Thomas Frank suffered a heartbreaking defeat during his first competitive match in charge of Tottenham on Wednesday night, as Paris Saint-Germain came from two goals down to win the Super Cup dramatically on penalties.
The former Brentford boss, who took over from Ange Postecoglou days after Spurs won the Europa League last campaign, almost got off to the perfect start as his new team led the Champions League winners 2-0 heading into the final 10 minutes of the match.
Spurs defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero scored either side of half-time to put the north London club in full control, but PSG staged a late comeback through substitutes Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos to force penalties.
Unfortunately for Tottenham and Frank, Van de Ven and Mathys Tel fluffed their lines from the spot in the shootout, handing PSG a 4-3 victory on penalties.
The dramatic defeat comes just days before the start of the new season, with Frank’s side hosting Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Daily Mail Sport’s JAMES SHARPE gives his verdict on the players’ performances after watching the action in Italy.
PSG dramatically came from two goals down to win the Super Cup on penalties against Spurs
It was heartbreak for Tottenham, who led by two goals heading into the final 10 minutes
Thomas Frank just missed out on silverware in what was his first competitive match at Spurs
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)
Lucas Chevalier – 6
Debutant could do nothing about Tottenham’s opener when he tipped Palhinha’s effort on to the bar but should have done better with Romero’s header.
Achraf Hakimi – 5
Not often beaten in a footrace but was left eating Spence’s dust all game was instantly crowded out whenever he got the ball.
Marquinhos – 6.5
The inspirational captain who lifted PSG’s first Champions League trophy pulled off a vital important block to stop Kudus’ fierce shot heading for the corner.
Willian Pacho – 5
Bullied by Richarlison whenever Spurs went direct and bamboozled by Kudus whenever he drifted wide to close down the winger.
Ballon d’Or nominee Vitinha was a shadow of his usual self and was handled well in midfield
Nuno Mendes – 6.5
The marauding full-back was key in PSG’s Champions League victory last season, was one of their standouts here and fittingly scored the crucial spot kick.
Warren Zaire-Emery – 5
The teenage prodigy had little impact and made you wonder if Enrique made a mistake not starting Fabio Ruiz instead.
Vitinha – 6
One of nine Ballon d’Or nominees but a shadow of his usual self until late on when his neat ball to Kang In-Lee set up PSG’s goal.
Desire Doue – 5.5
Scored twice in the Champions League final but barely had a sniff here, another who had no answer to the onslaught of Tottenham’s non-stop pressure.
It was a frustrating night for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who was substituted off on the hour mark
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 5
A frustrating night. Showed nowhere near the quality he did during the Champions League last season and was subbed on the hour.
Ousmane Dembele – 6.5
Odds-on favourite to win the Ballon D’or but played far too deep to have any real impact until his superb cross set up the equaliser.
Bradley Barcola – 6.5
On the few occasions PSG did get some joy, it usually came from his dribbles into space. Saw his goal ruled out for offside that would have given his side hope. 6.5
SUBSTITUTES
Fabian Ruiz, Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in, Ibrahim Mbaye
MANAGER
Luis Enrique – 7
Almost left it too late change to deal with Tottenham’s direct approach but his subs changed the game.
Lee Kang-in kickstarted PSG’s dramatic late comeback with a superb effort from distance
Tottenham (3-5-2)
Guglielmo Vicario – 6.5
Barely had a save to make until the end but his raking free-kicks from inside PSG’s half ended up being a crucial part of Tottenham’s direct game plan.
Pedro Porro – 6.5
Always an attacking threat as he bombed forward from wing-back and a great delivery to the back post for Romero’s second.
Kevin Danso – 7
Continually caused havoc in the PSG penalty area with his Rory Delap-esque long throws and threw his body on the line whenever trouble beckoned.
Cristian Romero – 7.5
A captain’s performance from the new Tottenham skipper, sweeping up any danger, nodding in the second goal and lifting his first trophy.
Spurs defender Micky van de Ven put Tottenham in control with a goal just before half time
Micky van de Ven – 7
Used his pace to cover the left side and allow Spence to bomb forward and then reacted quickest to poke home the opener.
Djed Spence – 6.5
Let’s hope Tottenham’s kit man remembers to take Hakimi out of Spence’s shorts pocket before putting them in the wash.
Joao Palhinha – 7
The on-loan from Bayern Munich showed his quality in all aspects, making the most tackles and forcing the save for Spurs’ opener.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7
Summed up his endless energy, desire and tenacity with a lung-busting 40-yard run to close down a promising PSG attack. Top class.
Mohammed Kudus showcased why Tottenham coughed up £55m to sign him from West Ham
Pape Sarr – 8
A midfield masterclass. Won huge tackles, drew fouls, got in the box and put in a crucial block to deny Zaire-Emery a tap-in during the first half.
Mohammed Kudus – 7.5
This is why Spurs paid £55m for him from West Ham. Quick, direct, caused problems whenever he got the ball. Linked brilliantly with Richarlison.
Richarlison – 7.5
PSG just could not handle him. Strong, physical, superb hold-up play, brilliant understanding with Kudus and forced a five save.
SUBSTITUTES
Mathys Tel, Archie Gray, Dominic Solanke, Lucas Bergvall
MANAGER
Thomas Frank – 7
Showed great tactical nous starting with a back three that turned Spurs into a rock-solid defensive unit but changes didn’t help see out the game.
