Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a crucial Europa League last-16 first-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar today.
Ahead of the trip to the Netherlands today, the Australian boss found himself batting away an odd line of questioning from a reporter, who seemed more interested in midfielder Yves Bissouma’s holiday snaps than the match at hand.
Spurs have had a bumpy ride this season under Postecoglou’s watch. Sitting 13th in the Premier League, their hopes of Champions League football next term hinge on lifting the Europa League trophy, a prize that would mark their first silverware since 2008.
Early in the campaign, Postecoglou boldly declared his intent to “win a trophy in my second season,” a promise he’s delivered on at previous clubs. With the Europa League now their only shot at glory, the stakes are sky-high.
But instead of probing tactics or team news for the AZ clash, one journalist zeroed in on Bissouma’s recent Instagram posts from a ski resort. “I assume you gave the players a couple of days off?” the reporter asked.
Postecoglou didn’t hold back. “Seriously, what sort of question is that?” he fired back, before dripping sarcasm: “No, I didn’t. We were training, but he decided to go skiing… Come on, mate, you’re better than that!”
Undeterred, the reporter pressed on: “Did he actually go skiing?” Postecoglou’s response was blunt. “Well, he obviously did,” he said. “I don’t worry about those things, mate. They’re adults, they’re human beings, they had a couple of days off. They can choose to use that time wisely to be ready for what’s ahead. You hope they’re sensible, but I’ve got no concerns, and he’s fine.”
Bissouma, fresh from his alpine getaway, is in contention to face AZ, a side Spurs edged 1-0 back in October’s league phase.
Postecoglou also confirmed a major boost for the squad, with center-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, plus striker Dominic Solanke, all traveling after recent injuries. “All three have been training well,” he said. “I’ll decide how many minutes they get, but it’s great to have them back. They’ve been frustrated on the sidelines, but they’re ready to help.”
He pointed to the recent returns of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert, and James Maddison as proof of the lift returning players can provide. “You’ve seen the impact they’ve had, these guys will be just as important,” he added.
Spurs are chasing history in Europe, and Postecoglou senses the hunger in his camp. “The players really understand there’s a great opportunity here,” he said. “This club hasn’t done well in this competition lately, but it’s a major European trophy. We’re in the last 16, and we’ll see how far we can take it. Whatever happens in the first leg, we’ve got to keep the tie alive for the return at Tottenham.”
A recent X update from Tottenham’s official account confirmed the squad’s arrival in the Netherlands, with a photo of Postecoglou looking focused alongside the traveling players. Meanwhile, Bissouma posted a cryptic caption, “Back to business”, alongside a training snap, suggesting he’s put the skis away and is locked in for the fight ahead.
AZ won’t be pushovers, but with key men returning and Postecoglou’s fire on full display, Spurs are ready to scrap for every inch in this knockout showdown.
