‘Operation SUCCEEDED but the patient DIED!’ Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Super Cup observation | OneFootball

Thomas Frank summarised his new-look Tottenham team’s performance in their Super Cup defeat to PSG on penalties by referencing the ‘special operation’ his side carried out in Udine.

Spurs were cruelly defeated after leading the Champions League holders 2-0 up until the 85th minute, before eventually succumbing to PSG’s late onslaught.

It was nevertheless an impressive performance from Frank’s side, which led to the Tottenham boss making light of their late collapse.

When asked why he decided to tweak his formation for the clash against the French giants, Frank explained: “Probably decided that the day after Bayern.

“I knew we had to do something a little bit different against PSG. It was a special operation. In medical terms, the operation succeeded but the patient died. So not that good in the end.

“But we worked on a game plan that was a little bit different and [it was] very close to succeeding.

“Very proud of the players, the club, the team. They gave everything, played against one of the best in the world. 75-80 minutes gave away nothing against a team with four players up front with incredible individual talent.

“I’d like to thank all the players who were brave enough to step up and take a penalty.”

Frank continued: “I think sometimes football is the smallest of margins. They kept pushing, made some subs that put us under pressure at times.

“But it’s a shot from the edge of the box – before that we didn’t concede really any big chances. I think there was one save from Vic where he needed to save it.

“Then the momentum built and they scored – of course they had some crosses, some situations, and we need to dig deep. But it’s basically the next chance, it’s not like they have three chances before this goal. Small margins, small margins.”