"It seems like Lionel Messi turned into him" - Tottenham boss Thomas Frank reacts as Spurs star scores wondergoal in 4-0 win against Copenhagen

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank compared defender Micky van de Ven to Lionel Messi after the Dutchman's solo goal in the UEFA Champions League against Copenhagen. He hailed his player for the dazzling run that started from his own box and ended in the other, adding that the reaction after the Chelsea loss was now justified.

Speaking to the media after the game, Frank said it felt like Tottenham had Messi playing as a center-back. The manager admitted that the Dutchman was angry after the 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday and was delighted by the response on the pitch. He said (via Football London):

"It seems like we had Lionel Messi turned into Micky van de Ven, roaring down from his own goal all the way to the other end and scored a fantastic goal. I think he's our top scorer in all competitions, so he can keep going. He can keep walking past me if he's angry after a game!"

Talking about the 4-0 win in the UEFA Champions League, he added:

"I would say it was a step forward in how we want to play. Assists and goals from the offensive players and also the structure was good today."

Spurs had to play over 30 minutes in the game with 10 men, as Brennan Johnson was sent off just before the hour mark. Talking about the red card, Frank said:

"I think I understand why it can be given. But I think it's a little bit - what I've talked before - that still footage, studs on leg, is what the ref sees the first thing. That's where it looks bad. There was no recklessness in this tackle from Brennan.

"He goes down into a sliding tackle, you can say 'why give the opportunity?' But when he goes down, there's literally no leg in front of him, so when he slides, then the player steps down, and then it looks bad after that. I think it was a little bit unfortunate, and I think it was harsh."

Tottenham are seventh in the UEFA Champions League table, one point behind Lionel Messi's former club, PSG, who are third.

Tottenham tried to sign Lionel Messi in 2021

Lionel Messi was on the verge of leaving Barcelona in 2021 when Tottenham made an offer to sign the Argentine. The Premier League side were looking to take advantage of the contract situation that made him a free agent.

Barcelona could not renew Messi's contract due to their financial crisis, and PSG managed to sign him on a free transfer. However, Tottenham were interested in signing him and made a move, per Express.

Lionel Messi spent two seasons with PSG before joining Inter Miami in 2023. He has now extended his contract until 2028 with the MLS side.