Tottenham Hotspur manager Postecoglou has made positive and firm remarks about the upcoming North London derby in his pre-match press conference. He began by confirming the overall fitness of the squad following the international day, and apart from Bissouma, who is undergoing treatment, all the other players are in good shape, including Solanke, who is new to first-team training. Speaking about the possible absence of Rodrigo Bentancur, the Po said he was not surprised by the FA's allegations and will await the outcome of the investigation.
On the upcoming match against Arsenal, Postecoglou emphasized the intensity of the rivalry, noting that both clubs are going through their own new cycles of building. He believes that Spurs are capable of challenging all their opponents, including Arsenal, who are seen as title contenders for Manchester City. The Poacher said that the team is fully prepared and will give their best whenever the game arrives.
Speaking about the significance of the derby, Postecoglou believes that it is not just a soccer match but epitomizes the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. He recalled the two derbies last season, saying that Tottenham were excellent on the road, while at home they suffered a difficult first half, but the game was still full of spectacle. Posh emphasized that the derbies mean a lot to the fans and the club, but what is more important is the team's performance on the field.
Looking ahead to the potential impact of the game, Postecoglou believes that a win will give the team a huge amount of belief and confidence, but it won't change the trajectory of the entire season. He emphasized that there are no shortcuts to success and that one must work consistently to maintain a high level of performance. At the same time, he touched on what makes Arsenal difficult to play against, including consistency, approach and mentality, but is confident that Tottenham have a chance to show what they are made of in the competition.
Postecoglou has expressed his views on controlling fan expectations. He believes that every game should be played to the fullest and there should be no fear or dread of any outcome. He encouraged the players and fans to keep a positive mindset and believe that the team can overcome their opponents. At the same time, he also mentioned the relationship between the players, especially the misunderstanding between Rodrigo Bentancur and Son, stating that the two have communicated about the matter and respect each other's position.
In the end, Postecoglou recognized the team's performance and believed that good results will come if they stick to the basics. He emphasized that the team must remain disciplined and stick to the way they play in order to get a good result in 38 matches. At the same time, he also expressed his regret for Jed Spence, who failed to make the 23-man squad for the UEFA Cup, but believes that he will be given more chances in the coming matches.
