Work to Do as Spurs Collapse – But Promising Signs for Thomas Frank
For 85 minutes, it looked like Thomas Frank’s Tottenham debut would be a dream. Leading 2-0 against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup, Spurs were on the verge of a historic victory—until a dramatic late collapse saw PSG fight back and triumph on penalties. Despite the heartbreak, Frank’s fingerprints were all over a performance that showcased both promise and areas needing improvement.
Thomas Frank’s Immediate Impact
Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou this summer, implemented a pragmatic and disciplined approach that stifled PSG for much of the match.
Set-pieces? Check. Pragmatism? Check. Efficiency? Check, he noted after the game. We had them exactly where we wanted for 80 minutes. The momentum shifted with their first goal, but there’s a lot to build on.
His influence was evident from the opening minutes. Tottenham prioritized structure over flair, opting for long balls from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario rather than attempting risky build-up play. This contrasted sharply with Postecoglou’s high-risk, possession-heavy style—one that ultimately proved unsustainable despite last season’s Europa League success.
Strengths Emerging Under Frank
One standout feature of Frank’s Brentford tenure was his set-piece mastery, and that already appears to be translating at Spurs. Both of their goals against PSG came from dead-ball situations, a stark improvement from previous seasons. Defensively, Frank’s Brentford conceded just three non-penalty set-piece goals last season—the best in the Premier League. If Tottenham replicate that resilience, it could be a game-changer.
Offensively, Frank has also shown he can weaponize set-pieces. Only four Premier League teams scored more from them last season, and Spurs displayed early signs of adopting similar efficiency. Even in defeat, their tactical discipline offered glimpses of a team that can grind out results against elite opposition.
Areas Needing Improvement
Despite the positives, the late collapse exposed vulnerabilities. Dropping a two-goal lead in five minutes—against a PSG side with minimal pre-season preparation—will concern Frank. His teams are known for their mental resilience, making the sudden capitulation all the more surprising.
The Dane acknowledged the disappointment: 2-2 is a decent result against PSG, but we must learn to close out games better.
Fan Expectations and Potential Challenges
Tottenham supporters have historically valued attacking football, often criticizing pragmatic managers like José Mourinho and Antonio Conte. If results waver, Frank could face similar scrutiny. However, his no-nonsense approach—prioritizing results over aesthetics—aligns with chairman Daniel Levy’s demand for competitiveness.
Winning, ultimately, will buy Frank patience. But with gaps still in the squad, Spurs must act fast in the transfer market to strengthen his hand.
Transfer Market Moves Needed
New signings João Palhinha and Mohamed Kudus impressed in Udine, particularly Kudus, whose explosive speed troubled PSG’s defense. Yet Tottenham remain active in the market, eyeing reinforcements in attack (Savinho, Eberechi Eze) and defense (Marc Guehi remains a long-shot target).
Securing two more signings before the deadline would solidify Frank’s project. Without them, frustration among fans could grow—especially given their slow transfer activity so far.
Pundits Weigh In
Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson called the loss a real blow, emphasizing the psychological impact. Meanwhile, ex-winger Aaron Lennon pointed to poor game management, stressing that 2-0 leads must be protected.
However, Danny Murphy highlighted positives, praising Frank’s defensive structure and set-piece threat: There’s lots to look forward to—better competition, young players maturing, and a clear tactical plan.
Conclusion: A Foundation to Build On
While the Super Cup defeat stung, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham showed enough tactical coherence and set-piece potency to suggest they’ll be a tougher opponent this season. His task now is addressing late-game fragility and finalizing squad reinforcements. If he succeeds, Spurs could defy expectations—proving that pragmatism, when executed well, breeds success.
For Frank, the challenge is clear: turn promising signs into consistent results.
