UEFA Europa League Holders Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has warned his side must be “at their very best” and defensively solid if they are to overcome reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain and lift the 2025 UEFA Super Cup tonight.
Spurs head into tonight’s showdown in Udine, Italy as clear underdogs against the UEFA Champions League winners and FIFA Club World Cup finalists, but they have their own European pedigree after winning the Europa League against Manchester United in Bilbao in May 2025 — their first European trophy in 41 years and first major trophy in 17 years.
Frank has already made headlines this week by leaving Malian defensive midfielder Yves Bissouma out of the squad for disciplinary reasons, citing repeated lateness to training.
“He has been late several times and the latest time was one too many,” Frank told reporters. “You need to give players a lot of love but also have demands — and this time there was a consequence. I’ll follow up when we return, but right now I’m focused on the game.”
Frank is boosted by the return of Dominic Solanke, though the England striker’s lack of pre-season minutes following an ankle injury may see Brazilian forward Richarlison retain his place in attack.
New arrival Joao Palhinha is also in contention to start despite the Portuguese midfielder looking short of sharpness in last Thursday’s defeat to his former club Bayern Munich.
The Dane may opt for a back three for the first time this summer to counter PSG’s firepower, potentially drafting in Ben Davies or Kevin Danso alongside Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Spurs remain without James Maddison after the playmaker underwent ACL surgery this week, leaving Frank to rely on alternative options in central attacking roles.
Possible starting XI:
(3-4-1-2) Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Bentancur, Palhinha, Spence; Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison.