Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has hailed manager Ange Postecoglou for shielding the players amid criticism and disappointment.
Despite an underwhelming domestic season – Tottenham sit 17th in the Premier League with just one fixture remaining and have equalled their joint-worst tally of 25 defeats across all competitions since the 1991–92 season – Bissouma says the squad has found stability and unity under Postecoglou’s leadership.
“He’s like a dad or an uncle for us,” Bissouma said. “He always tries to make us understand what he really wants. He’s always protecting us.”
That sense of protection and consistency, the 28-year-old Malian international says, has helped maintain a strong relationship between players and manager, even as results have faltered.
“The relationship has never changed. We have a good connection,” Bissouma added. “He has his ideas, and even when it was difficult to understand at first, he never pointed fingers.”
Postecoglou arrived in North London in 2023 with a bold tactical vision that took time for the squad to adjust to. But even amid inconsistency and injuries-including the recent absence of captain Son Heung-min, who returned in the defeat to Aston Villa – Postecoglou has stayed committed to his process and principles.
That resilience will be tested once more on Wednesday, when Spurs face Manchester United in the Europa League final – a chance to salvage silverware from a season marked by setbacks. Tottenham reached the final after notable victories over AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bodo/Glimt.
For Bissouma, the final presents a personal redemption arc. After a season disrupted by limited playing time and an early suspension – following a viral video controversy involving laughing gas – the midfielder says he’s still learning and determined to contribute.
“This season has been hard for me because I didn’t play much,” he admitted. “But I’ve kept working hard and stayed ready. That’s all you can do – be ready when your team needs you.”
Reflecting on the magnitude of the Europa League final, Bissouma emphasized what’s at stake for both the team and the fans.
“We know what we have to do. We have to win this cup – it means a lot,” he said. “Opportunities like this don’t come every season. For the club, for the supporters, this is something special.”
As Spurs look to end a turbulent season on a high, they will do so under a manager who has remained calm in the storm-and under players like Bissouma who still believe there’s something worth fighting for.
