'It'll Be A Competitive Game': Spurs Face New Arsenal Boss in Friendly

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-07-29 18:37:21 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-07-30 02:45:00

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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank will meet his former boss Mikel Arteta in the derby to start the preseason in Hong Kong. The match will be competitive, with points at stake, according to Frank. The encounter comes after a relatively quiet transfer window for both clubs.

Ever since the Premier League rivals were drawn against each other for the preseason Asia Trophy in Hong Kong, the narrative of the match has been that it will be a friendly encounter. But, on the eve of the match, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank insisted that "against Arsenal, it's not a friendly."

Speaking to the media after announcing the capture of Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus but missing out on Wolves' Morgan Gibbs-White, the Danish coach stressed that "it'll be a competitive game" with "points at stake."

Frank, who worked with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta at Manchester City, hinted that he expects some familiarities in preparation for the match, saying, "I know the way Mikel works, and they way Arsenal works, but we're not ready yet."

"We have some ideas, but we'll keep that to ourselves. It'll be 11 v 11, and it'll be a good experience for both teams."

The match will be Arteta's first chance to test his side against strong opposition since his appointment as Arsenal's new boss in December. Meanwhile, it will be Frank's first chance to put his tactics to the test since his appointment at the north London club following the dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo. With both managers looking to make a strong start and claim the trophy, expect a fierce encounter at the Hong Kong Stadium on Friday.

Go!