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Thomas Frank has been called out for one of the first and certainly not the last times at Tottenham.

Frank has had a rocky time adjusting to life at Tottenham. The Dane has overseen the highest of highs – Spurs 1-0 pre-season win against Arsenal, to name one.

But also the lowest of lows. Morgan Gibbs-White’s extension at Nottingham Forest was a particularly difficult pill for Tottenham fans to swallow.

However, his recent decision concerning Wilson Odobert seems to have cost him the most.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

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Frank makes ‘surprising’ decision to not play Odobert vs PSG

Frank will still be gutted over Tottenham’s defeat on penalties to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final this week.

The Lilywhites conceded two goals 10 minutes before the final whistle was blown. Some fans hold this to fatigue while others blame the Dane’s substitutions.

Meanwhile, Odobert remained on the bench despite impressing during pre-season. Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – admits that this decision came as a surprise.

“But Tel on the night, I was surprised to be honest with you that he came on before Odobert.” Wenham said.

“I thought Odobert had been good in pre-season and I would have liked to have seen him awarded with another opportunity.”

Tel suffers racism for penalty miss vs PSG

Tottenham issued a statement on Thursday, 14 August, following the racial abuse suffered by Tel after the confrontation.

The Frenchman’s Instagram comments were flooded with racism on the back of his penalty miss. This is not an isolated incident with Bakayo Sako, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho suffering similar abuse online after missing their penalties in the UEFA Euro 2020 final.

Some of Tel’s teammates have jumped to his defence following the incident. Dominic Solanke and Richarlison have both posted in solidarity via their social media pages.

There remains the hope that these individuals will face consequences for their actions, with Wehnam hoping that Spurs and the necessary authorities intervene.

“Tel the disappointment of that penalty missed and the horrific social media racism he’s had to suffer,” Wenham said.

“Hopefully, the authorities, the Premier League, and Tottenham can do what they can to get these people banned and banned from coming to watch Tottenham as well, if they do.”

Tottenham is set to take on Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, 16 August. As such, it is hoped that this matter is resolved sooner rather than later and Tel is afforded the justice he deserves.

Thomas Frank has likely put much thought into Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Burnley.

Tottenham fans are in for a treat when Frank’s side face Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 16 August.

There has been great anticipation about what tricks Frank could have up his sleeve before the game. It is almost essential that Spurs win the confrontation with a top-five finish as the aim.

And it seems that Tottenham fans will not be disappointed as the Dane plans to tinker his system before the first whistle.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

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Tottenham tipped for a comfortable win at home

Hopes of back-to-back silverware glory were dashed when PSG defeated Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Spurs were fired in front by their centre-back duo before the 50th minute. But at full-time goalscorer Mikey van de Ven ended up apologising for PSG’s triumph.

The defeat will no doubt be a bitter pill to swallow. But Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the defeat indicates positive signs for the clash against Burnley.

“I think there are a lot of positives to take out of that performance against PSG, and I feel like we are building positive momentum,” Wenham said.

“There should be changes for that Burnley game. I expect us to beat them tomorrow. Ideally, we’d get a kind of two or three-nil win with another clean sheet. Build on that momentum.

“But I think we’ll probably go back to a back four tomorrow rather than the five we’ve seen if we’re going to be expected to dominate the ball.”

Frank could make several changes against Burnley

Frank is not expected to start the same lineup who were defeated in the Super Cup final.

Richarlison stunned Spurs supporters with the performance against the Parisians. However, Frank will likely not start him in the Premier League opener on Saturday.

Dominic Solanke is tipped to be his leading man after returning from injury. Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha could be handed their first starts in the top division for Tottenham.

Tottenham could be looking to break the bank to bring Piero Hincapie to North London this summer.

There was a moment after Spurs signed Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus that fans feared their summer was over.

Morgan Gibbs-White had extended at Nottingham Forest while supporters watched on as potential targets were snapped up by neighbouring clubs.

But then came news that Tottenham will be returning to the charge for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. Next surfaced that Spurs want to sign Savinho from Manchester City.

And it now looks like Hincapie could be the cherry on top – but Daniel Levy may be put off spending for a while at the end of it.

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Tottenham could pay £68million for Hincapie

As reported by Paul O’Keefe via X on Friday, 15 August, Tottenham have identified Hincapie as their favoured left-sided centre back target.

Hincapie was also linked to Spurs during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure. However, a deal will be difficult and involve a large fee despite Thomas Frank and the Lilywhites’ appreciation.

