The new Tottenham Manager Thomas Frank admitted to Tuesday that the pre-season conflict against Arsenal in Hong Kong would be his first “great challenge” from taking over and warned that it would be “more than friendly”.

Fierce Rivals will lock horns on Thursday in The first northern London derby outside the British coast.

“It’s a big challenge,” he said the days to journalists at the Stadium for 50,000 seats in Hong Kong, sold for a match.

“Except for our great rivals, and the first Northern Derby is outside the UK, they are also, currently one of the best teams, I have to say, in the world” He said with a smile.

“Against Arsenal It’s not just friendly and we’ll do everything we can win. “

Frank took the last month from Ange Postecoglou, which was fired in spite of lead Tottenham The Europa League is celebrating and ending a 17-year-old drought trophy.

Tottenham signed by attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for £ 55 million but have been prevented in recording efforts Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.

Frank said that he and the club “constantly talked about the transfers”, but “I would like to keep it privately”.

“Generally, I am satisfied with the squad. We are aware of where we may want to strengthen general” He said.

“Mohammed already entered and showed his quality. But, of course, we look.”

Fitness issues

One of the problems of Tottenham last season, when they finished 17. in the Premier League, was a long list of injuries.

One of the key players missing large pieces of campaign was Micky Van de Ven.

But the Dutch central defense counsel is convinced that his problems are injuries behind him after the first continuous summer with sponges.

“I had no previously preseason in Tottenham,” said Van Den, which was late in the window led in 2023. years, and then he played in euros last year, he said AFP.

“It’s more time to work on my body and that my body prepare for the Premier League and for the Champions League and for all other games coming,” added a 24-year-old.

“So I’ll say it’s a positive thing.”

Frank said that the conscious problem with the fitness of last term and fully available detachment would be vital.

“I think it’s a big deal for any club in the world,” Frank said.

“Availability is key. It is difficult because there are more games and the intensity in the game increases.

“The good thing is that we have a good and long preseason. This means that it is possible to press and pull players.

“We are very aware of how we want to play, I want to train and I think it should be complete. We have filled several adjustments. We hope to be successful there.”