Frank ‘hugely’ excited for Champions League debut as Romero doubles down on decision to sign new contract

Thomas Frank says he is “hugely looking forward” to managing his first Champions League game with Tottenham on Tuesday night.

Spurs take on Spanish side Villarreal, and will come up against plenty of faces, including ex-Arsenal duo Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe, as well as former Spurs pair Juan Foyth and Manor Solomon, with the latter on loan with the LaLiga side.

And after the 3-0 demolition of West Ham at the weekend, Frank and his players are feeling full of confidence on their return to Europe’s top table.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “It’s a big thing. I’m hugely looking forward to it. I know it’ll be special when we have that Champions League anthem playing.

“Now it’s preparation, there’s a few more cameras, but it’s business as usual. When we all go out onto the pitch tomorrow then it’ll be special.

“I believe I have a fantastic squad and we would like to go as far as possible. I think the most important thing is that it’s one game at a time. Villarreal are a very good team, I’ve been very impressed when I’ve studied them, but we’ll do everything we can to get a good start. It’s going to be a good challenge.

“We always focus on our jobs and our work. We have a great manager. We have a great defensive coach. We always want to imporve. If you take Bournemouth out, we’ve done well.

“We do our best no matter who we are playing against. It is always about increasing our performance and looking to improve.”

Romero committed to Spurs

Tottenham qualified for the Champions League after winning the Europa League in Bilbao last may – their first trophy in 17 years.

Cristian Romero was a huge part of their run to European glory, and has since signed a new contract and taken over as captain following Heung-Min Son’s departure.

This is despite being linked with a move away during the summer, with Atletico Madrid reportedly pursuing the World Cup winner.

However, Romero has once again expressed his love for Tottenham, and that the rumours he wanted to leave during the off-season were completely false.

“I never said I wanted to leave the club”, he said.

“Nothing came from me in that effect. It is important what the manager and president say. I am very happy here, it is like a family.

“I like the manager. I like the way we work, the way we train. Always things can improve but I think everyone here at all levels are taking the right steps to improve. I am very happy here.”