Thomas Frank
Did you feel you deserved more today?
Yes, similar picture to Crystal Palace. I felt it was an even game, if there was a narrow winner I felt it should have been us. I loved how we approached the game with high pressure, being brave. At 1-0 up I am slightly disappointed we conceded the equaliser but then it was an even first half. In the second half I again felt we were better in the first 20 to 25 minutes without capitalising on it. So on a good day we could have got three points. We need to do more in the final third.
Can you tell us about Frank Onyeka’s absence?
He was Covid positive. We found out two or three days ago.
First goal conceded but defended really well after that? Showed good character?
It’s a really good point. We showed strong character, strong mentality. We were really brave and forard minded but I wanted even more even in this intense atmosphere. I felt we could have kept the ball a bit better in the second half and created more chances but it’s only our third game in Premier League. It was still a good point, a point away is always good but because I know the players so well I know there’s more to come from them. It was a good performance and good character.
Ivan got first goal but how pleased were you with forwards as a whole, especially when Wissa came on?
Definitely. There were spells that were good but we changed the system from 3-5-2 to 3-4-3 and we lost a bit of momentum. That’s why I then took Byran out and brought Mathi on. Then Shandon. Those are the few tactical adjustments I can do sometimes.
Tariqe Fosu not involved again. What’s his situation?
We’re working on him going on a loan.
Good to see Dean? What did you say at the end?
We’ll have a covid-safe beer outside on the pitch but that’s it. It was good to see them, I wish him all the best.
Thoughts on the disallowed goal?
Honestly, good question. I need to ask the refs on the Laws because I don’t know. It’s difficult for me to really complain.
Pleased with three games, five points?
There’s a lot of positives. Unbeaten is a good feeling, we’re very difficult to break down. That’s a really good foundation to have. In all three games we’ve had solid performances, we’ve been brave and pressed high going forward. I like what my team has shown but I’d liked even more because I know they are good enough to show even more like in games like the last two.
Confident Toney can now kick on?
He’s shown in all three games he’s more than capable of playing in the Premier League with his link-up play, pressing and his ability to be in the right place with chances. Now he’s finally got his goal on the baord, I expect to see even more from him. He’s a fantastic player.
Jamie Vardy similarities in terms of journey here?
I like the comparison of a player who had a longer journey, a different pathway. I can definitely see that. For Ivan there are still things I think he can improve. He can add more elements to his game.
Has your team grown in these three games?
I’d say the pressure and defensive side has been bang on in all three matches. There were more spells with the ball today. We dominated a little more with the ball but I’d love for us to keep the ball more in the final third. We’re adding layers to how we want to play. We’re in a fine place but we feel the need to constantly improve.
