke, is he on track to come back quickly after the international break?

Yeah, I think the international break will be the big deciding factor because we have two weeks there to push in the next steps. As I say, it's going forward. Just to take it instead of the questions every single time because it was clearly that he was not ready before the international break. It's more, we look after the international break, that's what we're aiming for. I think we always want to get it right, but I think it's important to get it right so he's out there, can help the team and we need him back.

Dane Scarlett had a positive impact on Tuesday, he’s been talked up a lot by previous managers, what does he need to fulfil his potential here with so much competition?

I think with Dane, first of all, I think he's a great player. I think he's a fantastic finisher. He finishes at a very, very high level, left and right foot. I think probably he needs the bits that every player needs. He needs to play minutes and games. That's the biggest thing and right now the competition is tough here. And to be able to give him, let's say, three, four, five games in a row is probably a little bit difficult. It's never impossible, but it's a little bit difficult. So, for me, he needs to play games.

With Xavi and Wilson Odobert, it feels like they clicked instantly and they played together at PSG’s academy, how quickly did you see that and how eager are you to build on that?

Yeah, I agree. I think that little bit, let's say, between the two of them, you all know it when you see two players that get along well outside the pitch, they also tend to find each other on the pitch a little bit. They just know, ‘I go, if you run there, I run there. If I play around the corner, he'll be in. Now he runs deep or whatever it is,’ and I think that helps definitely. Because I also think they have more natural conversations about, ‘OK, if I turn here, then you run down there. Or if you turn, I want the ball there, whatever it is,’ so, I think that's important. We've seen it plenty of times with players in the past in different clubs.

How eager are you to build on that? Two big price tags on their head but with Wilson, slowly showing his worth?

I think, as I said to Wilson before, I think he looks right when he's out there on the pitch. I'm happy that he got his goal against Copenhagen. I think he looks lively. He's always there, he wants the ball and he's not afraid to get it into feet. Under pressure, he's good to arrive in the box. He's alert. The goal is actually a good example of that a little bit impossible ball that Kolo Muani is chasing down and maybe, does he get that? Doesn't he get that? But he believes, so, Wilson is on the way quite early. That means he's in a perfect position to have a relatively easy goal. Others could maybe just leave it. So, he's constantly alive with his eyes and he is aware.

The atmosphere was rocking on Tuesday, probably the best you’ve seen it, how much did you enjoy it and how much do you want that again on Saturday?

Yeah, the stadium was really rocking. It was great to see and experience definitely. As I said many times before, I think it needs to be a collaborative approach between fans and players together. We just want to do everything we can to get over the line and win a game. The more we can push each other to bring that positive energy in, the better. That will be both ways. We will do everything we can to perform, to come flying out, to be on top of the game. Some parts of the game we will not, because we face a good team and no team will have momentum in 90 minutes, but that positivity, we definitely need to build on that.

Manchester United's squad are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United's preparations for their Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur are now complete, with Ruben Amorim putting his squad through their paces for one final team before the trip to the capital.

United approach the fixture on a four-match unbeaten streak, boasting three victories and a draw. Spurs, on the other hand, have had a mixed week, rebounding from a loss to Chelsea with a triumph over FC Copenhagen.

Amorim's team are aware that a victory in north London in the early kick-off could temporarily propel them to second place in the Premier League standings. A win for the Lilywhites, however, would see Thomas Frank's team jump up to second and move within five points of leaders Arsenal.

Ahead of the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Man Utd squad were seen hard at work during training at Carrington. Below, as per the Manchester Evening News, is three things spotted in training.

Kone update

In August, Sekou Kone suffered a fractured eye socket during a National League Cup encounter against Tamworth. The match had to be postponed due to the absence of a back-up ambulance, sparking concerns about the defensive midfielder's health.

Fortunately, his injury was not as severe as initially feared, with United optimistic that Kone would fully recover. The 19-year-old was spotted training this week following a brief appearance in the U21s' win over Notts County in the EFL Trophy.

