Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Sunday’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
- There were no fresh injuries picked up in the midweek Champions League fixture, so everyone that was available against Slavia Prague will be in contention.
- Nottingham Forest academy graduate Brennan Johnson is “expected to be available” for the trip to his old stomping ground after training with the squad following a “minor injury”.
- After Dominic Solanke posted an hourglass emoji on social media, Frank was asked to provide another update on the forward: “He is back on the grass and training individually. The injury he picked up in July has dragged on for a while. When he is training fully and available for selection, then I will say something.”
- It was “really good” to have Ben Davies back out on the pitch on Tuesday night, playing his first minutes of the season.
- On their recent goalscoring form, he said: “I don’t think we’ve taken the handbrake off. Things like the team being in sync and the right players being sharp or in form, it all helps. Three players I would like to mention are Richarlison, [Mohammed] Kudus and [Xavi] Simons, they are giving our offensive part of the game much more.”
- When asked about whether the mood around the club has changed, following a period of feeling under pressure, he replied: “Wins and good performances always help, no doubt about it. It makes things lighter and more positive. It’s an ongoing effort to constantly improve at the minute.”
- He added: “It’s down to one simple thing: all three of those players being in form at the same time. The relationship, the principles and the patterns are just getting better and better.”
- Tottenham are expecting “an unbelievably difficult game” against Nottingham Forest, who are “extremely competitive”. However, he expects his side to go to the City Ground with “confidence, belief and a good chance of getting three points”.
- On his friendship with Sean Dyche, he said: “We sometimes come together as coaches to talk about life and football. It’s fair to say we’re the only ones that really understand each other. We have to deal with the same rubbish together. It’s nice to share experiences and thoughts with good colleagues and friends.”
- Frank praised “very talented” central midfielder Archie Gray for the “glimpses” he has shown. He added: “He is back in a place where he is ready to compete again after his calf injury. He is very good on the ball and he plays with his head up. He has a great capacity to cover the pitch and has good pressing skills. He has very good character and could be a leader in the future.”
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