Monaco 0-0 Spurs | Every word of Thomas Frank’s post-match press conference

Thomas Frank spoke to the media at Stade Louis II after our goalless draw against Monaco in MD3 of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Here’s what he had to say...

That was Spurs’ first goalless draw since March 2023, 125 games ago – did you set out to grind it out like that?

Thomas: “It was a game that was relatively even in the first half, but then in the second half, Monaco were better than us and we didn’t have the performance we want. I think we lacked a bit of intensity overall, especially in the second half and that combined with a day where too many players didn’t hit a good enough level, that can happen. I think we are learning in the Champions League, and every game in the Champions League is difficult, especially away games, against a good Monaco side - a Monaco side I said, before the game, which I also think it's fair to say they had the best half in the season against us, but fair play to them. Then the ability for us to compete in the Premier League and then in the Champions League is a challenge we’re up for and want. I also think it's fair to say last year we finished 17th and competed in the Europa League, so we are taking it step by step, and it's not the worst thing on a bad day to get a point and a clean sheet. I think today the clean sheet was down to a few things, but a big thing down to Vicario, I think he played a fantastic game.”

In the last 10, 11 years, Tottenham managers have always had either both Harry Kane and Son to rely on, or one of them, you've got neither of them - are we seeing the reality of that at the moment? You said there is some learning going on, it’s difficult to create chances...

Thomas: “Yes, that’s fair to say. We have Wilson Odobert, who I think is a very, very good talent, and I think he's been positive, but of course he is taking his step into the Premier League and the Champions League. With other players also, with Xavi just coming to the club, Lucas a young player, Kudus has been exceptional for us, but also played more or less every minute, so we lacked maybe that little extra spark today. Kolo Muani, who we believe can make a difference, I think he looked positive when he came on, but had that injury, so of course there's some of that, no complaints, it is what it is. It's my job to get the most out of the players available.”

You said that some of the players lacked some intensity, and we obviously associate your team, your football, with aggression and intensity - what do you put that down to?

Thomas: “Good question. Maybe we need to think a little bit more about it and try to come up with an answer. There can be many, many things. It can be a combination of playing a good and very competitive game against Villa, I think we performed very well, then to go again. Some haven't done that too much, some have. It can be just on the day you don't get a top performance, and I think actually the first half was okay in that sense, but I think in the second half we lacked more.”

Just to be clear, is it a matter of effort, in your mind?

Thomas: “No, I don't think it's effort. I think it's more the ability to go again and again and again in every action throughout a game. It's not been a problem at other times, sometimes it is. Today was not top.”

Vicario’s performance was questioned a little bit, so to speak, on Sunday after the two long-range Villa goals. Is he the type of character who would have used that as fuel tonight?

Thomas: “Yeah, I think the two goals against Villa, I don't think it's like mistakes, or I don't think it's any of that, just two great finishes, but what I would say, and as you said, I think he was very good today. I think some of the saves were exceptional tonight, and it's a big part why we got a hard-fought point, but at the end of the day it can be a crucial point.”

Did Wilson Odobert pick up an injury?

Thomas: “Actually, I don't know, but of course we subbed him off because there was some pain, but I don't know the consequences of it.”

Monaco had 23 shots - is that a worry for you?

Thomas: “Yeah, I think it's, you can say we just played home to Villa where they only had eight shots, so if it was every game we conceded 23 shots, it would be a big challenge, which it is definitely not. So, it can be a combination of lack of intensity, a combination of Monaco hitting a very high level, a combination of us not hitting the best level, but they had too many shots to what I would like.”

It's been a long time since we’ve seen Archie Gray at left-back - what do you think he can give you from that position?

Thomas: “I think he did it very well, as he's done a lot of times last year, left-back, right-back and centre-back. I think he can play all three positions, I think his best position is still midfielder, but I think he can play all three. I like his character and effort in the left-back position and then he just carried on when he came into the midfield and did well there as well.”

Do you think Randal Kolo Muani can quickly return to the France national team?

Thomas: “First and foremost, I think it was very nice to have him back in the Champions League, I'm sure he appreciates it as well. We were very happy that we managed to sign him in the end of the transfer window. He was unlucky to pick up a dead leg early, that's kept him out of the games so far, but now he's been training well for some weeks and got minutes in the week against Villa, more today. I think he looked for some promising actions today. Of course, he would like a little bit more rhythm, but I like him a lot in many aspects. I think for any player to come into any national team, and the French is a very strong national team, you need to play more games, and I hopefully he will do that.”