Frank: Spurs Prove They Can Challenge the World’s Best Despite Super Cup Heartbreak

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank insisted his side demonstrated they can compete with “any team in the world” after a dramatic UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Udine.

The Premier League side led the Champions League holders 2-0 with just five minutes remaining, courtesy of expertly executed set-pieces finished by centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. It looked as though Spurs were on the verge of claiming a second major trophy in three months, following their Community Shield triumph, until PSG struck twice late on. Fabian Ruiz orchestrated the comeback from midfield, while Lee Kang-In’s precision in the final third set the stage for a penalty shootout.

Tottenham, who had kept PSG’s elite attack quiet for much of the night, saw their early 2-0 shootout lead slip away as Nuno Mendes converted the decisive spot-kick after misses from Van de Ven and Mathys Tel.

“I think we played a very good game against one of the best, maybe the best, team in the world,” Frank told TNT Sports. “For over 80 minutes, we had them exactly where we wanted. We defended with discipline, pressed high when possible, and our set-pieces were a real weapon. That adaptability is what we needed against PSG. One game like this shows we can play against anyone in the world.”

The tactical fingerprints were unmistakably Frank’s — compact defensive blocks, well-drilled long throws from Kevin Danso, and tireless midfield work from Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pape Sarr to protect the backline. Summer signing Mohammed Kudus also impressed with his work rate, though Spurs’ lack of a natural playmaker, with both Morgan Gibbs-White and James Maddison absent, limited their creativity in open play.

Frank urged his players to move on quickly, citing his “24-hour rule” from his Brentford days: “We’ll feel the disappointment today, but by tomorrow afternoon the focus will be on Burnley.” Tottenham open their Premier League campaign at home on Saturday, aiming to channel the same intensity that almost toppled Europe’s best.

It was a defeat laced with frustration — and pride. Tottenham came painfully close to toppling PSG, a reminder that under Frank, they are building a side capable of testing any opponent on the planet.

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