‘Tough’: Postecoglou admits that outstanding Tottenham player desperately needs a rest

After an intense final stretch of the transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur now turns its attention to a crucial clash against Liverpool, a match that could define their season.

Ange Postecoglou’s squad receives a timely boost with the arrivals of Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, two players who add much-needed depth and versatility to the team. Tel, in particular, might be handed his Tottenham debut at Anfield, potentially stepping in for Richarlison.

The 19-year-old loanee from Bayern Munich possesses the ability to operate as a central striker or an inside forward on the left, a position currently occupied by Son Heung-min.

Son, however, has struggled to reach his usual high standards this season, a concern Postecoglou subtly acknowledged during his pre-match press conference.

The manager praised the South Korean’s contributions, describing his performances as outstanding, but also admitted that the relentless schedule has taken a toll on the 32-year-old forward. Injuries have plagued Spurs throughout the campaign, limiting Postecoglou’s ability to rotate his squad and forcing key players like Son to endure an exhausting workload.

Postecoglou, speaking to Football London, highlighted the immense physical and mental burden Son has shouldered this season. The coach pointed out that Son’s exceptional display against Brentford was largely due to the fact that he played only 45 minutes in the previous match.

Had Tottenham been in a position to manage his minutes more effectively, Son might have been able to maintain peak performance levels throughout the season.

Despite the challenges, Postecoglou emphasized that Son remains fully committed, recognizing the opportunity for success that lies ahead for both himself and the club.

Tottenham initially intended for Wilson Odobert to share responsibilities with Son on the left wing, easing the veteran forward’s workload. However, injuries and squad limitations have forced the team into a grueling campaign, with several key players—including Dejan Kulusevski—showing signs of fatigue. The team has been stretched to its limits, with little room for rotation due to the injury crisis that has plagued their season.

Despite these setbacks, Tottenham remains hopeful for a strong finish to the campaign, particularly with reinforcements expected to return in the coming weeks.

The squad’s depth has been severely tested, but with new additions and potential comebacks, Postecoglou aims to navigate this difficult period and keep Spurs competitive on all fronts.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Current Squad Situation

With a challenging fixture list ahead, Postecoglou must carefully manage his squad while integrating new signings like Tel and Danso. The upcoming match against Liverpool presents a formidable test, but Spurs remain determined to fight for success despite the adversity they have faced throughout the season.