Spurs Show Fighting Spirit Despite PSG Defeat

Paris, France – Tottenham Hotspur may have left Parc des Princes with a 5-3 defeat to Paris St-Germain, but head coach Thomas Frank saw encouraging signs that his team is finding its identity.

After a heavy north London derby loss to Arsenal, Spurs faced the Champions League holders with determination, briefly leading twice through Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani. Despite ultimately succumbing to a 12-minute PSG surge that saw three quick goals, Frank emphasized the positives: pressing intensity, attacking intent, and a return to the aggressive style he wants to imprint on the squad.

“This was much more the identity of the team,” Frank said post-match. “The bravery and aggressiveness were there. The two strikers scoring three goals between them shows the potential of this team.”

Frank abandoned the five-man defense that drew criticism against Arsenal, opting for a traditional back four shielded by Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray. Up front, Richarlison and Kolo Muani combined effectively, with the latter marking a significant comeback from injury setbacks earlier in the season.

While Spurs’ commitment and pressing were markedly improved, costly errors, including turnovers by Pape Matar Sarr and a set-piece lapse, allowed PSG to seize control. Vitinha proved decisive for the hosts, scoring twice and impressing Frank, who praised the midfielder as “the best in the world and a future Ballon d’Or winner.”

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson noted the difference in performance, highlighting the team’s higher pressing and work rate compared to the recent derby: “There was a lot more to be positive about. Frank can now pinpoint issues rather than scratching his head.”

Despite the loss, the display suggests Spurs are building foundations for long-term improvement. The focus now shifts to a crucial home game against Fulham, where Frank must continue to convince fans and critics that Spurs have the intensity, identity, and structure to compete at the highest level.