All in all, the transfer could cost Levy more than he first anticipated. According to Capology (15 August), Hincapie earns an estimated £3.3million in yearly wages.

However, the Bayern Leverkusen centre-back also has a reported release clause which amounts to £51.7m. As a result, he could cost around £68.2m if Spurs were to pay the clause and offer him a five-year deal similar to his current one.

But with Tottenham finding clash flow from the unlikeliest of places, Levy may be inclined to break the bank for the defender this summer.

How would Hincapie slot into Tottenham’s system?

Hincapie is best known for his ability to play in both centre-back and left-back positions.

This would be perfect for Spurs, who frequently suffer injuries to their backline. Destiny Udogie is the latest defender to be sidelined, and the Bayer Leverkusen defender could offer Djed Spence some reprieve on the left side.

Moreover, the Ecuadorian netted three goals last season and is good in the air. Frank seems to be at the beginning of creating a set-piece dynasty at Tottenham and Hincapie’s skillset would be appreciated.

Therefore, his positional discipline, aerial game and defensive stability make him a prime candidate to sign for Tottenham this summer.

Thomas Frank has fallen at his first major hurdle at Tottenham and now looks to get back to his feet.

Frank faced “revolt” when first appointed Tottenham head coach as he was considered an odd choice to begin with.

Ange Postecoglou had just won the UEFA Europa League at Tottenham even though the players were keen on backing him until the end.

Meanwhile, the weight of the Spurs job was considered too heavy for the Dane to carry. Flash forward two months, and opinions on Frank have shifted for better or worse.

But it seems that his ability to coach at the top level continues to be undermined by powers perhaps in his control.

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This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Frank’s tactical setup fails to win against PSG

Frank almost pulled off the unthinkable at Tottenham against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final this week.

But when push came to shove and with his back against the wall, the former Brentford manager’s tactical masterclass soon unravelled.

However, Lilywhite Rose podcaster John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the defeat still showcased Frank’s flexible tactical approach.

“I think the tactical flexibility of Frank was really highlighted,” Wenham said.

“I think he learnt from the Bayern Munich game. That is what friendlies are for, you know, to adapt, learn and develop. He made it clear in his post-match interviews that he came up with his special operation in light of the Bayern Munich game.

“So he learned from that game that there will be times when we can’t go toe-to-toe with our opposition exactly. You’re talking about PSG, who over the last 12 months, won the treble, including the Champions League, and have been the best club in world football.

“You do need to adapt. And he was very, very close to what would have been, you, one of our all-time Tottenham wins.”

Frank must start the league season with a win

Tottenham face Burnley in the opening Premier League game of the season on Saturday, 16 August.

The game is set to be his next big test as Spurs coach. A win against a recently promoted side is expected. But the sheer importance of this game must not be understated.

It is important to start as he hopes to continue. As such, a win against Burnley would set a precedent that Tottenham plan to win big this season.

Thomas Frank’s recent admission may cause Tottenham fans to sound the alarm on Richarlison.

Tottenham will return to Premier League action against Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 13 August.

The confrontation presents another opportunity for Spurs fans to observe their team develop under Frank. But a recurring worry for supporters now threatens to resurface before the game.

Frank reveals Tottenham are ‘monitoring’ Richarlison’s fitness

Palmeiras seemed the likely destination for Richarlison after leaving Tottenham this summer.

The Brazilian has struggled to meet expectations since his record transfer from Everton three years ago. Injuries have been the main culprit.

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The tide has since changed. And it seems that Richarlison could be “Frank’s go-to” after impressing against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Speaking ahead of the game against Burnley, Frank praised Richarlison for his “phenomenal” Super Cup performance. But also issued a fitness update on the star forward.

In quotes provided by Football London on Friday, 15 August, he said: “Of course, we’re aware of the fitness situation. That’s something we’ve monitored closely. That’s why, for example, he didn’t play the first game against Reading because we didn’t feel that he was ready, so we’ll really do our best to help him, and he’s on it.

“He’s very focused, that’s the main thing, and hopefully he can keep up the level.”

This will not please Spurs supporters who have seen him sidelined for months on end. The mere fact that the Lilywhites are keeping tabs on him indicates they’re worried that another injury is just around the corner.

With his newfound form and promise of bigger, better things, this is a potential reality that most fans will not want to imagine.

Richarlison has big season ahead

Richarlison is a player who has come painfully close to showing his class in North London.

Most Tottenham fans were stunned during the first couple of months of Postecoglou’s tenure – the Brazilian had undergone a splendid transformation.

