“Why Son Heung-min’s Replacement Needs Time Ahead of PSG Match”
Thomas Frank, the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, discussed Son Heung-min ahead of the crucial UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This match is scheduled for October 27, 2023, at Parc des Princes in Paris. Currently, PSG ranks 7th in the league with 9 points, while Tottenham sits in 12th place with 8 points.
Son Heung-min’s Impact at Tottenham Hotspur
Son Heung-min has been a significant player for Tottenham, having joined the club in the 2015-2016 season. He captained the team until last season and celebrated a UEFA Europa League victory. As his contract nears its end, Son has opted for a move to Major League Soccer, marking the end of his decade-long journey with the club.
New Faces and Challenges in Attack
In preparation for the upcoming PSG clash, Frank acknowledged the challenges in offensive play. Despite signing new players like Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Randal Kolo Muani, the team has struggled offensively. In a recent match against Arsenal, Tottenham suffered a devastating 4-1 defeat, exacerbating concerns about their attacking capabilities.
Building Future Talent
Frank emphasized the need for time and patience regarding the development of young talents like Wilson Odobert. He highlighted the outstanding potential these players possess but pointed out that they are stepping into roles previously held by established stars like Son, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski.
- Wilson Odobert: Key young player potential.
- Brennan Johnson: Experienced but currently less impactful.
- Matthis Tell: Another promising talent to watch.
Frank noted that no single player has firmly secured a spot in the attack. Kudus has been acknowledged for his contributions, but others, including Simons and Kolo Muani, have yet to find their form. Additionally, Richarlison’s performance has been underwhelming, and Dominic Solanke is still recovering from injury.
Looking Ahead to the PSG Match
With the PSG match approaching, Frank is focused on enhancing the team’s offensive output. He faces criticism regarding the team’s cautious playstyle but asserts that they are willing to take risks. The coach acknowledges that the team must create more scoring opportunities and improve their aggressive response in crucial moments.
As Tottenham looks to recover from recent setbacks, the integration of young talent into the first team reflects their commitment to reshaping the squad for future successes.