There’s work to be done for Tottenham; their late collapse was evidence of that.
Indeed, it should concern Frank that his team wilted at the first sign of pressure against a side who have had just two pre-season training sessions in the bag.
But for the vast majority of this Uefa Super Cup meeting that ultimately ended in penalty heartache, there were enough signs to suggest Frank has the basis of a system and approach that can be built on.
Inside the opening 10 minutes, the approach was entirely noticeable. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario kicked long five times as Tottenham opted to keep their shape higher up the pitch rather than collect the ball deep inside their own half and pass their way up the field.
Ange Postecoglou’s high-risk approach was easy on the eye but the final 18 months of his reign at Tottenham – despite that euphoric Europa League win in Bilbao last May – told us the Australian’s methods weren’t working.
This was a Tottenham performance less to do with capturing the imagination than capturing the victory.
For example, Postecoglou was maligned for a perceived lack of attention to detail in regard to preparing for set-pieces.
It was significant, then, that both of Tottenham’s goals arrived via dead balls.
Expect Frank’s Tottenham to excel at set-pieces in their own penalty box, too.
His Brentford side conceded only three Premier League goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties) last season – three fewer than any other team in the division.
Offensively, Brentford were also one of the strongest. Only four teams – Arsenal (14), Crystal Palace, Aston Villa (both 16) and Nottingham Forest (17) – scored from more Premier League set-pieces last season.
Here in Udine, there were clear indicators that Spurs will develop such strength in the coming months.
This was an effective Tottenham display rather than an enchanting one.
Frank said: “I knew we had to do something different against PSG. It was a special operation. And 2-2 against PSG, I think you take that – that single result is good.
“In spells, we went more direct as we knew we could hurt them. There was focus on set-pieces, but there will always be a focus on set-pieces.
“High pressure is a non-negotiable. We went man for man in some aspects.”
There was a time when the style of play mattered to Tottenham fans. Ask Jose Mourinho. Ask Antonio Conte.
Both received criticism from supporters for their pragmatic styles. Tottenham’s traditions for producing attacking teams still carries weight to this day. It will be interesting to see if supporters get on Frank’s back for his tactical approach if things start to falter.
But winning football matches, regardless of style, will be his priority, as it will be for the chairman Daniel Levy.