But once again, injuries took their hold, and that change soon was unravelled. As a result, fans will be cautiously optimistic heading into the new Premier League season.

The Brazilian may have escaped the threat of departure for now, but it is one that never truly goes away. To avoid it, he must remain fit and exceed expectations next season.

‘I was there, I saw Tottenham devastation that could cause lasting damage’

Thomas Frank came so close to winning his first trophy with Tottenham, but succumbed to a penalty shootout defeat against PSG in the Super Cup.

While attention will now be turned to the Premier League opener against Burnley, Spurs will still be feeling the effects of their latest defeat.

Having been 2-0 up in the latter stages of the game, Tottenham fell to a penalty shootout defeat against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final, ending Frank’s chances of immediate success in North London.

Many see the competition as a glorified friendly, but the impact on Spurs could be much greater than anticipated heading into the new campaign.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

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Super Cup defeat will have hurt Tottenham

At the end of the day, the UEFA Super Cup was Tottenham’s chance to win a second trophy in the space of a few months, and their failure to do that will have an effect on morale.

While Frank will find it easier to improve their domestic placement this season, he will be tasked with winning another trophy, and Paul Robinson explained how the scenes after the full-time whistle in Italy could have an influence on that.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “I was there, I was inside the stadium, I could see the devastation on the players’ faces. They knew how close they were to beating PSG. After 85 minutes, they were 2-0 up.

“And by the way, let’s not forget, they were also 2-0 up in the penalty shootout. They threw a 2-0 lead away twice, and they were devastated after that game.

“PSG weren’t at their utmost best, as we know, they only had a week’s pre-season.

“You just wonder what lasting damage it was there for Tottenham.”

Spurs must right their wrongs vs Burnley

As much as Spurs’ defeat to PSG will hurt, Saturday’s clash with Burnley is the start of what matters, and Frank will be looking to get off to a winning start in the league.

Given the fact that the Clarets are one of the newly-promoted teams, it is perhaps the perfect start for Tottenham, and a chance to showcase their true ability after a dismal domestic campaign last time out.

Frank needs to ensure that his players are in a fresh mindset despite the latest defeat and show no signs of regret this weekend.

Thomas Frank will be looking to get off to a winning start in the league when Tottenham host Burnley.

Off the back of Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to PSG, Frank will be well aware of the need to win their opening Premier League encounter.

With Scott Parker’s Burnley set to make the trip to North London, the fixture is certainly in favour of Spurs, though, as showcased last season, football isn’t played on paper.

In order to achieve a result, Frank could make two changes from their defeat to PSG, including Richarlison dropping to the bench.

Tottenham need a convincing win vs Burnley

Frank is unlikely to rotate much given the importance of their first win, though he is likely to opt for a more attacking approach to the game.

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Guglielmo Vicario will almost certainly start in goal, and he is expected to be protected by a back four as opposed to the five that were deployed against PSG.

Pedro Porro registered an assist against the Ligue 1 outfit, though his 63 per cent pass accuracy [FotMob] will have to improve significantly against the Clarets.

Porro’s display vs PSG.

He is expected to start on the right of the four, with Djed Spence on the opposite side.

A centre-back partnership of Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero is the most likely scenario, the former of whom won 100 per cent of his ground duels in the Super Cup final.

Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha are expected to dominate the midfield against Parker’s side, though Palhinha will have to improve from his last showing.

The summer signing made just nine passes against the Pariseans, in what was an underwhelming debut.

Mathys Tel has a point to prove vs Burnley

Mohammed Kudus has impressed since arriving at Tottenham, and he is all but nailed on to start at the weekend, with Mathys Tel on the opposite flank.

Tel has had a rough time at Tottenham since arriving from Bayern in the winter, and needs to showcase more this season.

Richarlison led the line against PSG last time out, registering a 100 per cent shot accuracy, but he could drop out to allow Dominic Solanke to return to the lineup.

The Brazilian failed to register a goal contribution in pre-season, leaving doubts over his ability to hit the ground running.

Thomas Frank will be hoping to get off on the right foot when Tottenham take on Burnley in the opening game of the season.

Mohammed Kudus’ super Spurs debut against Paris Saint-Germain went to waste when his side were defeated on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup final in Udine.

While a heavy hit to take, Frank will be looking to bounce back in the Premier League. After finishing 17th under Ange Postecoglou last season, the Lilywhites will be aiming for a top-five finish this time around.

Tottenham vs Burnley will be played on Saturday afternoon

Tottenham will host Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 16 August, at 3pm BST.

