HSV Hamburg coach Merlin Polzin has played down a recent tantrum on the pitch from Tottenham Hotspur youngster Luka Vuskovic.
BILD cover the situation today, and the Tottenham youngster’s outburst following a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
The 19-year-old was heavily involved in the drama at the end of the game. HSV were pushing for an equaliser late on when he first failed to convert an effort from four metres out. He then headed a rebound against the bar from three metres out.
Seconds later, the game was over. And rather than securing a point, HSV had lost 1-0. What followed was pure frustration from the Tottenham youngster.
What Bild say happened
He kicked the post four times, with full force. He then proceeded to kick an advertising board before taking off his boots and hurling them at the empty substitutes bench. It’s described as a wild outburst on the pitch, for all to see.
It naturally earned the Tottenham youngster plenty of attention, not all positive. It certainly raised eyebrows given the calm, composed and impressive performances he’s put in for the German side so far this season.
The wild outburst, perhaps, showed he’s still only young with plenty to learn. That’s at least the stance being taken by his coach, Merlin Polzin. He played down the incident in his post-game comments.
“Luka thrives on his emotions,” he said.
“I think when you have a chance against a team like that in front of almost 60,000 fans, right at the end, it’s perfectly normal for the emotion to have to come out.”
He then addressed the defender kicking the posts, with a grin on his face.
“I’m sure the goalposts in Hamburg are sturdy and will absorb that.”
Context of Tottenham player’s tantrum
Interestingly, it’s not the first time Vuskovic has found the post to be his enemy either. Earlier in the season, in the 2-1 win against Heidenheim, he missed a golden opportunity from a similar position. That saw him hammering the post with his hand, bruising his finger in the process.
The difference that time, was that HSV won. This time it’s a defeat, perhaps why he upgraded to using his feet.
Our take on Luka Vuskovic situation
The young defender has been one of the best in the Bundesliga this season, showing why Tottenham were correct to sign him in the first place. He’s already been the subject of Bayern Munich chatter, although there appeared nothing especially serious in that.
As we’ve repeatedly covered, Vuskovic has made it clear he wants to play with his brother at Hamburg. Mario is currently serving a doping ban and will only be available next season.
That would mean Tottenham agreeing to a further loan. Whilst that may be frustrating for Spurs, it would be a route to keeping the player and his family onside. Having Vuskovic over the period of his contract represents more value, and therefore a further loan for the first half of next season is a potential solution for all involved.
Contract situation, value and agents
Tottenham have the defender on a contract lasting until 2030, with his Hamburg loan set to expire in the summer. Transfermarkt value him at €40m, with that amount seeing a dramatic rise from €7-10m in 2024.
Vuskovic is represented by Gol International and is their most valuable client.