Tribal Football

Frank admits he regrets leaving Tel out of UCL squad: I would have changed my decision...

Frank presser
Frank presserJohn Walton / PA Images / Profimedia

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has spoken to the media as he prepares to face Slavia Prague.

Spurs welcome Slavia Prague to North London for Tuesday's Champions League league-phase clash as Frank’s side aim to climb up from 16th in the table.  

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Prague are winless in the league phase and haven't scored a goal in European competition since September in what looks to be an easy game on paper for Tottenham, who need to pick up more wins if they are to qualify for the next round. 

Brentford win should boost momentum

Tottenham will need as many reinforcements as possible if they are to improve results and Frank first spoke on team news which included an update on James Maddison

"It's very early stages, still a long term injury. Good to see him out there, but no specific time frame - a long time until he is available." 

"Destiny (Udogie) unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury and he's out until January. Brennan (Johnson) is touch and go for the game.

Spurs are on a magnificent 22-game unbeaten run in home European matches and picked up a much-needed home win against Brentford which Frank says will help boost momentum ahead of Tuesday's clash.

"It's always good to build momentum, to get more consistent performances. We will try to build on that tomorrow night, we have a good opportunity against a Slavia Prague side who are very direct and physical, man mark all over the pitch. 

"That can particularly make it difficult for us. It is about us making sure we perform well, with forwardness and directness in attacking play." 

Frank regrets leaving Tel out of UCL squad

Mathys Tel was omitted from Spurs' Champions League squad at the beginning of the campaign and as Tottenham build momentum it is looking increasingly likely that the young forward will leave in January. Frank said he does regret leaving him out the side as he ponders his team selection.

"If I knew then what I know now I would have changed my decision, no doubt about it. (Will he still change it?)

"I think there's some consideration with the players we have available to have the most possible weapons to fire with."

Tottenham will also miss Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Kota Takai (thigh), Dominic Solanke (ankle), Radu Dragusin (knee) and Yves Bissouma (ankle) who is being investigated for the possession of nitrous oxide this week.

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