A Tough Start for Thomas Frank

Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of starting a new era under head coach Thomas Frank were dashed in a dramatic UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The match, held in Udine, Italy, ended in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw, with PSG emerging victorious 4-3.

The Match Recap

Tottenham seemed poised for victory, leading 2-0 with just five minutes remaining. Goals from center-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero had put Spurs in a commanding position. However, PSG's substitutes Lee Kang-In and Gonçalo Ramos struck late, with Ramos equalizing in the fourth minute of added time.

In the penalty shootout, Tottenham initially led 2-0 after Vitinha's miss, but Van de Ven and Mathys Tel failed to convert their spot-kicks, allowing Nuno Mendes to score the decisive penalty for PSG.

Frank's Challenges Ahead

This defeat serves as a wake-up call for Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou. Despite the loss, there were positive signs. Tottenham's defensive organization and pressing were commendable for the first 70 minutes, reflecting Frank's preseason work.

New signings Mohammed Kudus and João Palhinha showed promise, with Kudus impressing in a 5-3-2 formation alongside Richarlison. However, the lack of impact from Tottenham's substitutes contrasted sharply with PSG's influential changes.

The Road Ahead

Frank emphasized the importance of the collective and set-pieces, areas where Tottenham showed improvement. Andreas Georgson, the new set-piece coach, has already made a noticeable impact.

Despite the setback, Frank remains optimistic. "I think if you play 2-2 against PSG, I think you take that," he said. "We have a lot of things to be happy with."

Conclusion

Tottenham's Super Cup journey ended in disappointment, but it highlighted both the potential and the challenges Frank faces. With the transfer window still open, Spurs may need to bolster their squad to compete at the highest level. The foundation has been set, and now it's up to Frank to build on it.