Ange Postecoglou has shared his thoughts on Tottenham’s preparation ahead of the highly anticipated North London Derby against Arsenal, following what he described as an “unusual” two-week break.
The break, which came after Tottenham’s heavy loss to Newcastle, provided the team with some much-needed time to reset.
Postecoglou noted that while the players made the most of the downtime, they are eager to return to action.
He admitted that while it’s good to have a break, particularly during this busy period in football, he generally prefers his team to be playing matches regularly.
“You always prefer playing games, especially during this busy period in football.
But we’ve worked hard during the break and are now looking forward to getting back on the pitch,” he said.
Reflecting on the disappointing loss at Newcastle, Postecoglou reassured fans that the team wouldn’t be carrying the weight of that defeat into the upcoming derby.
He emphasized that while the players have learned from the experience, it is not something they will be focusing on as they prepare for Arsenal.
“It’s not something we’ll dwell on. The players have learned a lot from that game, but in a derby, what happened in the past is irrelevant, the focus is on the task ahead.”
Postecoglou also addressed the injury to key player Destiny Udogie, expressing disappointment at his absence from the squad.
He acknowledged Udogie’s significance to the team and his impressive contributions to their season so far.
“It’s unfortunate for Destiny and for us as a team. He’s been a key part of our season,” Postecoglou said.
However, he provided some relief by confirming that Udogie’s surgery was successful, and the player is expected to be ready for pre-season training.
On a more positive note, Postecoglou announced that Pedro Porro and Richarlison, two important players, had been able to train throughout the week and would be available for selection in the derby.
Looking ahead to the derby against Arsenal and Tottenham’s upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool, Postecoglou framed these matches as important opportunities to assess the team’s progress.
He emphasized that each match offers a chance to see how well the team is performing, especially against top-tier opponents.
“Every game is an opportunity to gauge our progress.
I have a good idea of where we stand and what we need to improve.
These games are a chance to measure ourselves against the teams we want to consistently challenge,” Postecoglou said.
He also expressed excitement about hosting the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
For Postecoglou, the significance of this part of the season is not just about individual matches but about playing with a purpose.
He highlighted how crucial it is for his team to be involved in important games.
“At this stage of the season, you want to be playing for something significant.
The upcoming games are important, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we measure up.
It’s an opportunity to play against top teams and continue our development,” he explained.
When asked if the North London Derby is the biggest match of his tenure so far, Postecoglou underlined his consistent approach to every game, stating that each match is treated with equal seriousness.
He emphasized that he’s instilled this mindset in the team, ensuring that they approach every game as though it is the most important one.
However, he acknowledged the special significance of the derby, particularly for the fans.
“I treat every game with the utmost seriousness.
I’ve tried to instill that mindset in the team. Every game should feel like the biggest one.
That said, I understand the significance of the derby and what it means to the fans.
It will be a tough, intense match in a fantastic atmosphere,” Postecoglou said.
Lastly, he praised Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta for the impressive work they’ve done in recent seasons.
Postecoglou commended Arteta’s leadership and the club’s support for him in building a team capable of long-term success.
“Arteta has done an outstanding job.
The club recognized him as the right person to lead them forward, and they’ve supported him in building a team capable of sustained success.
They’ve been challenging for the top for the past couple of years, and that speaks to their discipline and vision,” Postecoglou concluded.