Sports

Postecoglou evokes “four leaders” after AZ’s victory


Tottenham boss Anji Post Koglow praised the four leaders of his team as the Spurs kept the season alive with a 3-2 total victory over Az Alkmaar to reach the quarterfinals of the Europa League.

Vice President James Madison, hoping to join Thomas Touchel’s first England team, started together for the first time since October, as leadership group Guglielmo Viario, Christian Romero, Madison and captain son Henmin.

“I think all four of these leaders felt like the time we were here. It was really tough for them. It was really tough for us all, the whole club, especially the players,” Postcoglo said.

“It’s the first time someone has said since October. We had four leaders in the park: Vicario, Romero, Madison, Sony. This year we were dependent on one or two of them, but putting all four of them there makes a difference for us.

“We all thought they guided the team well. We looked like ourselves, but we still have levels as players like Romero, Mickey (Van de Venn), Wilson O’Dobert and Dom (Solanke) are still building their paths to fitness and matching sharpness.

“The quarterfinals are three and a half weeks away, so we have the opportunity to speed up these guys in the game.”

The Spurs are 13th in the Premier League, down from both domestic cup competitions.

So the victory in Europe was important on Thursday night, and they still managed to qualify for the Champions League by winning the competition. They are now facing Entracht Frankfurt on two legs next month.

Postecoglou added: “I think the way we handled it tonight is important. Just as you try to block the noise on the outside and it doesn’t bother me, I’m sure I knew that the players and the whole club were a big night for us tonight.

“When you’re already down 1-0, you can really worry about it, but I didn’t feel that. I thought the youngsters handled it beautifully until we gave them their first goal.

“Yeah, it was a big night so I couldn’t be satisfied with the way players tackle it, and that’s what they’re doing.

“I think we consistently said that when we were at our best, we can compete with anyone.

“We’re now getting the opportunity to develop some players, and hopefully we still have some important talent and they could come back. It all helps us get to the level we need.”



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