Yves Bissouma has been dropped from Tottenham Hotspur's squad for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain due to repeated disciplinary issues. The midfielder was excluded from the 22-man squad by new Spurs boss Thomas Frank due to persistent lateness. The Super Cup match against the Champions League holders, PSG, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Udine.
Frank addressed the situation at a pre-match press conference, stating that Bissouma's repeated tardiness was the reason for his exclusion. He emphasized the importance of discipline and consequences within the team. "He's been late several times and now this latest time was one too many," Frank told reporters. "There needs to be demands and consequences. This time there was a consequence".
The Tottenham manager stressed the need to balance "love" for the players with firm demands and repercussions for breaches of discipline. When questioned about Bissouma's future with the team and what he needed to do to regain his place, Frank did not guarantee an immediate return to the squad. "For me there's been a consequence for this trip...And then I'll follow up when I come home. I park it now because there's a relatively important game for tomorrow," Frank said.
This disciplinary action comes at an inopportune time for Tottenham, as they are already missing key players such as James Maddison, who is suffering from an ACL injury, and Destiny Udogie. Dejan Kulusevski is also a long-term absentee. Despite these absences, Frank maintains a positive outlook on the Super Cup match. "I think for the team, for me, for everybody involved at Tottenham Hotspur, it's a massive game," Frank said. "A great challenge and an even bigger opportunity...So for me, massive opportunity and we will definitely embrace it". He also noted that the players have recent experience winning a major trophy, referring to their Europa League success in May.
Bissouma's absence could potentially spell the end of his time at the club, given that he is in the final 12 months of his contract. He has only started in one pre-season match for Spurs this summer. It remains to be seen whether Bissouma will be back in the squad for Tottenham's Premier League opener against Burnley on Saturday.
