Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is set for his first taste of UEFA Champions League football when his side welcomes Villarreal to north London on Tuesday evening. Speaking to the media at Hotspur Way on Monday, as reported by Tottenham’s official website.
The Danish coach admitted the occasion will be special but stressed that preparation remains the focus, He als spoje highly of his players cllaiming that he expects his team to give a good game against Villarreal..
He stated:
It’s a big thing, I’m hugely looking forward to it. I know it will be special when the Champions League anthem is playing, that will be the moment. Now, it’s preparation, a few more cameras but business as usual, but when we walk out onto the pitch tomorrow, that will be special.
I believe I have a fantastic squad and we would like to go as far as possible. If you enter any competition, you ultimately want to try to win it. The most important thing is one game at a time. We have a game against Villarreal tomorrow, a very good team, very impressed when I’ve studied them, but we’ll do everything we can to get a good start.
Softfootball reported that the gaffer was elated when his side thrashed West Ham 3-nil and will be expecting more of the same when they take on the Yellow Submarines tomorrow.
Frank, who took the long road from Griffin Park with Brentford to the bright lights of the Champions League, reflected on how far he has come. He also heaped praises on Villarreal and their experienced coach Marcelino and with this being the firt time Thomas Frank will experience the Champions League’s new format, the gaffer revealed he is open to enjoying every moment of the experience.
He said:
I’ve huge respect for Marcelino, he’s done a top job. You can see his team is well structured, well orgaised, the way they play – they like to dominate as much as possible on the ball. I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen. It’s going to be a good challenge.
I’m a person who is open for different things. I saw it from the outside last season, now I need to try it and live it. For now, I think it looks interesting, no matter what the format, it’s a Champions League game tomorrow and we look forward to that and we’ll do everything we can to win.
Asked whether his squad could go all the way in the competition, Frank kept his feet on the ground however on the team news front, he revealed Dominic Solanke is ruled out but Randal Kolo Muani is fit, available and could make his debut against their Spanish opposition. Frank also explained his tactical philosophy, highlighting guiding principles that are tweaked for each opponent.
His words:
We’d like to go as far as possible. If you enter, you want to win it, but the focus is one game at a time. Tomorrow, it’s Villarreal. After that, it’s Brighton.
It’s no secret we want to press high, but depending on the opponent, there are adjustments. The players know the details and make the right decisions on the pitch.
Dom is taking steps in the right direction, that’s positive, but he’s not ready to be involved tomorrow. Randal is ready. How many minutes? You know, they can always play more minutes than we think. If we needed him to play, he could play 90 minutes, but it’s getting him to play at the intensity and level we want. He’s ready and he’s involved tomorrow and that’s the main thing.
Kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is 8pm UK time, with Spurs aiming to make a strong start in their Champions League journey under Frank.
