Postecoglou reveals exciting news about Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has provided clarity on the availability of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for the upcoming Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

The Australian tactician also shed light on his decision to leave the defensive duo on the bench during the first leg of Tottenham’s Europa League encounter against AZ Alkmaar. Both players traveled with the squad to the Netherlands but remained unused substitutes as Spurs suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the AFAS Stadium.

Postecoglou explained that his cautious approach stemmed from concerns over the condition of the pitch in Alkmaar, which raised fears of potential re-injury for the two defenders. The Tottenham boss emphasized that his decisions are heavily influenced by detailed medical feedback and a comprehensive understanding of each player’s fitness levels.

He revealed that the state of the playing surface, combined with the specific demands of the match, made it unnecessary to risk Romero and Van de Ven in a game where the primary objective was to score goals rather than rely on defensive reinforcements.

Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, Postecoglou reiterated his rationale for managing the pair carefully. He acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding his decisions but stressed that his choices are based on a wealth of information that is not publicly available.

“Anyone who hasn’t played for the amount of time they have and in the positions they play, it just didn’t make sense for us,” he said. “It wasn’t that kind of game where we needed central defenders. We were trying to score goals, so in my mind, there was no point.”

The 59-year-old manager also addressed the broader criticism of his decision-making process, particularly in light of the team’s recent injury woes. He pointed out that external observers only have a fraction of the information he possesses, which informs every choice he makes.

“If people think I am just going out there and making decisions on what I feel or my gut, then I don’t think you understand the position I am in and all the information I have,” he added. “I have all the information, and I am sure if I shared it, which I can’t for various reasons, you might sit back and say, ‘totally understand that.’”

When questioned about the potential involvement of Romero and Van de Ven in the second leg against AZ Alkmaar, Postecoglou expressed optimism. “Oh, I would say so, for sure, yeah. Maybe even Sunday, we’ll see how things go,” he remarked.

This statement has sparked speculation about whether the defensive pair could feature against Bournemouth, though their prolonged absence from competitive action raises doubts about their ability to handle two matches in quick succession.

Given the delicate nature of their recoveries, it seems unlikely that Postecoglou will risk starting either Romero or Van de Ven against Bournemouth. The physical demands of playing two high-intensity games within four days could prove too much for players who have only recently returned to full training. Instead, the Tottenham manager may opt to continue with Kevin Danso and Archie Gray, who have stepped up in the absence of the first-choice defenders.

Danso, in particular, has impressed since joining the club, showcasing his composure and defensive acumen. Gray, a promising young talent, has also demonstrated his potential, earning the trust of the coaching staff. Their performances have provided Postecoglou with viable options as he navigates a challenging period marked by injuries and fixture congestion.

As Tottenham prepare to face Bournemouth, the focus will be on securing a much-needed victory to bolster their Premier League campaign. The Cherries, managed by Andoni Iraola, have proven to be a tough opponent in recent encounters, and Spurs will need to be at their best to overcome them. Postecoglou’s tactical decisions, particularly in defense, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.

The return of Romero and Van de Ven, even if not immediate, offers a glimmer of hope for Tottenham’s defensive stability. Their experience and quality could prove invaluable as the team looks to navigate a packed schedule and compete on multiple fronts.

For now, however, Postecoglou’s priority will be to manage their reintegration carefully, ensuring they are fully fit and ready to contribute when called upon.

In the meantime, the likes of Danso and Gray will have the opportunity to further cement their places in the squad, showcasing their abilities and proving their worth to the manager. As the season progresses, the depth of Tottenham’s squad will be tested, and the contributions of every player will be vital in achieving the team’s objectives.

Postecoglou’s meticulous approach to player management and his willingness to make tough decisions underscore his commitment to long-term success. While his choices may attract criticism, they are rooted in a deep understanding of the game and a clear vision for the future.

As Tottenham fans eagerly await the return of their star defenders, they can take solace in the knowledge that their manager is working tirelessly to ensure the team’s sustained progress and competitiveness.