Ange Postecoglou says it’s no shock that Tottenham Hotspur are getting again to successful methods now their injured gamers are beginning to return to health, after progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals with victory over AZ Alkmaar.
Tottenham had been in a position to begin with each Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero within the coronary heart of their defence for the primary time since a 4-3 residence defeat to Chelsea within the Premier League again in December for his or her essential last-16 second-leg tie with AZ.
The pair helped the hosts beat the Eredivisie aspect 3-1 on the night time (3-2 on mixture) to arrange a quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt, with Postecoglou fast to level out the significance of lastly seeing a few of his injured stars again taking part in once more.
“It’s no coincidence that we’re getting some of our key players back,” he stated after the match. “Additionally the blokes are getting some respectable restoration between video games.
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Sky Sports activities’ Will Bitabiri and James Cole talk about Tottenham Hotspur’s essential win over AZ Alkmaar within the Europa League that sees the North London aspect progress to the Europa League quarter-finals.
“I’m able to change the team a fair bit. Don’t forget, Sonny [Heung-Min Son] and [James] Maddison didn’t start on the weekend [in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth]. We can do these things that allow us to prepare the team properly.”
With the last-eight assembly with Frankfurt not till April, Postecoglou now has some essential time to construct up these returning gamers’ health ranges.
Odobert gave Tottenham the lead
“We did look more like ourselves, but we’ve still got levels to go because I still think guys like Romero, Micky, Wilson [Odobert], Dom [Solanke] and all these guys are still building their way back up to match fitness and match sharpness,” he added.
“It’s why they’re here, they’re quality players. Romero and Micky make such a big difference to us and you saw Wilson, we’ve hardly had him this year, what a super talent he is.
“I assume with the quarter-finals nearly three and a half weeks away, it is an excellent alternative for us to get these guys in control for that sport.”
Overall, the Australian was delighted with how his players performed on a night when the pressure really was on the hosts, with their season on the line having exited both domestic cup competitions, while they are languishing down in 13th place in the Premier League.
“I am tremendous happy we progressed, which was the principle factor, performed fairly effectively as effectively, we had been actually answerable for the sport, however we’re our personal worst enemy at occasions,” he said.
“After we had been in management, we allow them to again into the sport and it bought a bit nervy in the direction of the top, however we completely deserved to progress.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison celebrates scoring the workforce’s second aim
“We were in control for most of it, playing some good football, playing in their half, they hardly created a chance on goal, we then got our goals, but gave away a silly goal after a mix up and it got a bit nervy.
“We bought a very good third, had an opportunity to get a fourth and kill the sport off, however it’s a European tie, everyone seems to be on edge and in the long run we wished to progress and that’s what we did.
“We scored a great goal from the press and started the second half really well, really should’ve put the tie away in the first 15-20 minutes, but super pleased for the boys.”
Maddison: We now have not achieved something but
James Maddison celebrates placing Tottenham 2-0 up towards AZ within the second leg
After scoring Spurs’ second aim of the night time, Maddison urged his team-mates to construct on the outcome over the closing months of the season.
“It’s what we set out to do at the start of the two legs. There was a lot of talk after last week’s performance and we were honest with ourselves, we were not good enough,” he instructed TNT Sports activities.
“I knew what we were capable of here in front of our fans and we got the job done.
“We now have not achieved something but, we’re into the quarter-finals and we kick on and sit up for it.
“Over the last few months when we’ve spoken about injuries and missing key players, then tonight, we’re stood in the tunnel and you look at the team and it’s a group of men. When you have the spine of players who are experienced and have played at this level for a long time it makes a difference.
“Micky [Van de Ven] and Cuti [Romero], strong on the again and it was a strong efficiency and we’re deservedly via.
“Wilson Odobert will grab the headlines tonight and rightly so, two goals and he was a threat, and I thought he was absolutely fantastic. I’m going to go give him a big pat on the back.”