Martinez recovery continues

Another encouraging sight at the Carrington gym was Lisandro Martinez continuing his recovery from injury. The Argentine is ramping up his comeback from an ACL injury.

Amorim confirmed that Martinez was keen to make the trip to Nottingham Forest last weekend, but ultimately wasn't included in the squad. If he's not selected for the Spurs match, it's highly likely he could return post-international break, barring any recovery setbacks.

Left wing-back option

The left wing-back position has been a hot topic of late. Diogo Dalot has been the go-to choice recently, but he seems somewhat out of his comfort zone.

Patrick Dorgu is another contender, but he too has had a challenging season. The Manchester Evening News revealed this week that the club are planning to give Diego Leon more game time in academy matches to help him find his form, and he was spotted arriving for training this week.

If Dalot and Dorgu continue to underperform in the left wing-back role, might we see Leon rejoining the matchday squad soon, having already made the bench four times this season?

The latest on the fitness of Mohammed Kudus as Thomas Frank provides Tottenham injury news ahead of Manchester United

Thomas Frank has provided an update on Mohammed Kudus ahead of Tottenham's Premier League clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

Kudus missed Tuesday's emphatic Champions League win over Copenhagen after he picked up a knock in training. The 25-year-old watched his teammates from the stands put the Danish side to the sword as they ran out 4-0 winners.

The former West Ham man admitted after the game that his injury was "getting better" and now Frank has confirmed the Ghana international faces a race against time to be fit for the clash against Ruben Amorim's side. Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon, Frank said: "Yes, everyone came through [the game against Copenhagen] well. The ones that had been out for a small spell, Cuti and Dest, responded well. Kudus is touch and go for tomorrow."

Dominic Solanke continues his recovery from an ankle injury and Frank believes the striker could return after the November international break. The Dane said: "I think the international break will be the big decider and we have two weeks to push him for the next steps.

"It is going forward. It was clear he was not ready before the international break. After is what we’re aiming for and you always want to get it right."

Elsewhere, Lucas Bergvall will miss the clash against Manchester United due to concussion protocol, while Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray and Kota Takai could make their returns at the end of November. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are the club's long-term absentees.

Thomas Frank is holding his press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League match against Manchester United.

Spurs put the disappointment of their dismal performance against Chelsea last weekend behind them with a 4-0 victory in the Champions League against Copenhagen on Tuesday night. Two of the goals were scored after Brennan Johnson was sent off, with one a remarkable box-to-box individual effort from Micky van de Ven.

Ruben Amorim's side now come to town in Saturday's early kick-off to complete a run of three games in a week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The pressure has been eased on the Portuguese's shoulders during an improved period of four wins and a draw in their past six matches, including victories against Chelsea and Liverpool.

Now Tottenham will be looking to end that run ahead of the international break rather than return to their previous problems of losing seven in a row before each break until the win at Leeds. Frank will give an update on Friday on Mohammed Kudus, who missed the Champions League win with a knock.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they welcome Manchester United to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this weekend when they take on Manchester United at home. After a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last weekend, Spurs returned to winning ways with a 4-0 thrashing of Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

United, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games following a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon. Ruben Amorim’s side are currently eighth in the table.

However, the two sides have very contrasting injury lists. United have a clean bill of health heading into Saturday's game; the same cannot be said about Spurs.

Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai and Archie Gray are all unavailable. While Lucas Bergvall is also a doubt after sustaining concussion against Chelsea.

According to The FA's guidelines, after an initial 24 to 48 hour period of 'relative rest', Bergvall will be allowed to undergo a graduated return to full daily activity. The 19-year-old midfielder will be allowed to train, but 'at a rate that does not worsen existing symptoms'.

The FA have a 'Graduated return to play' (GRTP) programme, which could keep Bergvall out of action for a minimum of 21 days. The sporting body also have an 'Enhanced care pathway' for players over the age of 18, which permits RTP after 12 days – or after seven days so long as exceptional criteria is met.

