Thomas Frank admits error in Bournemouth preparation as Spurs brace for Villarreal clash | OneFootball

The Cherries ran rampant at Hotspur Stadium before the international break

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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The only blip was a 1-0 loss against Bournemouth in which they were fortunate to not be beaten by a wider margin.

Spurs bounced back from that by cruising past West Ham to restore confidence ahead of their Champions League opener on Tuesday night against Villarreal.

However, a review of the defeat left the Spurs boss frustrated not only with the team but with his own efforts.

“First and foremost, I would just like to win it, that would be easier,” Frank said when asked what he would change with hindsight.

“But no, I think that was a bad performance and it definitely didn’t get better when I watched it back.

“I always try to look myself at what I could have done better, so I didn’t think I helped the players well enough in that game.

Evanilson’s goal undid Tottenham before the international break

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“I took the wrong decision in terms of the planning - not that we didn’t have a plan for phase one and phase two, but that was the bit where we should have done more in this game. If we didn’t do anything, that was the biggest thing.

“Then I would say that big respect to Bournemouth, they are a very difficult and tricky team to play against. So they did very well, they hit a top level and we didn’t hit a good level. That’s a bad combination, that bit. We learn from it and move forward.”

Frank will lead Spurs in the Champions League for the first time when Villarreal visit north London, and he said it will be “special” to stand on the touchline and hear the anthem.

He reflected on his journey from managing Brentford in the Championship to now preparing his side to play on the biggest stage in club football.

“Of course it is a fantastic opportunity and experience tomorrow,” Frank said.

“In many ways you would say yes, we played with Brentford in the Championship at Griffin Park, a small, compact stadium and tomorrow we are playing in one of the best stadiums in the world – maybe the best.

“In front of our fantastic fans, it is a European night and we know they will be absolutely on it. It will be so special, so yeah really looking forward to the first two minutes, the Champions League anthem and then it’s focus on the game.”