The Tottenham coach, Thomas Frank, admitted that the friendly confrontation against Arsenal in the framework of the preparatory round in Hong Kong is his first “wonderful challenge” since he took the leadership of the London team, warning that it will take a “more than one friend.”
On Thursday, the two rivals will meet in the face of a derby north London for the first time outside British territory.
“It is a great challenge,” the Danish coach told correspondents at the Kay Tac stadium, which can accommodate 50,000 spectators in Hong Kong. All tickets have been sold to the match.
He added: “In addition to being our great opponents, and also because it is the first match of the northern London derby outside Britain, they are now one of the best teams, and I must say that, unfortunately, in the world.”
And he added, “The confrontation of Arsenal will not only be a friendly match, and we will do everything to win.”
Last month, Frank was appointed coach of Tottenham, succeeding Australian Ang Postegoglu, who was sacked from his position despite his leadership to win the European League competition (Europa League), ending 17 years to wait for hugging titles.
Tottenham signed the Ghanaian midfielder Mohamed Qadmus from West Ham for $ 74 million, but his efforts to contract with Morgan Gibs -White from Nottingham Forest stumbled.
Frank said that he and the club “have been constantly talked about the contracts”, but he prefers “to keep it secret.” He continued: «Generally, I am happy with the squad. We are aware of the places that we need to be strengthened in general. ”
He added: “Muhammad attended and showed his potential. But we are certainly still looking. ”
The injuries factor emerged as one of Tottenham’s biggest problems last season, which he finished seventeenth in the English Premier League.
Dutchman Mickey Van de art was among the most prominent players absent for most of the last season.
“I have never had a good preparation period with Tottenham before,” said the Dutchman, who joined the team in 2023 before participating in the European Cup last year.
“There is more time to work on my body, and prepare for the English Premier League and the Champions League and for all the upcoming matches.”