However, there is better news for Spurs, as Mohamed Kudus, who missed out on Tuesday due to a knock, could be available for this weekend's game. Although it has been claimed that Tottenham boss Thomas Frank could face a nervous wait on the attacker's fitness.

While for United, Lisandro Martinez returned to full training last week, but it remains to be seen if he will be included in his side’s matchday on Saturday.

Speaking on Thursday, Amorim confirmed he has no new fresh injury concerns. He said: "No, there’s no change [to what we are doing about injuries].

"It’s one game every week and then a little bit of luck, because sometimes you have problems with players with knocks, it’s not something that is soft tissues.

"So you never know what is going to happen in the next training. If you play with intensity in training, something can happen, but I think the big reason… of course, we try to do everything well, the big reason is [we have only] one game every week.

"You can give one extra day to the players that you know could struggle in the next training. I think that is the biggest reason."

Graham Potter has included Tottenham attacking midfielder Lucas Bergvall in his first Sweden squad even though the 19-year-old is currently unavailable to play for Spurs due to concussion protocols

Graham Potter is optimistic he'll be able to call upon Tottenham attacking midfielder Lucas Bergvall during the international break - despite the playmaker suffering from concussion.

The 19-year-old took a ball to the side of the head in the opening exchanges of Spurs' frustrating 1-0 London derby defeat to Chelsea last weekend.

He attempted to continue but was stopped in his tracks by Tottenham's medical staff, who informed Thomas Frank that he was not able to continue.

As per the FA's concussion recovery protocols, Bergvall will be required to rest for a minimum of 12 days. However, he has still been included in Potter's squad for Sweden's do-or-die upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia.

Bergvall will be assessed by Sweden's medical staff but he should be available to train from Friday November 14 - one day out from the clash against Switzerland.

Potter said when explaining his decision to include the Spurs man in his squad: "As things stand right now, they are available. Lucas has had a concussion, but hopefully he can be there when it's time for us to play."

The Swedish youngster will be absent for Tottenham this weekend when they host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Frank confirmed on Monday ahead of the 4-0 Champions League thrashing of Copenhagen that Bergvall had been ruled out of the club's next two fixtures.

The Dane said: “Lucas got concussion, which was probably pretty obvious from the footage.

"Big praise to the medical team because it’s a tricky situation to be in when it’s two minutes into a game and everything is on it, so well done to them because the players’ health is the most important thing.”

Sweden need to win both of their final two World Cup qualifiers to stand a chance of qualifying for next summer's finals via the play-off.

They do have a fallback option though as if they don't achieve second spot, they would be poised to feature in a mini four-team tournament in March for a shot at qualification as they won their UEFA Nations League group.

Potter is without Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres for this month's games as the 27-year-old attacker picked up a muscle injury after opening the scoring in the Gunners' 2-0 win at Burnley last weekend.

Liverpool forward Alexander Isak has also been included in the squad despite missing Liverpool's last four matches with a groin issue.

Tottenham recorded their biggest win yet under Thomas Frank on Tuesday when they thrashed Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League

Predicting Tottenham's starting XI has been an impossible task at times this season. However, after the 4-0 Champions League demolition of Copenhagen, Thomas Frank's team to face Manchester United should virtually pick itself.

It was comfortably Spurs' best home performance of the campaign and it's crucial that Tottenham build some much-needed momentum heading into the upcoming international break.

Last month, Spurs won 2-1 at Leeds to end their pre-international break hoodoo and the Manchester United fixture feels significant because Ruben Amorim's much-improved Red Devils are now level on points with Tottenham in the Premier League.

One major positive on Tuesday night was the return of Destiny Udogie, who has been battling a knee issue in recent weeks.

The Italian has also this week been confirmed as the mystery player that was allegedly threatened with a gun by a 31-year-old man in London back in early September.

