‘He’s fit’: Ange Postecoglou says ‘quality’ Tottenham player is available for the Europa League final
Ange Postecoglou has shared his enthusiasm over the timely return to fitness of one of Tottenham Hotspur’s key players ahead of the highly anticipated Europa League final.
As Spurs prepare to face Manchester United with the hope of ending a 17-year wait for silverware, the manager’s optimism is clearly boosted by the presence of Richarlison in the matchday squad.
The Brazilian forward, who has endured a season riddled with injuries, is now fit and available, and Postecoglou believes he could play a crucial role on the biggest night of the club’s season.
Throughout the campaign, Richarlison has battled with multiple setbacks that have kept him on the sidelines more often than not.
His inability to string together a consistent run of games has not only hampered his momentum but also left Tottenham short of options in the attacking third at critical moments.
Despite these challenges, the 27-year-old has shown remarkable resilience, working tirelessly behind the scenes to regain his fitness.
His commitment has not gone unnoticed, especially by his head coach, who has praised the player’s determination to contribute when it matters most.
Postecoglou acknowledged the emotional and physical toll Richarlison’s injury troubles have taken on him since joining the club.
However, he made it clear that the forward’s current condition reflects a renewed energy and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Speaking ahead of the final, the manager pointed to Richarlison’s standout performance in the semi-final against Bodo/Glimt as evidence of his value to the squad.
His presence brings a unique edge to Tottenham’s attacking unit—a blend of grit, passion, and flair that sets him apart from his teammates.
While Tottenham are reportedly open to offers for Richarlison in the summer, with his former club Everton expressing interest, Postecoglou is focused solely on the present.
The task at hand is immense, and having a player with Richarlison’s intensity and quality available could prove decisive.
The manager’s comments reveal genuine admiration for the way the Brazilian has handled adversity and his eagerness to rise to the occasion when the stakes are at their highest.
Richarlison’s journey to the final has been anything but straightforward. Having struggled to establish himself due to recurring injuries, he has faced criticism and uncertainty regarding his future.
But his work ethic and unwavering commitment to the team have allowed him to regain both his fitness and the trust of the coaching staff.
Postecoglou values the emotional drive that Richarlison brings to the pitch—his relentless attitude, the way he throws himself into challenges, and the hunger that pushes him to prove his worth, especially in moments that define a season.
Unfortunately, not all the news leading into the final has been positive for Tottenham. The club will have to make do without several important players, including young midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who has failed to recover from an ankle injury in time for the clash.
Despite making significant progress in his rehabilitation, the Swedish international has been officially ruled out. His absence will be felt, especially given the impact he’s made since joining the squad.
Adding to Spurs’ injury woes, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are also unavailable, leaving Postecoglou with fewer options as he prepares for what could be a defining night in his managerial tenure at the club.
These injuries have forced the manager to rely on squad depth and adaptability, traits that Tottenham have gradually developed over the course of the season.
The road to the final has been a test of Tottenham’s resilience, both as a team and individually. Richarlison’s story embodies that journey—riddled with setbacks but driven by hope and the ambition to contribute when it matters most.
As the team lines up against Manchester United with a trophy on the line, all eyes will be on the Brazilian to see if he can deliver a performance worthy of the occasion.
Postecoglou’s faith in his player is unwavering, and with Richarlison now fit and focused, Spurs head into the final with a key weapon in their arsenal.
The match not only represents an opportunity for Tottenham to end a lengthy trophy drought but also a moment of redemption for a player who has fought his way back from the margins.