Tottenham Hotspur's head coach, Ange Postecoglou, addressed the media ahead of Spurs’ Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 12:30 pm UK). Here are the key takeaways:
Recovery and Squad Dynamics
Postecoglou highlighted how the team benefited from a rare midweek without fixtures:
Focus on Recovery: “The main driver was recovery rather than anything else. We’ve been on a cycle of games every two or three days. It gave the guys a couple of days off, then back to it.”
Injury Updates: Destiny Udogie’s hamstring injury is expected to sideline him for six weeks. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended, while several others remain unavailable due to injuries and illness.
Transfer Plans
Postecoglou addressed the January transfer window:
“The club is working hard to bolster the squad. January is a challenging period, but we want to bring in players who truly fit our style rather than making hasty decisions.”
Newcastle United: A Formidable Opponent
Looking ahead to the Newcastle game:
Respect for the Opponent: “Newcastle are a good side, in great form, and always give us a tough match. We haven’t achieved the results we wanted recently, but we’re confident in our quality and approach.”
Players in Focus
Dominic Solanke: Postecoglou praised the forward’s contributions, saying, “Dom has been outstanding in every aspect – defensively, in link-up play, and scoring goals. He’s carrying a significant load and showing immense character.”
Newcomers and Settling In: On integrating new players, Postecoglou emphasized patience and support, particularly from senior players like Son Heung-min.
Injury Management and Fixture Congestion
Spurs have been hit by several re-injuries, which Postecoglou attributed to the intense schedule and the team’s playing style.
Vicario Update: The goalkeeper remains on track for a return in late February after fracturing his ankle in November.
Reflection on 2024 and Ambitions for 2025
Postecoglou acknowledged the progress made despite challenges:
“We finished fifth last season after finishing eighth the year before. It’s about continuous improvement and making 2025 even better.”
The Week Ahead
Energy Boost: A clear week allowed players to recharge mentally and physically, which Postecoglou believes has been beneficial despite the squad’s limited numbers.
Upcoming Fixtures: The manager’s focus remains on Newcastle, with no major selection dilemmas despite the looming Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool next week.