He's receiving support from Tottenham but on the pitch, it's clear to see the impact he can have on Frank's side when fully fit.

For starters, playing with a left-footed full-back makes such a difference to Spurs' balance when they look to build attacks down the flanks.

Inside the opening minute against the Danish outfit, Udogie was set free down the left and won Tottenham an early corner.

He's a sturdy defender but his athleticism and ability to get down the line and swing crosses into the box is something Spurs have been missing of late.

Djed Spence's versatility makes him an important, valued member of the Tottenham squad but when Spence attacks, opponents know he's likely to cut back onto his stronger right foot.

Additionally, Spurs have also been missing a left-footed right-winger because Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel are also right-footed.

The left-wing spot has become a problem position for Spurs since the departure of Son Heung-min but Udogie's speed and crossing ability is such a valuable asset given he also brings great energy to the party.

He made 12 sprints against Copenhagen, had a shot on target, made five passes into the final third and also won 100 per cent of his three ground duels.

Frank and the Tottenham medical staff will be keen to manage his minutes to preserve his long-term fitness but when he's available, he must play, particularly in the Premier League.

There is a reason Manchester City shortlisted Udogie as a possible transfer option in the summer, though Spurs were never likely to consider a sale.

At just 22, he has all the tools to become one of the best left-backs in all of world football and has been one of the best Tottenham buys of recent times.

He has missed seven games in all competitions to date, including the Super Cup defeat to PSG and it's imperative that Spurs keep him fit because he's one of the unsung heroes of Frank's team.

Both north London clubs have some top defenders and one former England striker has had his say on both sets of centre-backs

Teddy Sheringham believes that Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven can be placed in the same bracket as Arsenal and Liverpool's central defensive duos.

The Spurs duo won the Europa League together last season to add to Romero's silverware list which includes the World Cup, two Copa Americas and the Finalissima trophy. Van de Ven again made the headlines this week with a wonderful individual goal in the Champions League as he ran from his own penalty area to the Copenhagen one with the ball before firing home for Thomas Frank's side.

Former Manchester United, Tottenham and England forward Sheringham believes the Spurs duo are on the same level as the centre-back pairings that have been fighting it out for the Premier League title in recent seasons.

"Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are in the same category as Gabriel and William Saliba. “Everyone talks about the best Premier League centre-back pairing being Gabriel and Saliba. You can also make a case for Liverpool’s defensive partnership: Virgil van Dijk is still a fantastic player, although there are still question marks around Ibrahima Konate. But I would place Van de Ven and Romero in the same bracket as those two pairings," Sheringham told Oddspedia.

"They both complement each other very well; if one gets beaten, his partner is there to cover for him. It’s unusual for a centre-back pairing at Spurs to be likened to the Premier League’s elite defenders, but they’re the bedrock of a stable team. We saw last year how Spurs struggled without that pairing and it ultimately contributed to Ange Postecoglou's downfall.

"If you took both Van de Ven and Romero out of the team, it becomes very stressful for Spurs, so Thomas Frank will be glad they’re back in the team and showing their class."

Tottenham Hotspur went toe-to-toe with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, losing 4-3 on penalties, and they are due to meet yet again.

Paris Saint-Germain could be without three big-name players when they meet Tottenham Hotspur. At the end of November, the French giants will lock horns with Thomas Frank's side at the Parc des Princes as they each look to qualify for the knock-out stages of the UEFA Champions League.

PSG will be determined to return to winning ways after suffering their first defeat of the campaign. Luis Diaz fired Bayern Munich to victory against the reigning champions on Tuesday night before he was then given his marching orders in the final moments of the first half.

Meanwhile, Tottenham enjoyed a 4-0 win over Copenhagen. The Lilywhites will hope to pick up from where they left off, having gone toe-to-toe with PSG in the UEFA Super Cup at the start of the season.

