Tottenham showed what they can be under Thomas Frank. For 75 to 80 minutes in Udine they controlled Paris Saint Germain and led 2 to 0. Then Lee Kang in scored from the edge of the box, Goncalo Ramos forced stoppage time parity, and a shootout defeat followed when Micky van de Ven had an effort saved and Mathys Tel missed. Nuno Mendes converted the clincher.
Super Cup lesson for a new era
Spurs dropped too deep as legs went heavy. PSG subs tilted the field and Tottenham did not manage the late storm well. The display still offered real encouragement about Frank’s ideas and the squad’s buy in, yet it also underlined a recurring issue in game management and depth.
Back three clicks after Bayern setback
Frank switched to a back three for the first time, a call made after the heavy loss to Bayern. The structure worked for long stretches, which is notable so early in his tenure and against the Champions League holders. That adaptability suggests a higher ceiling if the plan can be sustained for the full match.
Back the plan or risk shortfall
If Spurs are to execute Frank’s blueprint over 90 minutes and across four competitions, reinforcements are required in the final weeks of the window. The group needs more reliable depth to protect leads, maintain intensity, and support the tactical flexibility that already looks promising.
Quick turnaround before Burnley
Frank now has a brief window to lift spirits and reset before the Premier League opener against Burnley on Saturday. The performance in Udine gives a platform. The market needs to do the rest.
