Tottenham Hotspur's quest for enhanced creativity has taken them north, far beyond the familiar grounds of London, as they gear up to face Bodø/Glimt in a Champions League clash in Norway. This isn't just a routine away game; it's a journey into the Arctic Circle, a region known for its challenging conditions and, perhaps surprisingly, a source of inspiration for Spurs' manager, Thomas Frank.
Strategic Training and Injury Updates
Rather than training in Norway, the team held their training session at Hotspur Way. Frank said that holding the training session at home allowed the team to keep their tactics secret. The Spurs squad's preparation hasn't been without its challenges. Dominic Solanke, a key forward, has undergone minor ankle surgery to address a nagging injury. This has reduced Frank's attacking options for the Bodo match. Randal Kolo Muani, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, was also dealing with a dead leg, impacting his training availability. Captain Cristian Romero was left in England as a precaution after a tough match against Wolves. However, there was positive news as Ben Davies, Kota Takai and Yves Bissouma participated in training. Mathys Tel, who played in the 2-0 victory in the Arctic Circle, is not registered for Tottenham's Champions League squad, and neither is Kota Takai nor Yves Bissouma.
Embracing the Bodo/Glimt Challenge
Spurs return to Bodo after their 5-1 aggregate victory against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals back in May. The match will be played on the artificial turf of Aspmyra Stadion. Coach Wayne Burnett is calling for a mature performance from the Under-19 squad as they face Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Youth League.
Frank's Admiration for Bodo/Glimt
Frank has openly expressed his admiration for Bodo/Glimt, particularly their consistent performance in European competitions despite being a smaller club. He praised their unique style of play and the work of their coach, Kjetil Knutsen.
Pre-Season Recap & New Signings
Tottenham's pre-season involved a global tour, including a historic North London Derby against Arsenal in Hong Kong and a trip to South Korea. They also faced Reading and Bayern Munich in pre-season friendlies. Several new players have joined Tottenham, including Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, and Joao Palhinha. These signings reflect a strategy to inject experience and immediate impact into the squad. Departures included Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Son Heung-min.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of new faces and returning players, Tottenham and Thomas Frank are aiming for a strong 2025/26 season. After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, and winning the Europa League, Spurs are focused on improving their consistency and challenging for trophies.
