Thomas Frank’s Debut as Head Coach
Thomas Frank, the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, lauded Richarlison’s impressive performance, which featured a stunning scissor-kick goal, following their resounding 3-0 victory over Burnley. This match marked Frank’s first official game in charge after taking the helm from Ange Postecoglou during the summer.
Recent Matches and Challenges
Just days earlier, Frank’s squad narrowly missed out on capturing the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, who mounted a late comeback to snatch the trophy away in a nail-biting finish. However, Frank’s focus remained on the league opener, where he expected a tough challenge from newly promoted Burnley.
Richarlison’s Impact
Richarlison, who faced significant injuries last season, made a significant impact as he stepped in for Dominic Solanke. His stellar performance earned him a starting position for the match against Burnley, where he quickly proved his worth by scoring two crucial goals. The Brazilian striker first found the net just ten minutes into the game and later added another in the 60th minute, contributing to Spurs’ first league victory since early April.
Coach’s Reflections
“It was a perfect start, or dream start, depending on how you’d like to phrase it. We must now build on this momentum. However, today is a day for joy, and I hope our players, the club, and fans savor the moment too.”
He acknowledged the robust performance of his team against a difficult opponent and emphasized the importance of being prepared, particularly following a quick turnaround after the Super Cup match. Six of the starters were noted to have shown resilience following their previous encounter, which Frank credited to the hard work of the medical and performance teams.
Richarlison’s Future and Team Effort
Richarlison’s continued presence at the club was significant given speculation about potential transfers during the summer. Frank expressed enthusiasm about getting consistent performances from the 28-year-old forward.
“It’s fantastic to see him score. His first goal may have come off relative ease, but having a striker who converts those opportunities is key to winning games.”
Frank noted the well-coordinated team effort leading up to Richarlison’s second goal, revealing that it included 17 passes, showcasing teamwork before Richarlison’s superb finish sealed the match. He humorously mentioned,
“I’m a tad disappointed so early in the season we might already have a goal of the year contender!”
Injury Updates and Burnley’s Response
Additionally, it was revealed that Yves Bissouma was unavailable for selection after being dropped for the Super Cup due to tardiness at training and missed this match due to injury.
As for Burnley’s efforts, head coach Scott Parker highlighted the fine margins of the Premier League, expressing disappointment over their inability to convert chances despite creating several opportunities. He noted the clinical nature required at this level and pointed out positive aspects of his team’s performance as they adapt back into the top tier of English football after promotion.
