Tottenham appeared to be champions for seventy-five minutes. Then Paris Saint-Germain reminded them of why even the slightest mistake is punished in professional football.
Tottenham’s aspirations to declare themselves Europe’s new powerhouse persisted until the very end of the UEFA Super Cup in Udine. With a 2-0 lead over Paris Saint-Germain, Thomas Frank’s team appeared to be in total control upending the defending Champions League winners with their set-piece prowess. But hesitation is rarely forgiven in this level of football. PSG managed to rally to a 2–2 lead by the end of extra time before winning on penalties.
Frank’s perfect plan
Tottenham looked like a team created in Frank’s image from the beginning. With a strategy designed especially to cause PSG problems, the new manager had them in a back three. Spurs practiced attacking set pieces in large numbers during the warm-up, which was unusual and hinted at the goals to come. This was in contrast to the typical rondos or shooting drills.
Guglielmo Vicario sent deep free kicks into the box, and the first big chance came when Lucas Chevalier, a PSG rookie, tipped João Palhinha’s strike onto the bar, allowing Micky van de Ven to score. Captain Cristian Romero headed in a Pedro Porro delivery early in the second half to double the lead. PSG appeared second in every aerial duel because they were slow and out of rhythm.
Frank’s “special operation” was operating flawlessly. His players dominated in the air, attacked with intent through Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison, and defended both high and low with discipline. The Spurs were almost perfect for seventy-five minutes.
PSG wake up
The switch then appeared. With five minutes remaining, Luis Enrique sent on Lee Kang-in, who cut the deficit in half with a 20-yard shot. PSG, who had been quiet all evening, suddenly appeared angular and menacing. Conversely, Spurs retreated into their own half. Gonçalo Ramos headed in Ousmane Dembélé’s cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time, which seemed to go on forever. Tottenham’s opportunity had passed.
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Penalty heartbreak
During the shootout, Mathys Tel missed a shot and Van de Ven’s attempt was saved by Chevalier. Frank’s hopes of beginning his tenure with a trophy were dashed when Nuno Mendes buried PSG’s winner. Frank thought, “It’s like the flip of a coin, down to the smallest of margins. I’m incredibly proud of the players. We were flawless for 75 to 80 minutes.”
The manager praised the bravery of those who missed rather than criticizing them. Even though he ought to have performed better with Romero’s goal, his opponent, Luis Enrique, praised Chevalier’s character on a high-pressure debut.
Building for what’s next
Spurs’ performance provided plenty of motivation despite the heartache. Under Ange Postecoglou, they never displayed tactical adaptability, changing their shape and strategy to suit the opponent’s needs. The chemistry in attack, Kudus’s energy, and the aerial superiority all suggested actual advancement.
Frank’s focus now shifts to Saturday’s Premier League debut against Burnley, as Tottenham looks to sign Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Manchester City forward Savinho. Frank stated, “There is no question that we would like to strengthen the squad.”
Even though the procedure was carried out “successfully,” the patient—victory—was lost. However, as Frank is undoubtedly aware, the most successful teams are developed over many seasons rather than overnight. Tottenham appeared to be well ahead of schedule for the majority of this one.
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