'Against Arsenal, It's Not A Friendly': Spurs Boss Ahead Of Derby In Hong Kong
New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank faces Arsenal in Hong Kong, stressing it's "more than a friendly." Tottenham signed Mohammed Kudus but missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White.
New Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank admitted on Tuesday that a pre-season match against Arsenal in Hong Kong would be his first 'great challenge" since taking over and emphasised that it would be 'more than a friendly".
The fierce rivals will face off on Thursday in the first North London derby held outside British shores.
'It's a great challenge," the Dane told reporters at the sold-out 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.
'Besides being our big rivals, and the first North London derby outside the UK, they are also, right now, one of the best teams, I must say unfortunately, in the world," he said with a smile.
'Against Arsenal it's not only a friendly and we'll do everything we can to win."
Frank took over last month from Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked despite leading Tottenham to Europa League glory and ending a 17-year trophy drought.
Tottenham have signed attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for $74 million but have been unsuccessful in their attempts to acquire Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.
Frank said he and the club were 'constantly talking about transfers" but preferred to keep those discussions private.
What Did Tottenham Hotspur Manager Say Before North London Derby?
'In general I am happy with the squad. We're aware of where we maybe want to strengthen in general," he said.
'Mohammed has come in and shown his quality already. But, of course, we are looking."
One of Tottenham's problems last season, which saw them finish 17th in the Premier League, was a long list of injuries.
One of the key players who missed significant parts of the campaign was Micky van de Ven.
However, the Dutch central defender is confident his injury troubles are behind him after his first uninterrupted summer with Spurs.
'"I haven't had a pre-season at Tottenham before," Van de Ven told AFP. He signed late in the transfer window in 2023 and played in the Euros last year.
'It's more time to work on my body and to make my body prepare for the Premier League and for the Champions League and for all the other games that are coming up," added the 24-year-old.
'So I will say that's a positive thing."
Frank acknowledged the fitness issues from last season and stressed that having a fully fit squad would be crucial.
'I think it's a big thing for any club in the world," said Frank.
'Availability is key. It is difficult because there are more games and the intensity in the game is going up.
'The good thing is we have a good and long preseason. That means it's possible to push and pull the players.
'We are very aware how we want to play, I want to train, and I think that it needs to be complete. We have made a few adjustments. Hopefully we'll be successful there."
Location :
Hong Kong
First Published:
July 29, 2025, 16:51 IST
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