Tottenham players paying the price for Ange ball revolution
Ange Postecoglou’s high-intensity training regimen and tactical approach at Tottenham Hotspur seem to inevitably lead to muscle injuries among the players.
The return of Rodrigo Bentancur to the Tottenham XI on New Year’s Eve, about six weeks ahead of schedule, provided a boost. However, this positive development was short-lived when Pape Sarr became the next player under Postecoglou’s management to suffer an injury within just half an hour of Bentancur’s return.
Postecoglou acknowledged the recurring trend after the 3-1 win against Bournemouth, highlighting the recurrent pattern: one player returns, another gets sidelined. Tottenham’s roster seems to suffer setbacks almost as soon as a player returns from injury or suspension.
The recent victory against Bournemouth, propelling Spurs within a point of fourth-placed Arsenal, was marred by yet another injury. Substitute Alejo Veliz, facing a potential starting debut against Burnley in the FA Cup, ended up in tears due to injury. Departing the stadium on crutches with a brace on his right leg, Veliz faced unfortunate timing and a cruel setback.
While many Spurs fans bemoan the recurring misfortune, Postecoglou approaches the squad’s unending injuries from a more pragmatic perspective.
Throughout the season, a string of key players like Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, Cristian Romero, Richarlison, Brennan Johnson, Giovani Lo Celso, Ashley Phillips, and Bentancur have spent substantial periods on the sidelines. Additionally, shorter-term muscle strains have affected players like Sarr, Destiny Udogie, and Eric Dier.
Beyond sheer bad luck, these injury setbacks tend to compound, causing a domino effect. When multiple players are sidelined simultaneously, the strain on the remaining players amplifies, leading to a heightened risk of further injuries.
Postecoglou, however, comprehends that injuries are an inevitable outcome of the transformation in playing style he’s instilling at the club.
Similar instances occurred during Postecoglou’s tenure at Celtic, where six players suffered hamstring injuries at a comparable stage of his revolution there.
The Australian manager emphasizes high-intensity training and relentless playing styles, acknowledging that muscle injuries, especially, are an understandable consequence as players adapt to the physical demands of ‘Ange-ball.’
As Spurs adapt to Postecoglou’s approach, it’s anticipated that over time, there should be a reduction in muscle injuries. Nonetheless, Postecoglou emphasizes the need for a stronger squad and more depth to enable effective player rotation and prevent overexertion.
Postecoglou’s experience at Yokohama F Marinos reveals that injury issues eased in the second year, but resurfaced in the third season, highlighting the persistent consequences of his style of play without adequate squad depth.
Confident of Maddison, Van de Ven, and Bentancur’s potential return this month, Spurs face a continued challenge as they also lose key players due to international commitments, further straining the squad’s depth and resilience.
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