Frank reveals Spurs wanted Semenyo before Man City move, feels his squad is weaker now

Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo
Manchester City's Antoine SemenyoAction Images via Reuters

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has spoken ahead of this weekend's clash with Manchester City.

The two teams clash for the first time since August, when Tottenham claimed a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Only bottom-of-the-table Wolves have picked up fewer Premier League points at home this season than Spurs, who have the tough task of turning that form around against City.

Tottenham wanted to snap up Semenyo

Frank first revealed that he and his team worked night and day to try and secure the signature of Antoine Semenyo, who eventually chose City earlier this month in a £65 million deal. 

"I can promise that the Lewis family is super committed to this project. They want to do everything. 

"It was clear, there is no doubt, that the club wanted to sign Semenyo. They did everything, and I think that is a clear signal that the Lewis family is very committed. 

"That's a big signing, with finances and all that. That's the quality of players we are looking for to improve the squad." 

When asked if the squad is now weaker than when the transfer window opened, Frank said: "I think that’s fair. We lost six or seven players. That’s crazy, and some of them extremely unlucky like Lucas and Ben. Of course, it’s weaker than when we started on January 1st."

A loss would hurt Arsenal

Tottenham are 14th and have zero chance of lifting the title this season. However, a loss to City would help frustrate North London rivals who have dropped points in recent weeks, which has narrowed their lead at the top. Frank was asked if fans wouldn't mind losing if it means Arsenal's four-point gap is cut down.

"I don't know. I know that the Spurs fans will, how can you say, will support the team, and I understand the conflict. 

"But I'm not in doubt they'll be happy if we perform well, and beating City is important for us. It's all about us, and we, the staff, the players, will do everything we can to put a top performance out there."

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