Tottenham Hotspur’s fresh start under Thomas Frank is kicking off with a major challenge: competing in Europe.
While Frank has shown his managerial skills back in England, Europe remains largely uncharted territory for him — and that’s a big deal for Spurs supporters who cherish their club’s continental history.
Just a few months ago, Spurs fans were riding high after winning the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou.
That victory reignited dreams of European glory and set up tonight’s glamorous UEFA Super Cup showdown with Paris Saint-Germain in Italy.
But now, all eyes are on Frank — can he rise to the occasion?
Thomas Frank’s European Experience Is Limited but Growing
Frank’s only prior taste of European competition came with Brondby in Denmark, where he couldn’t get past the Europa League qualifiers.
So this Super Cup marks his first big European test with a top English club.
And there are questions about Tottenham’s readiness, too.
Last season’s poor Premier League showing — finishing 17th with 22 losses — led to Postecoglou’s exit despite the Europa League trophy.
Frank’s challenge is to steady the ship and rebuild.
Transfers So Far: Progress But Plenty Left to Do
Tottenham have added Mohammed Kudus for £50 million and brought in Joao Palhinha on loan, but missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White.
Meanwhile, star player Son Heung-min has departed for LAFC, and James Maddison will be sidelined for much of the season after a knee injury.
Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering too, and while Dominic Solanke may return for the Super Cup, Spurs are still short on creative spark.
This has fueled lots of transfer rumors around players like Nico Paz, Savinho, and especially Eberechi Eze, who now seems more interested in Spurs after talks with Arsenal cooled.
Frank has stayed tight-lipped but the door remains open.
Fans Voice Frustration As Off-Field Issues Mount
For some long-time Spurs watchers, this summer feels like déjà vu — transfers slipping away, injuries piling up, and a squad looking incomplete as the new season looms.
Supporters group Change for Tottenham has organized a protest ahead of the Burnley opener to complain about ticket prices and the club’s recruitment, branding this period “a summer of failure.”
Adding to the turmoil, midfielder Yves Bissouma was left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons after repeatedly arriving late to training — an issue that also frustrated former coach Postecoglou.
Bissouma has just a year left on his contract, and Spurs want to sell, but his conduct isn’t helping matters.
Frank explained, “He’s been late several times and the last time was one too many.
We give players support but also expect professionalism and there have to be consequences.”
Looking Forward: Confidence Amid Uncertainty
Despite these headaches, Frank remains upbeat.
Speaking from Udine before the Super Cup, he said, “I believe we have a good team and squad.
We’re active in the transfer market and will do everything to build the strongest possible squad by September 1.
There are still some things in the air but training’s going well and we’ll be ready.”
The Super Cup: More Than Just a Friendly
PSG won the Champions League in dominant fashion, beating top English teams and Inter Milan.
Spurs lifted the Europa League but didn’t face a side on PSG’s level, so this match offers a reality check.
With PSG recently playing in the Club World Cup final and finishing their season just weeks ago, neither team is likely at full throttle.
Still, for Spurs and Frank, it’s a valuable opportunity to see where they stand early in the new season.
After six pre-season games, fans are eagerly watching to see if Frank can find the right formula — in Europe and at home — to get Tottenham back to winning ways.