Tottenham Hotspur’s new chapter under manager Thomas Frank commenced with a thrilling showdown against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup. Spurs showcased their potential by taking a 2-0 lead, only to see their advantage slip away, resulting in a dramatic 2-2 draw before losing 4-3 on penalties in Udine.
In the shootout, Tottenham initially appeared strong, capitalising on a poorly executed penalty from PSG’s Vitinha. However, misses from Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel ultimately sealed their fate. Mark Bosnich noted the disparity in mentality between the teams, highlighting PSG’s championship pedigree.
Despite the heartache of the penalty defeat, Spurs started impressively, demonstrating good organisation and energy against the Champions League holders. Goals from centre-backs van de Ven and Cristian Romero gave them a firm grasp on the match, which was somewhat mirrored by PSG’s struggle in the first half. The French team, reflecting their pre-season fitness concerns, looked sluggish, particularly their goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
However, the tide turned late in the game. PSG rallied with two goals from substitutes Lee Kang-in and Goncarlo Ramos, equalising in stoppage time and forcing penalties, which ultimately left Tottenham feeling that a significant opportunity was missed. Despite this setback, pundits noted that Spurs had clearly outperformed expectations given their limited pre-season preparation.
Following a lacklustre previous season under former manager Ange Postecoglou, who departed after finishing 17th in the Premier League, Frank’s early impact suggests a fresh approach that fans could rally behind. The contrast in play styles was evident; Postecoglou’s team was dynamic yet defensively vulnerable, conceding 65 goals. Under Frank, the emphasis appears to be more on solidity at the back, gaining recognition from commentators who noted the improved defensive shape.
As Spurs prepare to kick off their Premier League campaign against Burnley, their performance in the Super Cup has sparked optimism among fans. There’s a growing belief that with Thomas Frank at the helm, this season could be a turning point for Tottenham. The mix of tactical discipline and renewed energy suggests they might reclaim their identity as a competitive force in English football.