Postecoglou Addresses Wenger, Injury Concerns, and Kulusevski’s Importance for Tottenham’s UEL Semifinal Clash
Tottenham Hotspur has had a season to forget in the Premier League 2024/25 as they currently stand 16th on the table. With the Europa League as their only hope to clinch a UCL spot next year, they go into the second leg of the semi-final with a comfortable lead.
Manager Ange Postecoglou has had a brutal season, injury-wise wise with absentees in the back line majority of the season. However, making it to the final four, the fans back at the Lane might just put everything past them if they win the Europa League.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had some interesting comments last week following Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur’s UEFA qualifications.
Suggesting the clubs aren’t at the level to play in the UCL, Wenger questioned the system recently. He expressed concern about Tottenham and Manchester United’s potential entry into Europe’s elite competition through the Europa League.
Replying to these comments, Spurs manager Postecoglou called it a debate that’s been going on for years. Talking about what he makes of the Wengers’ suggestions, the Australian manager in his presser said:
“Well, I mean that’s a debate that’s been raging for years, like at least the last eight days. I’ve never heard that before, so.. I’ve said it before, mate, Spurs do crazy things to people. It does, it does.”
“You put that club into any sentence or any issue, and invariably, they all come out and try and diminish as much as they can. Why wasn’t there an issue before, and is it an issue now? What’s the difference? I don’t understand what the difference is.”
Speaking further in his conference, Postecoglou addressed the injury situations ahead of the semi-final against Bodø/Glimt. Ruling out the big stars like Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison, Postecoglou also informed that Heung Min-Son hasn’t travelled with the squad, he said:
“Disappointing for Sonny. He was pushing hard. He has progressed, there’s the possibility of him getting some game time on the weekend for us, but he hasn’t trained with the team yet, but he is progressing, so we’ll just wait and see how he goes.”
In the absence of their performing midfielders, Postecoglou was asked about relying on Dejan Kulusevski. The Swedish started this season around the midfield and has switched positions on the upper side of the pitch. Postecoglou wants Kulusevski to step up to the occasion, as he spoke on his availability:
“Certainly it’s good to have Deki available because with Lucas and Madders, who are different players obviously, but very creative, going down in the same week. It’s great that Deki’s back. He missed a lot of football, and it always takes a while to get his rhythm, and I feel like he’s been getting stronger with every game.”
Tottenham Hotspur has had a stumbling campaign inside and off the pitch this year. With tensions rising with their board members and the club possibly at its lowest in the English League, changes at the Lane could be predicted over this summer.
Being in a commanding position in the second leg with a goal advantage over Bodø/Glimt, Postecoglou will take UEL as his last hope to stay at Tottenham. However, with sides like Manchester United and Athletic Club chasing from the other side, Spurs and Postecoglou have a big tide to surf in the finals of the competition.
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