Thomas Frank Faces Three Crucial Choices as Brentford Clash with Tottenham on Opening Day
Thomas Frank's medical metaphor to describe Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Super Cup loss was distinctive yet spot-on.
"In clinical terms, the surgery was successful but the patient passed away," the Danish manager remarked, after watching his underdog Spurs squad match Paris Saint-Germain, the European titleholders, stride for stride before crumbling in the final stages and ultimately falling in a penalty shootout.
The display showcased the finest qualities of their new boss, who provided them with a genuine opportunity against an admittedly out-of-rhythm PSG team. Nevertheless, a significant tactical adjustment is anticipated this weekend as Spurs kick off their Premier League season at home against newly-promoted Burnley.
Scott Parker's Clarets present a completely different challenge for the North London club, and the adaptable Frank must modify his approach accordingly. Here are three major choices he faces on Saturday afternoon.
1. Formation Adjustment
Everything revolved around perfecting the finer points for Spurs in Udine. They needed to make the match as difficult as possible for the stronger PSG, and they certainly achieved this through outstanding set-piece execution, relentless off-ball movement and a transition to a 3-5-2 formation.
Considering the lack of creative options at Frank's command, the tactical shift was logical. It represented the Dane's pragmatic excellence, and Spurs' old-school approach proved crucial in establishing their 2-0 advantage. They maintained complete dominance until both coaches utilized their substitutes.
Frank understands that the 3-5-2 setup and Wednesday's starting lineup simply won't suffice against Burnley at home. During the pre-season period, Spurs employed a 4-2-3-1, and that formation is expected to be the preferred choice for their Premier League opener. Unlike Wednesday's match, Frank's team will be anticipated to control possession and "dictate the tempo" against their visitors.
With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined through injury, and transfer targets Eberechi Eze and Savinho yet to arrive, Spurs are set to grind their way through Saturday's encounter against a resilient defensive unit. Additional set-piece brilliance may be required to unlock the match.
2. Richarlison or Dominic Solanke?
Dominic Solanke didn't reach double figures in Premier League goals last season, but there wasn't much to criticize about his inaugural campaign in North London. The forward may not develop into a prolific scorer at elite level, but his contributions extend beyond finding the net.
He's an excellent runner in the channels, effective as a link player and makes significant contributions defensively. Therefore, his absence during pre-season due to an ankle problem was considered far from optimal, allowing Richarlison to accumulate substantial playing time in the striker position.
The Brazilian was dreadful in the 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich, and many supporters would have been frustrated seeing his name in the Super Cup lineup. However, Richarlison silenced critics by delivering his finest display in a Spurs shirt for an extended period. His performance was reminiscent of Harry Kane at times, particularly his hold-up play in the second period.
His substitution contributed to Spurs' late collapse. Frank described the striker's showing as "outstanding", but the Danish coach now has Solanke available again after his substitute appearance on Wednesday. With Burnley expected to defend deep, clinical finishing in the penalty area will be essential for whichever player Frank selects to lead the attack.
Richarlison certainly merits keeping his starting position.
3. Giving Mathys Tel His Chance
Frank has already verified that Yves Bissouma will feature in his squad on Saturday, while Cristian Romero was appointed as Son Heung-min's replacement as captain prior to the Super Cup. Therefore, for the final significant decision the Spurs boss must make, we're examining Mathys Tel.
The 20-year-old experienced one of his most difficult evenings as a professional on Wednesday, with an awkward substitute appearance culminating in a missed penalty during the shootout. Unfortunately, once Nuno Mendes scored the decisive spot-kick, Tel's fate regarding online criticism was sealed.
A firm statement from the club condemned those who chose to direct racist abuse at the young attacker as "cowards", and several of Tel's colleagues have publicly supported him since, including Richarlison and Solanke.
Frank has stated he expects the "genuine Tottenham fans" to warmly welcome Tel on Saturday, and one might question whether the Dane considers giving the former Bayern Munich prospect a starting role on opening day. Certainly, his Wednesday performance doesn't merit selection, but it would provide him an excellent chance, in a match where he's expected to see plenty of possession if deployed wide or as an inverted forward, to quickly redeem himself.
There's abundant talent available, and the France Under-21 international was identified as a player Frank could develop effectively. If he returns to the 4-2-3-1 formation, there's a left-wing position that requires filling. Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson represent alternative choices.