The Premier League season commences when Liverpool takes on Bournemouth on Friday night. As such, fans will have to wait until the second day to see Frank back in action.

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Tottenham recently signed midfield “beast” Joao Palhinha on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich.

It is also hoped that Spurs’ signing of Kudus will give Spurs the necessary muscle to compete for the top spot.

However, Tottenham still plan to add two more additions to this talented squad. Indeed, the Lilywhites have returned to the charge for Eberechi Eze.

Meanwhile, Spurs hold an “advantage” of getting Savinho over the line.

How to watch: channel and stream

The highly anticipated confrontation between Tottenham and the Clarets will not be shown on live television due to the 3pm blackout.

Both clubs will upload highlights and insights about the game to their channels in the days following the match.

As the official Premier League broadcaster, Sky Sports will also share highlights of the confrontation across their social media channels.

Tottenham kick off their Premier League campaign with a home clash against Burnley on Saturday afternoon, and Thomas Frank is in good spirits.

Although Tottenham lost on penalties to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup after throwing away a two-goal lead, Frank was pleased his side held their own against one of the best teams in the world.

Spurs produced an impressive performance against the Champions League winners, with both Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven getting their names on the scoresheet.

But it wasn’t just the centre-back duo who earned plaudits in Udine, as one player shocked supporters with his display.

Thomas Frank raves over Tottenham star Richarlison

After struggling for injuries in Ange Postecoglou’s final campaign in charge, Richarlison rarely featured for Spurs in 2024/25 and only made four Premier League starts.

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Richarlison has been linked with an exit throughout the summer, although it is entirely possible he remains in North London, especially after his performance on Wednesday night.

Richarlison’s record for Tottenham

Tottenham fans praised Richarlison for his incredible showing against PSG as he led by example in attack with his pressing and intensity in attack.

It’s prompted the question of whether the 28-year-old should start at home to Burnley on Saturday, and some comments from Frank suggest he’s in with a chance.

“Yeah, I think Richy was really phenomenal, his hold up play, his intensity, his arriving in the box was top,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference.

“And his attitude, top, top, top. Of course we’re aware of his fitness situation, that is why we have monitored him closely – that’s why he didn’t play at Reading in the first game, but he is on it.”

Dominic Solanke returned from injury on Wednesday and came off the bench for the final 18 minutes, with the Englishman expected to feature prominently this weekend.

Frank shares injury update ahead of Burnley clash

It was Mohammed Kudus who Frank selected to start alongside Richarlison in midweek, and one would presume that Solanke will take the Brazilian’s place.

However, after producing a remarkable performance against the European giants, Richarlison has certainly given the manager food for thought, and he’s provided an injury update ahead of the clash.

“Every player who was available is available for the team. Destiny is progressing but it’s too early for him to be involved in the squad,” Frank admitted.

Thomas Frank could make Daniel Levy do the seemingly unthinkable as Tottenham target a move for Savinho and another Premier League star.

The Lilywhites have already spent substantially this summer, with Mohammed Kudus a £55million signing for Spurs.

Tottenham have made a second approach for Savinho, who would be a statement addition from Man City.

However, the Brazilian may not be the only one heading to Hotspur Way as the North London club makes haste in the transfer market.

Frank wants both Savinho and Eberechi Eze at Tottenham

Spurs will be without James Maddison for six to nine months after he ruptured his ACL against Newcastle United.

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That injury has forced the Lilywhites to act fast in the market, although they were already seeking reinforcements in his position long before the injury.

Having missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White, the North Londoners are targeting another player who has lit up the Premier League over the years.

Tottenham have held talks with Eberechi Eze, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.

While some may have thought it would be Savinho or Eze, it seems that the Levy could land both of them.

Frank wants to sign both players, and it is not a case of one or the other, according to the Daily Mail on 15 August.

The publication notes that they have different profiles and would fulfil very different roles in the squad if he managed to secure both.

How much could Savinho and Eze cost Spurs

Considering that Savinho and Eze are two quality players, playing for Premier League teams, they would not come cheap.

The former could cost Levy around £60m if reports are to be believed, and City do not appear to be desperate to sell him.

Savinho has only been in England for a year, but produced some encouraging statistics in his first season.

As for Eze, he reportedly has a release clause of £68m, although Spurs want to negotiate a lower fee for the midfielder.

The pair would certainly cost more than £100m for Levy, meaning he would show his faith in Frank by securing the double deal.

It will be intriguing to see what part they play in the Premier League this weekend, with their clubs back in action.

Any absence will add fuel to the fire that they could be heading to North London.