The new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank admitted on Tuesday that a collision for the season against Arsenal in Hong Kong would be his first «big challenge» since it took the lead and warned that it would be «more than a friendly».
The fierce rivals lock Hoorns on Thursday in the first North London derby outside British coasts.
«It is a big challenge,» De Dane told reporters at Kai Tak Stadium with 50,000 seats in Hong Kong, which is sold out for the competition.
«In addition to the fact that they are our big rivals, and the first derby of North Londs outside the UK, they are now also one of the best teams, I have to say unfortunately,» he said with a smile.
«Against Arsenal it is not just a friendly one and we will do everything we can to win.»
Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou last month, who was fired despite leading Tottenham to Europa League Glory and the end of a 17-year-old trophy-dried.
Tottenham has signed attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for $ 74 million, but is thwarted in attempts to catch Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.
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Frank said that he and the club «had constant about transfers», but «that’s something I would like to keep private».
«In general I am happy with the team. We are aware of where we might want to strengthen in general,» he said.
«Mohammed has arrived and his quality has already been shown. But of course we look.»
Fitness problems
One of Tottenham’s problems last season, when they finished 17th in the Premier League, was a long injury list.
One of the most important players who missed large chunks of the campaign was Micky van de Ven.
But the Dutch central defender is convinced that his injury problems are behind him after a first uninterrupted summer with the Spurs.
«I have never had a preseason in Tottenham before,» said Van de Ven, who signed the transfer window late in 2023 and played in the euros last year, said AFP.
File photo: Micky van de Ven (C) is convinced that his injury problems are behind him after a first summer with the Spurs. | Photocredit: Getty images
File photo: Micky van de Ven (C) is convinced that his injury problems are behind him after a first summer with the Spurs. | Photocredit: Getty images
«It is more time to work on my body and prepare my body for the Premier League and for the Champions League and for all other competitions that are coming,» the 24-year-old added.
«So I will say that is positive.»
Frank said he was aware of the fitness problems in the previous term and that a fully fit team would be available, would be vital.
«I think it’s a big thing for every club in the world,» said Frank.
“Availability is the key. It is difficult because there are more games and the intensity in the game goes up.
“The good thing is that we have a good and long preseason. That means it is possible to push and pull the players.
«We are very aware of how we want to play, I want to train and I think it should be complete. We have made a few adjustments. Hopefully we will be successful there.»
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