Tottenham manager Thomas Frank says the club’s pre-season tour in Asia has offered key tactical insight as Spurs prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Thomas Frank believes Tottenham's pre-season tour of Hong Kong and South Korea has delivered crucial answers as the club fine-tunes preparations for the new Premier League season.
Spurs faced Arsenal and Newcastle United in two high-intensity friendlies, with Frank highlighting positives in both performances — while confirming James Maddison’s injury is the major concern ahead of the season opener.
Thomas Frank Praises High Pressing, Squad Response
Reflecting on Spurs’ 1–1 draw with Newcastle, Frank told club media:
“I’m very pleased with two good competitive games. That gave us a lot of answers — showed us a lot of good bits, and also what we need to work on.”
Brennan Johnson opened the scoring after a high-pressure turnover, and Mathys Tel also impressed with his energy and movement, though he missed a big chance in the first half.
Frank said Spurs’ pressing sequences were particularly encouraging — noting his side won the ball high “four, five, six times” but lacked a clinical final pass to finish off the moves.
Maddison Injury: “Only Big Minus”
The manager admitted that James Maddison’s injury was a setback, saying:
“Overall good, the only big minus is Maddison.”
No timeline has been shared yet, but Maddison was substituted early during the Newcastle game and is now a doubt for Spurs’ Premier League opener.
Son Heung-min Farewell ‘Extremely Beautiful’
The tour also featured a memorable send-off for Son Heung-min in his homeland, with the club legend set to join LAFC in MLS. Frank called the tribute:
“Extremely beautiful — a special moment for him and the fans.”
Analyst Verdict
Thomas Frank’s early impact at Spurs is already showing — especially in the high press, transitional play, and positional fluidity across the front line. While the squad is still adjusting to his tactical demands, the performances against Arsenal and Newcastle suggest Spurs will be more aggressive, more vertical, and more structured under Frank.
The only concern heading into the new season is injury depth, with James Maddison’s fitness now a key storyline. But overall, there’s a clear identity emerging — and it looks promising.
Key Takeaways
- Frank says pre-season tour delivered “a lot of answers”
- Spurs' high pressing created major chances vs Newcastle
- Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel among standout performers
- Maddison injury described as “big minus” of the tour
- Emotional farewell held for Son Heung-min in South Korea
What’s Next for Spurs?
Tottenham return to London this week for final tactical sessions before their Premier League curtain-raiser, with injury assessments on Maddison expected soon. Frank has hinted at further tweaks to pressing structure and attacking combinations as he continues to stamp his identity on the team.
Are you impressed by Thomas Frank’s Spurs so far — or is it too soon to judge? Drop your thoughts below.
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 5 Aug 2025 16:57
I think he'll have a good year for Spurs, if players dont get injuries.
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