Tottenham's Promising Start Under Thomas Frank Despite Super Cup Heartbreak
It appeared to be a dream debut for Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank.
Leading 2-0 with just over five minutes remaining against European champions Paris Saint-Germain, it seemed that the Super Cup was destined for North London.
However, a dramatic comeback from PSG and a subsequent victory in the shootout denied Spurs the chance to become the first Europa League winners to lift the Super Cup since 2018.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Frank's influence was evident in Tottenham's performance, which showed great promise for 85 minutes.
Set pieces? Check. Pragmatism? Check. Efficiency? Check.
"I think we played a very good game against one of the best teams in the world, maybe the best at this moment in time," said Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou as manager this summer.
"We had them exactly where we wanted them for about 80 minutes. Then the momentum shifted with the 2-1 goal. The team and fans have much to be proud of.
"The first half was nearly perfect; our set pieces were effective, and we were very dangerous. At times, I believe we demonstrated that we can compete against any team in the world."
What Did We Learn About Frank's Tottenham?
There is still work to be done for Tottenham, as evidenced by their late collapse.
Frank should be concerned that his team faltered at the first sign of pressure against a side that had only completed two pre-season training sessions.
Nonetheless, during the majority of this UEFA Super Cup encounter, which ultimately ended in penalty heartbreak, there were enough signs to suggest that Frank has laid the groundwork for a system and approach that can be built upon.
In the opening ten minutes, Tottenham's strategy was immediately apparent. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario opted for long kicks five times, as the team chose to maintain a higher shape on the pitch rather than collecting the ball deep in their own half and passing their way forward.
In contrast to Ange Postecoglou's high-risk approach, which was visually appealing but ultimately ineffective during the final 18 months of his tenure, Frank's Tottenham performance prioritized securing a victory.
Postecoglou faced criticism for a perceived lack of attention to detail in preparing for set pieces, making it significant that both of Tottenham's goals came from dead balls.
Expect Frank's Tottenham to also excel defensively during set pieces; his Brentford side conceded only three Premier League goals from set pieces (excluding penalties) last season, fewer than any other team in the league.
Offensively, Brentford ranked among the strongest, with only four teams scoring from more Premier League set pieces last season.
In Udine, there were clear indicators that Spurs could develop similar strengths in the coming months.
This performance was effective rather than enchanting.
There was a time when style of play mattered significantly to Tottenham fans, as evidenced by the scrutiny faced by managers like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte for their pragmatic approaches. Tottenham's tradition of producing attacking teams still holds weight today, and it will be intriguing to see if supporters turn on Frank if results falter.
However, winning matches, regardless of style, will be Frank's priority, as it will be for chairman Daniel Levy.
Spurs Seek More in Transfer Market
Tottenham debutants Joao Palhinha and Mohamed Kudus both displayed promising potential in Italy.
Kudus, in particular, was impressive, using his pace and power to trouble PSG's defense throughout the match.
Nevertheless, Tottenham still has work to do in the transfer market before the window closes on September 1.
The club is pursuing offensive reinforcements and is engaged in discussions regarding potential moves for Manchester City winger Savinho and Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze.
They are also in search of a center-back before the deadline, but their primary target, Marc Guehi, currently seems unattainable.
If Tottenham manages to secure two high-quality attackers and a defender before the window shuts, it would mark a successful summer in the market.
There are still gaps in Frank's squad that need to be addressed, and Tottenham is actively working to rectify this.
If they fail to make significant signings, discontent among supporters, frustrated by the club's lack of activity thus far, is likely to grow.
'Pride in Defending' - What Did the Pundits Say?
Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:
"We can already see that Thomas Frank is not hesitant to employ a back three, which transitions to a back five when out of possession, with Djed Spence and Pedro Porro tucking in. That is what Frank brings: versatility.
"He can adapt the team to suit the opposition and make changes within games as well.
"Tottenham took pride in their defending, which has not always been the case. They worked hard as a team, getting back behind the ball and enjoying playing within a defensive structure.
"In the next 24-48 hours, Thomas Frank needs to return to the training ground, review the game footage, highlight the positives, and restore belief in the players.
"Right now, they are in a low place, and Frank needs to lift them back to the level they showed for 75-80 minutes in this match."
Former Spurs winger Aaron Lennon on BBC Radio 5 Live:
"You can see that the Tottenham players are feeling the sting of this loss. As a player, you know which games you should win, and this was one of them.
"With five minutes to go, leading 2-0, they needed to see it out. Even after conceding the first goal, they should have known how to manage the game better.
"Tottenham didn’t handle that situation well enough."
Former Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy speaking to BBC Sport:
"Tottenham executed a man-for-man strategy and gained control through discipline. It has to be done perfectly, and you can see they have worked on it.
"The positive for Tottenham was that even when they dropped deep, they held their ground. There were many encouraging signs for Spurs fans from that first half.
"Set pieces were a crucial part of Frank's Brentford last season, and I believe that will also benefit Tottenham this season."