At the crack of dawn on December 13th, London's clock struck four as Tottenham Hotspur set off on their journey to face Rangers away in the 6th round of the UEFA Cup. In the pre-match press conference, Tottenham's manager, Postecoglou, gave his unique perspective on the upcoming match, the team's recent situation and the atmosphere of the game.
Strategic considerations: the significance of the competition
Postecoglou emphasized that this game is a very important one for him, not only because of the legends of the two teams, but also because a win or a loss will have a direct impact on the team's future in the European competition. He is eager for the game to be a climax and hopes that his team will win and, with that, the door to the knockout rounds will be open.
Vibe Experience: Wanderer's Passion
Postecoglou feels both pressure and anticipation for the electric atmosphere at the Rangers' home ground. He is looking forward to showcasing the team's strengths in such a big game, while believing that such a challenge will be beneficial to the development of the young players.
Injury plague: Romero and van der Ven out
Postecoglou revealed that the team is facing an injury plague, with Romero and van der Ven unavailable due to injuries. This loss has had an impact on the team's lineup, but he is confident that the team can get the job done with the resources available.
Memories of the Past: A Connection with the Rangers
Postecoglou was at the helm of Celtic in Scotland and the confrontation with Rangers brought back memories of his former derby days. He enjoys every match against Rangers and looks forward to recreating the glory on European nights.
Player attitudes: Romero's comments
In response to Romero's post-game comments, Postecoglou said he understands his emotions but doesn't think it was appropriate to express them in public. He has communicated with Romero and received an apology. He emphasized that the issues need to be handled properly within the team.
Lineup Adjustment: An Attempt at a New Lineup
Due to injuries, Postecoglou revealed that the team will try a new lineup configuration. Archie Gray and Bissouma may get a chance at center back, and the team will need to keep adjusting to find a solution to the problem in the upcoming games.
Competitive Outlook: Beyond Financial Limitations
Postecoglou believes that despite the financial gap with some of the top clubs, this should not stop the team from pursuing competitiveness. He wants the team to follow the example of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool and continue to improve and have the potential to become a big club.
The power of emotion: the impact of atmosphere on teams
Postecoglou says he loves the heated atmosphere of the game because it inspires players to fight and be passionate. He believes that it is these emotional ups and downs that make the sport of soccer vivid and meaningful.
