Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has clarified the fitness status of key players Randal Kolo Muani and Cristian Romero following their substitutions during the Premier League clash with Manchester United.
The match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, saw Spurs mount a second-half comeback after a slow start in front of their home supporters. Frank's tactical changes from the bench proved instrumental, with substitutes Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert playing pivotal roles in the turnaround.
Frank Explains Kolo Muani and Romero Changes
Striker Randal Kolo Muani, who is on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, was withdrawn at half-time after starting his third consecutive league match. His early exit raised immediate concerns, given he had already missed four fixtures this term with a dead leg.
When questioned about the forward's condition post-match, Frank remained somewhat guarded but indicated the player might still be managing a minor issue. "He struggled a little bit, but nothing big," the Tottenham boss stated.
Meanwhile, defender Cristian Romero was replaced in the 88th minute, a notable move as the Argentine had previously played the full 90 minutes in every league game before a recent injury. Romero had been sidelined last month with an abductor problem, missing matches against Aston Villa and Everton before returning against Chelsea the previous weekend.
Frank was quick to allay fears regarding his star centre-back. "He just came back from that injury. He's fine," he confirmed, asserting the substitution was not due to a fresh injury concern.
Late Goal and Pundit Praise
Romero's absence was felt in the dying moments of the game when Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt scored a 96th-minute equaliser from a set-piece. When asked if Romero's presence might have prevented the goal, Frank countered, "His position he wouldn't have been near the goal anyway."
Frank's decision-making was under the microscope, particularly his choice to substitute the popular Xavi Simons for Mathys Tel, a move that was initially met with boos from the home crowd. The change, however, proved inspired, as Tel went on to score the goal that brought Tottenham level.
On TNT Sports, pundit Peter Crouch praised the manager's impactful substitutions. "The fans weren't happy," Crouch acknowledged. "They hadn't created much but once he [Tel] came on, and Odobert and Udogie as well, that left side was completely transformed. They created loads of opportunities. I just thought that left hand side, there was a little bit more positivity and energy getting at Manchester United."
Former midfielder Owen Hargreaves echoed the sentiment, highlighting the increased urgency. "[There was] a hell of a lot more urgency. Odobert especially, when he was facing Amad he definitely had the beating of him. You have to say it's a great finish, took a slight nick but the first touch sets it up."
