Tottenham Boss Postecoglou Provides Injury Updates and Addresses Job Pressure

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has addressed the media, providing updates on injuries, job pressure, and sending a message to 'angry' fans ahead of the Europa League clash against IF Elfsborg.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the media ahead of the Europa League clash against IF Elfsborg, providing updates on team news and injuries. Postecoglou confirmed that Micky van de Ven is available for selection, stating, “Micky (van de Ven) is good to go, so we will try and get him some minutes tomorrow. He has had a good week/10 days training, and he's in good condition, so he's fine.”

However, Postecoglou also revealed that James Maddison will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks due to a calf strain. He added, “Pape Sarr is OK, he's got a niggle, but he's OK and available. Yves Bissouma is available. I think that is it for tomorrow night at this stage.” When questioned about the pressure he is under, given reports of his job being at risk, Postecoglou remained calm, saying, “Me personally? No different to any other game. It's a game we want to win, and we'll go into it with the same intent.”

Postecoglou emphasized the importance of winning the Europa League match, stating, “It's a competition we've done really well in, we're in a great position, and we want to solidify that position and finish in the top eight. It's in our hands tomorrow night. A win makes it certain, a draw will probably be good enough as well. Finishing in the top eight for us is hugely important because it gives us a good foothold in the tournament, but also gives us a couple of weeks where we don't have midweek games, and at this point, is really important.”

The Tottenham manager also provided an update on Cristian Romero's fitness, revealing that he is close to returning to the squad. Postecoglou said, “Cristian is still a bit of a slow burner. We are mindful that his injury was just a bit different, and he's still got to tick a few boxes. He's not for the horizon at the moment in terms of this weekend; we'll see how he goes after.” Finally, Postecoglou addressed the “angry” fans who are questioning his leadership, sending a message of reassurance and commitment to turning the season around.

Our final @EuropaLeague fixture of the league phase is up next ⏩ pic.twitter.com/p1bMxhoBdT

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 29, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the concerns of the team's fans, emphasizing that he represents all Spurs supporters, not just those who are angry or frustrated. He reassured fans that the team is working hard to turn their season around, stating, “My message would be to all Spurs fans because I represent all Spurs fans, not just the angry ones that you are referring to. We are working hard to turn this around. We know the situation, and we are notwithstanding the fact that the possibilities and opportunities in the second half of the season are very much in our hands to capitalize on and make it a successful season.”

High praise for Lucas Bergvall 🤍 pic.twitter.com/GQ6CeikzXE

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 29, 2025

When asked if he feels he has received sufficient backing from the board during the January transfer window, Postecoglou expressed his appreciation for the support he has received. He said, “Everyone is trying their utmost. I don't think anyone is working against me. I don't think anyone wants me to fail. In this kind of situation, it's a tough gig being a manager because you can be very isolated, you can be very vulnerable - I don't feel that. The playing group and the people I work with are doing their utmost to guide us through this. From my perspective, my focus is firmly on what I can control, and what I can control is making sure I'm preparing a team for a really big game tonight.”

Regarding potential incomings before the transfer window closes, Postecoglou provided an update on the team's efforts to bring in new players. He stated, “I would be disingenuous if I said anything other than, right now, nothing is imminent. That doesn't mean that opportunities are being explored. Traditionally, the last few days of any window tend to be frenetic, and I expect us to be involved in that. Does that mean anything will get concluded? I can't commit to that. I'm a bit of a distance from it, but the information and dialogue I have is that we are exploring all the opportunities to bring some help in for the players.”