Thomas Frank insisted Tottenham Hotspur demonstrated they are capable of competing with “anyone in the world,” despite their Super Cup defeat to PSG on penalties.
Spurs had been in commanding position, leading the Champions League winners 2-0 with just five minutes remaining, before a dramatic late collapse.
The match ended in heartbreak after Micky Van de Ven and Mathys Tel missed their spot-kicks, allowing Nuno Mendes to secure the victory from the penalty spot for PSG.
Though PSG were only returning to training last week following their Club World Cup triumph in July, Spurs’ determination and pressing, alongside their set-piece proficiency, which produced both their goals, had put them on the cusp of claiming a second trophy in three months, before the late turnaround.
“I think we played a very good game against one of the best teams in the world, maybe the best,” Frank told TNT Sports after the match.
“We had them exactly where we wanted them for 80-somethimg minutes until 2-1. Then it shifted the momentum but I’m so proud of the team, players, club and fans.
“We showed we can be adaptable and pragmatic. We needed to be that against a team like PSG, with the way we wanted to defend with both high pressure and a low block. The first half was almost perfect and the set-pieces were very dangerous.
“In one game, I think we have shown we can play against any team in the world. I’m not in doubt about that and that’s a positive to take away from this.”
While Spurs’ manner of defeat may sting more than the result itself, PSG remain heavy favourites ahead of Wednesday’s showdown in Udine.
Frank, who implemented a ’24-hour’ policy during his time at Brentford—allowing players and staff a day to process a result before moving forward, plans to apply the same principle.
Spurs return to action less than three days later in the Premier League, hosting Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, with a 3pm kick-off.
“I have a rule for 24 hours, it’s a short turnaround but there’ll be a bit of disappointment for 24 hours,” he confirmed.
“Then tomorrow [Thursday] afternoon we’ll be ready, Friday we’ll be more ready and then we make sure we’re ready to come flying out at the weekend.”