Guglielmo Vicario has explained that Tottenham Hotspur are much better in one aspect tactically under Thomas Frank than they were under Ange Postecoglou.
The difference between Tottenham last season and this season could not be more obvious, with Frank having implemented a completely different structure than that of his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou.
The Lilywhites are a lot harder to break down defensively, as evidenced by the fact that they have conceded just three goals in their opening six matches of the season, which is not something that many would have seen coming on the back of their defensive struggles last season.
However, this Spurs side is still a work in progress, with Frank admitting that Tottenham have not clicked as an attacking force just yet.
Guglielmo Vicario says Tottenham are doing one thing differently under Thomas Frank
Vicario has remarked that Tottenham now have a much better understanding of when to press and how to deal with different phases of play in and out of possession.
However, the Spurs number one confessed that the Lilywhites did not deal with transitions the way they wanted to in the win over Villarreal.
Vicario told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Our ability to recognise the different phases of the game has changed – understanding when to press hard and when to cover the pitch better.
“In general, we’re more focused on defending the penalty area, also because we have a clearer understanding of the different phases without the ball.
“Against Villarreal, we allowed too many transitions, and we need to take away some of our opponents’ hope when they go on the counterattack, but overall, it was an excellent defensive performance, and we need to continue like this.”
Vicario admits Tottenham’s mentality has changed since the Europa League win
Spurs had to wait 17 years to taste silverware, and Vicario has said securing the trophy in Bilbao has lifted a huge weight off the shoulders of everyone at the club.
The 28-year-old admitted that, having tasted a trophy, there is now a hunger within the squad to win more silverware.
When asked how lifting the Europa League impacted him and his teammates, the Italian responded: “Winning definitely gives you a different dimension, probably even in the eyes of others. And a bit of healthy respect: we had this thing, even within the club, of being the ones who always got there but then didn’t win, but now we’ve done it.
“This has unblocked us a bit. We’ve lifted a weight off our shoulders, so now we can move forward, aware of our strengths. And also with goals, which we keep to ourselves and which we absolutely want to achieve.”