Frank Targets Strong Start as Tottenham Face PSG in UEFA Super Cup

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank says he expects his side to be “incredibly competitive” as they prepare to take on Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash in Udinese.

The Dane, appointed after Spurs’ 17th-place Premier League finish last season, faces a daunting first test against a PSG team that swept to their maiden Champions League title with a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in May.

“I am convinced we will be incredibly competitive tomorrow,” Frank told reporters on Tuesday. “Paris is, of course, further down the line in terms of their peak performance, but we are ready for the match. It’s a massive game, a big challenge, and a great opportunity. We will definitely embrace it and give everything.”

Frank takes over from Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed despite guiding Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years with victory over Manchester United in last season’s Europa League final. The former Brentford boss is tasked with bringing consistency, having guided the Bees to a top-10 Premier League finish in his seventh season in charge.

Veteran defender Ben Davies praised the new manager’s impact. “Thomas Frank has come in and brought a lot of energy. The lads are really enjoying working under him, and it’s very exciting. We’re hoping the work we’ve put in so far will pay dividends tomorrow night,” he said.

Spurs will be without talisman Son Heung-min, who has joined LAFC, and playmaker, James Maddison, sidelined with a serious knee injury. Midfielder Yves Bissouma has been left out for “disciplinary reasons,” while striker Dominic Solanke is fit to return from injury.

New signing Mohammed Kudus, recruited from West Ham, could make his debut.

Tottenham will hope to carry the momentum of their Europa League triumph into what promises to be a stern test against Europe’s most in-form team.