The Parisians could be without Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembele, and Nuno Mendes when they take on Spurs. An official club statement has confirmed that the trio will be out for several weeks.

It reads: "Achraf Hakimi is suffering from a severe sprain of his left ankle, which will result in him being unavailable for several weeks. Ousmane Dembele has suffered a calf injury. He will remain under treatment for these next few weeks.

"Nuno Mendes is suffering from a sprained left knee. He will remain under medical care for the next few weeks. Desire Doue continues his rehabilitation work. A further update will be provided after the international break."

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday night, Luis Enrique criticised his players for gifting goals to Bayern Munich. As quoted by ESPN, the PSG boss said: "When it was 11 versus 11, there is no doubt.

"Of course, they were superior to us in the first half. They created more chances, and we gave them some lovely gifts in the first half. When you give away such presents against such players, they will score. So I don't make any excuses; it's our responsibility to do better."

When asked why his team fell short, Enrique was at a loss for words. The Spaniard continued: "I don't have an explanation, it is like that. We gave away several gifts.

"They scored two goals, but could have scored four. I am disappointed to see this because I expected to see a better level."

Dembele and Hakimi were both forced to come off during the first half of Tuesday night's clash against Bayern Munich due to injury. They were on the receiving end of a couple of tackles by Diaz.

"When you get injured players back, they are not in 100 per cent form," Enrique went on. "It's something that I should handle much better (as a coach), given all of my experience."

Tottenham have a young star in the making set to arrive in the January transfer window and he has already said his goodbyes to his former club

Mason Melia has penned a farewell message to St Patrick's Athletic before the exciting teenager makes his move to Tottenham Hotspur in January.

The 18-year-old is one of the biggest young talents in Irish football and won the PFA Ireland Young Player of the Year award last year. In February, Spurs agreed a deal for the striker worth an initial £1.6million - a record transfer for the League of Ireland - with the potential for add-ons to double that figure.

Tottenham overcame competition from top clubs across the Premier League and Europe to land his signature and Melia agreed a long contract until 2031. The north London club put him on a tailored conditioning programme to prepare him for the rigours of the Premier League when he arrives early next year looking to impress Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank, having signed when Ange Postecoglou was in charge.

The UK's exit from the European Union meant Melia cannot make the move to Hotspur Way until the transfer window after he turned 18, which happened in September.

That has meant the teenage forward has missed out on working with Spurs' academy coaches and potentially the first team but that has been balanced out with exposure to the men's game at both Irish and European level.

Melia has played a remarkable 98 matches despite his age and been directly involved in 32 goals, scoring 25 and recording eight assists.

The Irish league season ended at the weekend with a 0-0 draw for fifth-placed St Pat's at Shelbourne with Melia playing 90 minutes. The youngster finished his campaign with 13 goals and four assists to his name from 35 League of Ireland matches and also netted and provided an assist in the club's six Europa League qualifiers. Melia has also scored three goals in his first four Republic of Ireland U21 matches.

"Never thought the day would come that I would be closing my chapter at @stpatsfc, I would like to thank everyone that has supported me while at my time at pats to the staff, teammates and to all the fans," Melia wrote on Instagram this week. "From making my debut to scoring my first league goal, winning the cup and making so many memories with my teammates. I’ve met some good people and not so good….

"Everyone has a played a vital role in my career and I can't say how thankful I am for that, I’ve made some close friends that I will always have by my side. Thank you to all of yous that believed in me and gave me a path to get to where I am today. Once a saint always a saint."

Melia will now take some much-needed time off after a long 50-game season and he will arrive refreshed and ready in January looking to catch Frank's eye.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Josh Keeley told football.london this summer to expect big things from the teenager once he settles into life at the Premier League club.

"I mean he is a young lad, who has played a lot of senior games at the minute and he is playing constantly for St Pats. I think him coming over, signing for Spurs and getting to know all the boys is only going to help him progress," said the keeper. "He is going to do very, very well."