Thomas Frank FUMES After Full-Time Then Admits the Truth Fans Didn’t Expect
The performance at Deutsche Bank Park was one of control, authority and maturity. From the opening whistle to the very end, Frank’s men imposed themselves on the contest, even having the ball in the net inside the opening two minutes before it was ruled out. That early warning set the tone for a night where the Bundesliga side were largely kept at arm’s length.
The breakthrough finally arrived shortly after the restart when Randal Kolo Muani struck in the 47th minute against his former club, a moment that visibly deflated the home crowd. Dominic Solanke later wrapped up the win with a well-taken goal in the 77th minute, putting the result beyond doubt and underlining the visitors’ superiority.
The statistics backed up the eye test. A 15–4 shot advantage told the story of a one-sided affair, with Frankfurt rarely troubling the defence. Their only real moment of danger came just before half-time when Hugo Larsson clipped the crossbar. Aside from that scare, the back line remained resolute, with the 3-4-3 system functioning smoothly at both ends of the pitch.
Cristian “Cuti” Romero was deservedly named UEFA’s Player of the Match after a dominant display at the heart of defence, while Xavi Simons once again caught the eye with his intelligent movement and influence in advanced areas, constantly linking play and unsettling Frankfurt’s defensive shape.
The wider picture makes the achievement even more remarkable. Across eight Champions League matches, the team recorded five wins, just one defeat away to holders Paris Saint-Germain and an outstanding six clean sheets. All of this was achieved despite entering the final stretch of the competition without 14 senior players due to injury and ineligibility, forcing several squad members to play through fitness issues.
Attention now turns to the Round of 16 in March, where one of Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus or Atlético Madrid awaits. The draw will be confirmed after the February play-off round, with the crucial second leg set to be played at home.
Speaking after a memorable European night, Frank was quick to credit both his players and the wider club.
“I’m extremely proud of the team and the club,” he said. “To finish fourth in the Champions League league phase is a massive achievement. When you look at how many big clubs didn’t make the top eight and we end up fourth with 17 points and six clean sheets that’s impressive. The players deserve huge praise.”
He also highlighted the strain his squad has been under in recent weeks.
“We’ve basically had 12 available senior outfield players for this game and for Borussia Dortmund last week. A lot of the boys had to push themselves even though they weren’t at full fitness, and they did it. That says a lot about the character, mentality and togetherness in this group.”
On the performance itself, Frank felt his side were largely in control throughout.
“I thought we controlled the game more or less from start to finish. I liked how we pressed high, and when we had to defend deeper, we did that well too. But what I really liked was how we controlled the ball for long periods and created very good chances. That’s an area we still want to improve and refine.”
The head coach also reflected on the tactical setup, which has delivered positive results in recent matches.
“The 3-4-3 has worked well over the last few games. There are always things to improve, but on the ball we made some good adjustments in how we progressed play. We still need to move it quicker at times, especially down the sides, but overall there were a lot of positives.”
Frank ended by paying tribute to the travelling supporters, who made themselves heard all night.
“A big thank you to our fans. They travelled in big numbers, sang throughout the match, and gave us unbelievable support. I’m very happy we could give them this win. Now we’re into the Round of 16 the focus is on recovering well and then being ready for Sunday.”
