Postecoglou Confirms Return of Key Spurs Trio Ahead of New Season
Ange Postecoglou, the newly appointed Tottenham Hotspur head coach, has provided an update on the fitness and availability of three crucial players as the team intensifies preparations for the upcoming season.
Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Rodrigo Bentancur are all expected to rejoin the squad in the coming days, giving Spurs a significant boost as they look to build momentum ahead of the new campaign.
Dragusin’s Return: A Timely Boost
The return of 22-year-old Romanian defender Radu Dragusin to the squad earlier this week has been a welcome development for Postecoglou. Dragusin made his first pre-season appearance in a match against the K-League All Stars on Wednesday, adding much-needed depth to a defensive line that has been makeshift for most of the summer.
With Dragusin back in action, the pressure eases somewhat on Tottenham’s defensive setup, which has been stretched thin due to the absence of key players like Romero and van de Ven. Dragusin’s return also offers Postecoglou more flexibility in his tactical approach, allowing him to experiment with different defensive combinations as the team gears up for the new season.
Key Players Set to Rejoin the Squad
The imminent return of Micky van de Ven, who recently featured in the Euros for the Netherlands, and the South American trio of Romero, Giovani Lo Celso, and Bentancur, who participated in the Copa America, will further bolster the squad. These players are essential to Tottenham’s plans for the upcoming season, and their reintegration into the squad is expected to happen seamlessly.
With just over two weeks remaining before the start of the Premier League season, there might be some concerns about whether these players will have enough time to regain full match fitness. However, Postecoglou has dismissed such worries, expressing confidence that they will quickly be back up to speed.
Postecoglou’s Confidence in Players’ Fitness
Speaking to Football.London, Postecoglou addressed the issue of getting these key players match-ready: “I don’t think it’ll be too challenging because, you know, they’ve only both of them sort of had three weeks off and you know, both Micky and Cuti and Rodrigo will be back all this week.”
He added that the players have maintained good preparation during their time off, which will help them transition smoothly back into the squad. “We know they’ll be looking after themselves, and we’ve still got two weeks before the season starts. So that’s still a fair chunk of time for us to get them ready for the start of the season and beyond,” he said.
Postecoglou also noted that it’s not just about getting ready for the first game but ensuring that the players are prepared for the long season ahead. He cited Dragusin’s quick adaptation upon returning as a positive sign, suggesting that the others will also reintegrate smoothly.
The Road Ahead: Fitness and Transfer Market
With Romero, van de Ven, and Bentancur expected to rejoin training at Hotspur Way next week, Tottenham fans can look forward to seeing them in action during the upcoming friendly against Bayern Munich at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 10. This match will provide a crucial opportunity for the trio to get valuable minutes under their belts before the season kicks off.
As Postecoglou looks to fine-tune his squad, the focus will also be on potential new signings. The transfer window remains open, and there is a sense of urgency for Spurs to make further moves to strengthen their squad. The team’s performance in pre-season, coupled with the return of key players, will likely influence the club’s strategy in the transfer market.
Conclusion
The return of Romero, van de Ven, and Bentancur is undoubtedly a significant boost for Tottenham Hotspur as they prepare for the new season. Postecoglou’s confidence in their readiness and the positive signs from Dragusin’s return suggest that Spurs will be well-equipped to start the campaign strongly. With the clock ticking on the transfer window, the coming days could be crucial for the club’s ambitions, both on and off the pitch.
