Thomas Frank confirms what Tottenham won't be doing on transfer deadline day

Thomas Frank saw his Tottenham side lose to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, bringing to an end their fine start to the season. Spurs had won both of their opening games but came up short against the Cherries, with Evanilson’s early goal proving to be the only of the afternoon.

Spurs created some good chances but couldn’t find the back of the net, and they were not helped by Dominic Solanke picking up an ankle injury.

Asked after the game about the extent of that injury, Frank said: “I’m hopeful he will be back after the international break."

Frank was then asked whether he would consider signing another striker before Monday’s deadline given the lack of depth up top. He responded: “No. I would say not particularly. To have the three strikers in the squad can also cause a problem as you can only play one at a time. It’s a fine balance. I’m not saying we will never go for another striker at another time but I’m happy with Dom and Richarlison."

Spurs also have Brennan Johnson, who can fill the gap up top if needed, and they look likely to concentrate on adding depth elsewhere. Speaking about the defeat more generally, Frank continued: “We clearly didn’t perform well today. We played against a very good Bournemouth team that we know can make it difficult for any team in the league. They played to their strengths. They did that very well and we didn’t handle it well. We knew exactly what they came with and we trained for it. We just didn’t handle it well enough in terms of the balls in behind, the second balls, duels in the middle of the park.

“That’s the defensive side and on the offensive side we struggled to find good enough solutions to get through phase one and two so we could get up there and put a bit of pressure on them. We only did that in the last 15 where we put on good pressure and could have equalised. I think over the game it was fair that Bournemouth won.”

New signing Xavi Simons was presented to the fans on Saturday after joining on a £51.8million deal from RB Leipzig. Asked if Simons can be the answer to the missing creativity in the absence of the injured James Maddison, Frank said: “It’s fair to say we didn’t defend as well as we should do and we have done in the first three games. I am quite confident we will come back to defend well again, but that could have helped massively.

“The creativity, yes, that’s why we signed Simons to have an extra offensive player but I also think on the day with all due respect to our offensive players, none of them hit a high level and that happens sometimes. I’m very aware. I don’t want to say it’s okay, but it’s natural.” Spurs are now on international break for the next fortnight.

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