Thomas Frank says Tottenham player was 'exceptional' against Monaco and issues injury update

Thomas Frank has been speaking after Tottenham’s away draw with AS Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Spurs had to grit out the draw, conceding as many as 23 shots in the Principality and having to cling on to what could yet be a valuable point.

Though, Spurs have now drawn twice and won once during this Champions League campaign, and they still have to play the likes of PSG and Borussia Dortmund.

Given the number of shots faced, it should come as no surprise that Spurs boss Frank reserved special praise for goalkeeper Vicario at full-time, with the keeper having drawn some criticism for his display in the defeat to Aston Villa over the weekend.

“Yeah, I think the two goals against Villa, I don't think it's like mistakes, or I don't think it's any of that, just two great finishes, but what I would say, and as you said, I think he was very good toda,” Frank said of is number one. “I think some of the saves were exceptional tonight, and it's a big part why we got a hard-fought point, but at the end of the day it can be a crucial point.”

One of the possible downsides from the hard-fought away draw was the withdrawal of Wilson Odobert with what could be an injury. Frank said: “Actually, I don't know, but of course we subbed him off because there was some pain, but I don't know the consequences of it.”

‘Spurs are learning’

Frank spoke about the game in more general terms and put his side’s lack of intensity down to a process of learning about how to play in the Champions League.

“It was a game that was relatively even in the first half, but then in the second half, Monaco were better than us and we didn’t have the performance we want,” Frank said.

“I think we lacked a bit of intensity overall, especially in the second half and that combined with a day where too many players didn’t hit a good enough level, that can happen. I think we are learning in the Champions League, and every game in the Champions League is difficult, especially away games, against a good Monaco side - a Monaco side I said, before the game, which I also think it's fair to say they had the best half in the season against us, but fair play to them.

“Then the ability for us to compete in the Premier League and then in the Champions League is a challenge we’re up for and want. I also think it's fair to say last year we finished 17th and competed in the Europa League, so we are taking it step by step, and it's not the worst thing on a bad day to get a point and a clean sheet. I think today the clean sheet was down to a few things, but a big thing down to Vicario, I think he played a fantastic game.”

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