‘More identity’ – Frank takes heart from Spurs defeat at PSG

Thomas Frank was “1, 000% sure he knew how to build a team and a club,” in a defiant statement that appeared to be what was going to turn out to be a hiding to nothing – or perhaps just a hiding – against Paris St-Germain.

After what they saw as a tactical surrender in the north London derby defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, head coach Frank had the criticism of Tottenham Hotspur’s fans ringing in his ears.

Even bolder was the case against the Champions League’s holders, the same PSG side that had cut a swathe through Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa last year.

Spurs displayed enough tenacity and creativity to keep even PSG’s “Ultras” populating Virage Auteuil subdued for an hour in Parc des Princes’ hostile territory.

The action followed a spectacular display of fireworks and pyrotechnics before kick-off, which followed a rhythmic rhythmic rhythmic rhythm. It was the traditional Champions League celebration in Paris before the start.

Spurs were hoping for a stunning victory at one point in the City of Light, but their defeat, 5-3, put an end to all hope. It was a thriller, but ultimately it was disappointing.

Frank would have been encouraged if Spurs had had solid foundations, but they had fallen victim to poor management and a hot spell from PSG that has helped them win more matches than they have in the Champions League, scoring three times in 12 minutes.

Spurs added five goals to the four conceded at Arsenal, but this was a markedly different performance that at least displayed positive intent. Giving in to PSG’s quality in the manner they did is not shameful.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray protected Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray, who had previously played a five-man defense that drew so much ire against Arsenal. Frank’s formation switched to a traditional back four. Richarlison and Kolo Muani were effective partners in front.

With Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert, and Mohammed Kudus missing from Saturday night’s crucial home game against Fulham, it was also suggested that Frank may have had one eye.

Spurs, however, didn’t get any worse until they were submerged under PSG’s quality, Frank’s selection tirelessly out of possession using a man-for-man tactic, which initially proved difficult for them at Arsenal, when they attempted to get up the pitch in a way that seemed foreign to them.

Spurs were pressing high and aiming to regain their real competitive advantage. Despite the painful end result, this at least appeared to be a Thomas Frank team.

Frank criticized his team’s lack of aggression at Arsenal, noting that they only had 17 victories from 53 duels and second-ball situations.

Spurs’ commitment was undone by momentary errors, which always present the greatest threat to PSG, was beyond question.

Frank expressed his satisfaction with the performance. This was more indicative of the team’s personality, as well as their bravery and aggressiveness.

The two strikers each scored three goals, and the entire team did a lot of good. We can’t give up some of the goals we scored because the goal was to get something out of the game, but you need to have the margins with you.

Spurs appeared to be leading deservedly at the break, but they did not until after a set-piece before the brilliant Vitinha could equalize.

With the score 2-2, Pape Matar Sarr carelessly ceded possession just before the hour’s mark, which PSG made the final mistake, with Fabian Ruiz scoring the opener.

With two stunning strikes, one with his right foot and the other with his left, Vitinha, a star player in PSG’s Champions League victory, snuffed out the Spurs lead.

The best midfielder in the world, according to Frank, is Vitinha. He will be the upcoming winner of the Ballon d’Or.

In the end, PSG simply proved too good, but Spurs also responded to justified criticism of a lack of threat with three goals scored between Richarlison and Kolo Muani.

Kolo Muani had a good time at Spurs, with only four starts and 345 minutes of action before this game due to his having been held back by a dead leg and a broken jaw.

Paul Robinson, a former England and Tottenham goalkeeper, said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “What I will say is that Tottenham had a different attitude. They moved up the field, their application, their work rate, and their pressing. There was a lot more to consider.

“Frank can identify the issues that occurred rather than scratching his head and believing he didn’t recognize his team,” Frank said.