Thomas Frank’s verdict on Burnley: “My emotions? Relieved, happy...” | OneFootball

Thomas Frank was full of praise for the way the players turned around the disappointment and sheer effort put into our UEFA Super Cup loss against PSG to produce a memorable victory in his first Premier League match against Burnley on Saturday.

Richarlison stole the show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with two wonderful strikes – ably assisted by impressive debutant Mo Kudus – before the just as impressive Pape Matar Sarr sent away Brennan Johnson to complete the 3-0 victory.

It was quite a return to Premier League football in N17 – sun out, fans in full voice – and many boxes ticked for Thomas and his coaching staff, not least being able to switch the squad around and start with two teenagers – Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall – in central midfield.

Thomas on his emotions after the win...

“Relieved, happy. In life and football, you can nothing for granted. We know we’re playing Burnley at home, it’s a ‘must win’ game on paper, but we also know it’s not that easy. It’s football. I’m happy with the win, happy with the clean sheet, happy with the goals. It was a short turn around after a big disappointment (against PSG), and the players were ready. Big credit to the medical and performance department for turning it around at such short notice.”

Thomas on the contribution of the squad, taking into account the effort the players put in against PSG...

“Definitely. I said to Brennan, he had such a good season last season, scored 18 goals across all competitions. I didn’t pick him for the UEFA Super Cup, he didn’t come on, also disappointing, but today he’s ready to start - and Brennan always scores! That’s a fantastic thing, to be ready. Also, the two young midfielders, Lucas and Archie, really pleased with their performance as well. We need the squad. Hopefully we’ll play 60-plus games. That’s the dream. If we do that, we’ll need the squad.”

Thomas on making changes and starting with Lucas and Archie...

“It’s easy to say with a smile when we win. I trust the players. Hopefully I’ll be consistent in that message. That’s my plan, Also, if we’ve lost a game, still I would have done that with the best intentions. I definitely trust them. It’s also to look into the squad. It was a big effort on Wednesday night. Joao Palhinha also had a shorter pre-season, that played into the equation, and both Archie, Lucas and Pape, who I’ve spoke so much about, he’s been exceptional in pre-season, Archie and Lucas have showed promising signs as well.”

Thomas on the reaction of the fans to Mathys Tel...

“I’m so happy with that. I said yesterday that true Spurs fans are behind him, and they showed that today. That was another big moment.”