Tottenham star Joao Palhinha lays down marker to dressing room after PSG setback

Tottenham suffered penalty heartbreak in the UEFA Super Cup final on Wednesday night in Udine following a late collapse against PSG in Thomas Frank’s first competitive match in charge

Joao Palhinha insists Tottenham’s courageous Super Cup display proves they can achieve “something special” under Thomas Frank. The Portuguese lynchpin, recently signed from Bayern Munich on an initial loan deal, has added new steel to Spurs’ midfield – even if they did blow a late two-goal lead.

Palhinha remains optimistic about the challenge ahead, however, despite the agonising late collapse in Udine, stating: “We are really sad. Not just the players but all the staff and all the crowd that came to support us during the game.

“It will be tough for us all to digest that loss but I think we also need to feel proud for what we did until 80 minutes because we fought all game against the top team.

“I think we showed that we’ll get there in the future, we have all the conditions to achieve this season and I think the future will bring us something special. We played a top game against a top opponent but in the Premier League every single game is tough and we cannot relax.”

Tottenham kick off their Premier League campaign on Saturday against Burnley, who Spurs relegated in May 2024 following a 2-1 victory in N17. Fellow new boy Mohammed Kudus is already relishing the chance to put things right after penalty heartbreak.

READ MORE: Tottenham issue statement as Spurs star subjected to vile racist abuse after Super CupREAD MORE: Thomas Frank makes feelings clear after Tottenham throw away two-goal lead to lose to PSG

The Ghanaian attacker said: “I’m very disappointed to lose the game but this is a big lesson that we must stay focused for the whole 90 minutes.

“I am really, really proud of the team for their work ethic and energy because we had them for most of the game, it was just the end part we need to fix. We have a game at the weekend so now the full focus is on that.

“That’s the good thing about football, there is always an opportunity every week to show a different character and prove what you have got. I would have loved for us to win a trophy but it hasn’t happened, so full focus on Saturday.”

Kudus – a £55million summer acquisition from West Ham – starred on his first official outing for Spurs, troubling PSG left-back Nuno Mendes The 25-year-old is determined to hit the ground running in north London despite the unfortunate midweek blip.

He continued: “I am very excited to have joined this beautiful club. I am still settling in, trying to adapt and get used to my new coaches but with the help of the club, so far it has been going so smoothly. I still have a lot more to show and there are a lot more games to play this season.”

Kudus featured as a shadow striker behind Richarlison in Italy but naturally, he tended to drift across to the right flank. Interestingly, there were no minutes for Europa League final hero Brennan Johnson amid increased competition for places.

Spurs are looking to add even more firepower to their armoury in the market and discussions for Manchester City’s Savinho and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze are continuing.

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