Missing defender, Mathys Tel told off and 5 things we noticed in Spurs training
The Tottenham Hotspur squad returned to the training pitches at Hotspur Way on Wednesday morning, gearing up for their crucial Europa League round of 16 second-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar.
After a disappointing 1-0 defeat in the first leg in the Netherlands, Spurs face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit and secure a spot in the quarter-finals. With the stakes high, Ange Postecoglou and his coaching staff put the players through their final preparations at the Enfield training complex, ensuring they are ready for the challenge ahead.
As the media were granted access to the early stages of the session, several notable observations emerged, offering a glimpse into the mood and dynamics within the squad. Here are five key takeaways from the training session:
Richarlison’s Road to Recovery
One of the first sights at the training ground was Richarlison, who was already out on the pitch working diligently with a fitness coach. The Brazilian forward, recovering from a calf injury, was seen running up and down the grass without a ball, focusing on building his fitness.
Postecoglou took a keen interest in Richarlison’s progress, standing by the fence and observing the session closely. The manager’s attention to the striker’s rehabilitation highlights the importance of his return to the squad, especially as Tottenham look to bolster their attacking options for the remainder of the season.
Absentees and Unavailable Players
The session also revealed a few notable absences, with Kevin Danso joining the list of unavailable players. The center-back, who suffered a muscle injury during the recent draw with Bournemouth, is set for a spell on the sidelines. He joins Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, and Richarlison as players missing from the session.
Despite being unavailable for Thursday’s match, Timo Werner, Antonin Kinsky, Sergio Reguilón, and the suspended Rodrigo Bentancur were present and participated in training, showcasing their commitment to the team’s preparations.
Odd Socks for a Special Cause
A colorful and heartwarming sight during the session was the players wearing brightly colored odd socks. This gesture was in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, which falls on March 21. The initiative added a vibrant touch to the training session, with James Maddison’s choice of yellow and green socks drawing particular attention, possibly nodding to his past connections with Norwich City. The players’ participation in this meaningful campaign reflects the club’s commitment to raising awareness and supporting important causes.
Mathys Tel’s Gentle Reminder
As the players engaged in pressing and touch exercises, Mathys Tel received a gentle but firm reminder from one of the fitness coaches. The young forward appeared to struggle with the rhythm and intensity of the drill, prompting the coach to encourage him to push harder.
In a light-hearted moment, the coach joked with Wilson Odobert, Tel’s partner in the exercise, asking, “Should I ask in French?” before demonstrating the drill at the required intensity. The interaction seemed to motivate Tel, who responded with renewed energy and focus in the subsequent phases of the session.
High Spirits and Team Bonding
Despite the recent dip in confidence following inconsistent results, the players appeared to be in high spirits during the session. The camaraderie and playful interactions between teammates were evident, with Pape Matar Sarr and Cristian Romero sharing a warm embrace shortly after stepping onto the pitch.
Later, Mikey Moore playfully teased Micky van de Ven, refusing to pass the ball to the Dutch defender before eventually giving in and jumping onto his back in a celebratory hug. These moments of levity and bonding underscore the strong team spirit within the squad, which will be crucial as they aim to turn their fortunes around.
As Tottenham prepare for Thursday’s decisive clash against AZ Alkmaar, the training session provided a mix of focus, determination, and camaraderie. Postecoglou’s attention to detail, particularly in monitoring Richarlison’s recovery and ensuring the players are mentally and physically prepared, highlights the importance of the upcoming match.
With the squad in good spirits and key players stepping up, Spurs will be hoping to deliver a performance that not only overturns the first-leg deficit but also reignites their season. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the players are ready to give their all for the badge.