Tottenham has some challenges ahead, especially after their recent match. Their late collapse highlighted the need for improvement. Coach Frank is likely worried that his team faltered under pressure, especially against a squad that had only two pre-season training sessions.
During the UEFA Super Cup, Tottenham’s performance showed promise, despite the disappointing penalty loss. Frank’s new 3-5-2 formation shifts away from last season’s tactics. It seems he’ll adapt based on opponents, something his predecessor struggled with.
In the first 10 minutes, you could see a clear shift. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made several long kicks, encouraging the team to hold their position higher up the pitch rather than playing deep.
Ange Postecoglou’s high-risk strategy was appealing but ultimately didn’t yield lasting success, despite a thrilling Europa League win last May. This match felt more about securing a win than capturing fans’ imaginations.
A notable aspect was the effectiveness of set-pieces. Under Postecoglou, the focus on set-pieces was often criticized, yet both of Tottenham’s goals in this match came from them. Frank’s previous team at Brentford excelled in defending and scoring from set-pieces. They conceded just three goals from set-pieces in the Premier League last season, the lowest in the league. Offensively, they were strong too, scoring from set-pieces more than all but four teams.
In Udine, there were clear signs that Tottenham might build on this strength. Frank commented on the need for a different approach against PSG, saying, “2-2 against PSG is a good result.” He emphasized the importance of direct play and set-pieces.
This shift in focus reflects a deeper trend in football. Winning often trumps style, especially among fans who’ve seen varying tactical approaches, like those under José Mourinho and Antonio Conte. These coaches faced criticism for not being thrilling enough, and it remains to be seen how fans will react to Frank’s style if results dip.
Ultimately, winning games will be priority number one for Frank and chairman Daniel Levy. As the season progresses, the blend of effective strategies and winning records will be crucial to regain faith in the team’s approach.
Source link
