Postecoglou named one Spurs player he doesn’t want taking penalties at all after Maddison-Richarlison incident
Ange Postecoglou expressed his support for James Maddison’s decision to hand over penalty duties to Richarlison during Tottenham’s Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar.
Richarlison’s successful penalty secured a 1-0 victory, preserving Tottenham’s unbeaten run in the competition. The penalty, however, wasn’t without some drama as Maddison, wearing the captain’s armband for the match, initially took charge but then passed the responsibility to Richarlison.
Maddison explained his thought process after the game, emphasizing that he felt Richarlison’s return from injury and need for a confidence boost took priority.
He explained that, although both he and Richarlison were prepared to take the penalty, his decision came down to supporting his teammate. “Initially, we both wanted to take it,” Maddison shared. “I’m a senior player, and I was captain tonight. But I thought it was important for Richarlison, especially after coming back from an injury. A striker’s first goal can be a big boost.”
Maddison continued, highlighting that his choice to give Richarlison the opportunity reflected his approach to leadership, not just because he was captain for the evening.
He noted, “It was a split-second decision to let him take it. It’s leadership, and even if I wasn’t wearing the armband, I’d like to think I’d still make the best decision for the team. Hopefully, this goal will give him the confidence he needs moving forward.”
Postecoglou later addressed the incident, explaining that he has no issue with players making on-the-spot decisions if it benefits the team.
He did add a humorous remark, however, by pointing out the one player he wouldn’t want stepping up for penalties—goalkeeper Fraser Forster. “I was happy with the outcome, mate,” Postecoglou shared with reporters. “I don’t care how they get there. If the ball’s in the back of the net, I’m happy.”
The Australian manager acknowledged that Tottenham has designated penalty-takers and emphasized that both Maddison and Richarlison are highly capable.
“We’ve gone through a process, and both of them are equally good at taking penalties,” he explained. “In this instance, they thought it’d be beneficial for Richy to take it, and I was comfortable with that.”
However, Postecoglou jokingly noted that if the ball had somehow ended up with Fraser Forster, he might have been more concerned. “Maybe if they threw the ball to Fraser, I’d be a bit more worried,” he said, adding with a smile, “though he would probably think he could do it.”
The penalty discussion ended on a light-hearted note, but the focus on team unity and player autonomy remains clear under Postecoglou’s management.
The camaraderie and mutual support showcased by Maddison’s choice reflect the atmosphere Postecoglou has been cultivating at Tottenham—an environment where every player feels trusted to make decisions that put the team first.
Tottenham’s win solidified their strong start in the Europa League, and with Richarlison now off the mark, the squad can look forward to more positive momentum in the games ahead.
Postecoglou’s approach, encouraging players to take responsibility and make selfless choices, appears to be paying off, with Tottenham showing resilience and a shared sense of purpose on the field.
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