Ange Postecoglou has issued a pointed warning to Heung-min Son following the Tottenham captain’s timely return from injury, with the Europa League final on the horizon and silverware now within touching distance.
Tottenham Hotspur are just eight days away from stepping out onto the pitch at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao for their biggest game of the season.
The Lilywhites are still nursing a couple of injury concerns, with James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall both expected to miss the clash against Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Before that, however, Ange Postecoglou must navigate a tricky Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, where he will need to strike the right balance in selection to ensure his side are prepared for the final without risking further setbacks.
Ange Postecoglou sends warning message to Heung-min Son
Spurs have been handed a significant lift with the return to fitness of Heung-min Son, who is back in contention just in time for their European showdown.
The South Korean forward could feature against Aston Villa this weekend, with Ange Postecoglou keen to give his captain valuable minutes to build rhythm ahead of the trip to Bilbao.
Son will be desperate to make his mark in Europe this time around, having suffered heartbreak in the Champions League final in Madrid six years ago.
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Ange Postecoglou, however, was quick to reiterate that individual sentiment will not outweigh the needs of the team, and selection will be based on what is best for the club.
The manager said as relayed by The Daily Mail: “It comes down to getting him ready to play and then making a decision, he understands better than most what a trophy would do for this football club.
“And for him personally because he’s had an unbelievable career here in which he’s done just about everything.”
Postecoglou urges caution with Son as Spurs chase silverware
Postecoglou continued: “But the key bit, that silverware which every player craves, he knows how significant it would be for the club and him personally.
“So, the fact that he is back available is good. In terms of his fitness, he is progressing well. We should get him some game time against Villa on Friday and, if he trains right through, he should be in a good condition.”
Heung-min Son is without doubt part of Tottenham’s strongest XI to face Manchester United in the final. His big-game pedigree and leadership are crucial at this stage of the season.
The Korean winger also has a decent record against Manchester United, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 20 appearances, and Tottenham will be banking on him to deliver when it matters most on Wednesday, 21 May.