Thomas Frank has taken decisive action in his early days as Tottenham manager by dropping Yves Bissouma from the squad travelling to Italy for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Mali international midfielder has been excluded from the team heading to Udine after repeatedly arriving late for team duties “too many times”, prompting Frank to enforce his first significant disciplinary measure since taking charge in June.
The former Brentford manager made the announcement during his pre-match press conference, confirming that persistent tardiness had forced him to leave Bissouma behind as Spurs prepare to face the Champions League holders at Stadio Friuli.
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Frank offered a clear explanation for his decision, revealing the extent of the midfielder’s punctuality issues.
Thomas Frank admitted in his press conference that midfielder Yves Bissouma will not travel with the squad
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“Bissouma has not travelled with the team because of disciplinary reasons,” the Spurs boss stated.
“He has been late several times, and the latest time was one too many.”
The manager emphasised his balanced approach to squad management, adding: “With everything, you need to give your players a lot of love but also have demands, and there also need to be consequences. This time, there was a consequence for that.”
Frank indicated the suspension applies specifically to this fixture, noting he would “follow up when I come home” regarding any further action.
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The Spurs boss said it was due to the Mali midfielder being late to training on multiple occassions
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This marks another chapter in Bissouma’s troubled disciplinary record at the north London club.
The 28-year-old faced suspension last August when footage emerged of him inhaling nitrous oxide, missing Tottenham’s season opener at Leicester City as a result.
His punctuality problems aren’t new either, with previous manager Antonio Conte having raised concerns about his timekeeping during his tenure.
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The timing couldn’t be worse for Bissouma, who started Tottenham’s Europa League final victory over Manchester United in May when they secured their first trophy in 17 years.
Now he’ll watch from home as his teammates attempt to claim another piece of European silverware against PSG, who demolished Inter Milan 5-0 to win their maiden Champions League title.
Frank described Wednesday’s encounter as a “massive game” and “an even bigger opportunity” rather than a source of pressure, underlining his determination to build on May’s Europa League success.
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Yves Bissouma joined the club from Brighton for £30million in 2022
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The new manager received positive news regarding striker Dominic Solanke, who has recovered from the ankle problem that disrupted his pre-season and will be available for selection.
Destiny Udogie remains sidelined with a knee issue but is progressing towards a return to training.
PSG will be missing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from their squad, whilse Joao Neves serves a suspension following his red card in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea.