Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, addressed the media on Friday in preparation for their upcoming Premier League match against Everton. This will be Tottenham’s first home game of the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Postecoglou is eager for his team to secure their first win after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Leicester City earlier in the week.
Postecoglou began by discussing recent developments within the squad. He highlighted the availability of Wilson Odobert, a new signing from Burnley for £30 million. Odobert, a French attacker, recently obtained his work permit and is now eligible to compete against Everton. However, Postecoglou also mentioned concerns regarding Rodrigo Bentancur, who sustained a head injury during the Leicester match and is undergoing concussion protocol, meaning he will likely miss the upcoming game. Pedro Porro, another player injured during the Leicester match, showed signs of recovery and was seen in training during the week.
One noticeable absence from training videos was Dominic Solanke, Tottenham’s new £65 million striker. Fans were concerned about his whereabouts, speculating he might have fallen victim to Tottenham’s notorious injury streak. Postecoglou assured the media that Solanke had sustained an ankle injury early in the previous game, which worsened the day after. Although the injury isn’t severe, it will keep him out of the upcoming match against Everton, and his return will depend on his recovery over the international break.
Throughout the press conference, Postecoglou emphasized the ongoing evolution of Tottenham’s squad. He acknowledged that while significant work has been done in reshaping the team over the past year, including the acquisition of players like Odobert and Solanke, there’s still room for further adjustments before the transfer window closes. Postecoglou stressed that every signing is made with the intention of contributing meaningfully to the team’s immediate success.
Regarding tactical considerations, Postecoglou highlighted the versatility and impact potential of Wilson Odobert, whom Tottenham targeted early in the summer due to his abilities as a winger capable of playing across different positions. He praised Odobert’s development from his early career at PSG to his recent experiences in Ligue 1 and the Premier League, emphasizing his dribbling skills and attacking prowess.
In terms of other team updates, Postecoglou mentioned the fitness of Richarlison, who is ready to start if needed, and reiterated his cautious approach with Bentancur’s recovery process. He also mentioned the availability of Bissouma and emphasized the importance of having a robust squad to manage various situations throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Tottenham faces Everton with some key players unavailable due to injuries, but Postecoglou remains optimistic about his squad’s depth and their ability to secure their first victory of the season. As the press conference concluded, Tottenham’s supporters and the broader football community await further developments in the team’s journey under Postecoglou’s leadership.
