Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has excluded Yves Bissouma from the squad to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, citing repeated breaches of discipline.
The London club will take on the French champions in Udine on Wednesday night, but the influential Mali international will play no part.
Frank, who took charge of Spurs earlier this summer, confirmed the decision was made after the midfielder arrived late on multiple occasions.
He’s been late several times, and this time it was too much. With all that’s required, you have to give your players a lot of love, and you have to have demands and consequences, Frank said. He added that the matter would be reviewed once the team returns to London.
The 28-year-old, under contract until 2026 and valued at around €25m, has been linked with a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
His omission from such a high-profile fixture could accelerate his potential exit. There was a consequence, and it’s for this trip; we’ll take it into account when we return, Frank reiterated.
Bissouma, who made 44 appearances and scored twice last season, has been an important figure for Tottenham since joining from Brighton in 2022.
However, recent weeks have brought uncertainty over his future, with his absence from the Super Cup seen by some as a sign of strained relations with the new coaching staff.
Frank’s decision underscores his stance on discipline, a principle he insists is non-negotiable at the top level.
With all that’s required, you have to have demands and consequences, he said, emphasising the importance of standards both on and off the pitch.
While Tottenham will seek their first UEFA Super Cup title without one of their most experienced midfielders, attention will also turn to how the situation develops in the coming days.
The club faces a demanding start to the season, and clarity over Bissouma’s role could prove crucial.
For now, the Mali international will watch from afar as his team-mates contest European silverware, his immediate future clouded by questions over discipline, selection, and possible transfer movements before the window closes.
If you want, I can also give this article a more BBC-like matchday subheading format for extra authenticity.
