New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank says that Arsenal clashes more than a friendly friendly
New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank admitted on Tuesday that a pre-season confrontation against Arsenal in Hong Kong would be his first “big challenge” since he took care of and warned that it would be “more than a friend”.
The fierce rivals will lock the horns Thursday in the first derby in northern London outside the British coast.
“It’s a big challenge,” Dane told the Kai Tak Stadium journalists at 50,000 places in Hong Kong, which is sold for the match.
“In addition to being our big rivals and the first derby in northern London outside the United Kingdom, they are also, at the moment, one of the best teams, I must unfortunately say in the world”, ” he said with a smile.
“Against Arsenal, it’s not just a friend and we will do everything we can to win.”
Frank took over last month at Ange Postcoglou, who was dismissed despite the management of Tottenham to the glory of the Europa League and ending a drought of 17 -year -old trophy.
Tottenham signed the midfielder striker Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for 55 million pounds sterling, but was thwarted in efforts to capture Morgan Gibbs-White by Nottingham Forest.
Frank said that he and the club were constantly talking about transfers “, but” it is something that I would like to keep private “.
“In general, I am satisfied with the team. We are aware of the place where we may want to strengthen in general,” He said.
“Mohammed came and has already shown its quality. But, of course, we look.”
Fitness problems
One of Tottenham’s problems last season when they finished 17th in the Premier League, was a long list of injuries.
One of the key players who missed large pieces of the countryside was Micky Van de Ven.
But the Dutch central defender is convinced that his injury problems are behind him after an uninterrupted first summer with the Spurs.
“I did not have a pre-season in Tottenham before,” said Van de Ven, who signed at the end of the transfer window in 2023, then played in euros last year, said AFP.
“It is more time to work on my body and to have my body prepare for the Premier League and for the Champions League and for all the other matches that arrive”, “ added the 24 -year -old.
“So I’m going to say it’s a positive thing.”
Frank said he was aware of last fitness problems and having an entirely fit team would be vital.
“I think it’s a great thing for any club in the world,” said Frank.
“The availability is essential. It is difficult because there are more games and the intensity of the game increases.
“The right thing is that we have a good and long pre-season. It means that it is possible to push and pull the players.
“We are very aware of the way we want to play, I want to train, and I think it must be complete. We have made some adjustments. I hope we will succeed there.”