Ange Postecoglou says that Tottenham Hotspur have meticulously planned their preparations for the next five days leading up to the Europa League final and also reveals when he will finalise his starting eleven for the clash.
All of Tottenham Hotspur’s focus is on the big clash against Bilbao, with the current Spurs side having the opportunity to bring the first trophy to the club in 17 years.
Several Tottenham players have admitted that they are determined to make history next Wednesday after what has been an extremely challenging season for everyone involved in Hotspur Way.
However, before the Lilywhites can cast their minds to the final, they have the small matter of a Premier League clash at Villa Park this evening, with Unai Emery’s side needing three points in their own quest for Champions League qualification.
Ange Postecoglou reveals what Tottenham will do ahead of the Europa League final
The Tottenham boss has confessed that the club’s entire program, including all the minute details on workload, training and travel, has been mapped out to ensure the players are in prime condition when they step onto the pitch at San Mames next Wednesday.
However, Postecoglou confessed that he will only make a final decision on the starting eleven for the final following the clash against Villa.
When asked about Tottenham’s preparation for the Europa League final, the Australian said (via Football.London): “We’ve kind of mapped it out. It’s a day-to-day proposition, and a lot will depend on who plays and what I decide about tomorrow night and who plays and who doesn’t, then making sure the guys who don’t and will potentially be involved on Wednesday, we get some good training into them because I think that’s important.
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“Our programme at the moment, all things being equal, we do the Villa game, won’t get back until late, Saturday will be a sort of rest day for the players, we’ll train Sunday, a good session for us and then train here Monday morning and fly to Bilbao on Monday afternoon. Have a run on the pitch the night before the game on Wednesday.”
Postecoglou reveals if he has a special speech planned for the final
The Tottenham head coach’s pre-match talks have almost acquired a legendary status, with several Spurs players waxing lyrical about the way he can grab the room.
Just a few days ago, January signing Kevin Danso described Postecoglou’s speeches as “amazing”, admitting that he feels extremely pumped up when he sets foot on the pitch after listening to the Australian.
However, Postecoglou insists that he has no pre-planned speeches for the final and that his message will depend on reading the room ahead of the big game.
The 59-year-old admitted that Spurs are trying to insulate their players from the outside noise and pressure as much as possible before the showpiece event in Bilbao.
When asked if he has a special speech prepared for the final, Postecoglou said: “My experience of those things, you’ve got to read the moment. It’s hard to pre-plan because it may be a catalyst for something that happens, whatever the need is for the players.
“My role is to take it day by day and try to read what the players really need. It’s about them, and certainly, once the Villa game is done, our focus turns to the main game. Every day will be important in preparing the players for that, and what they need and what that looks like intuitively, I usually just go with my gut.
“There’ll be a couple of things planned we need to make sure we do, and some of it is protecting the players, because there are a lot more demands. We’ve had media all week, and I’m sure they’re getting inundated with ticket requests, and a lot of it is logistically to make sure what we have around the players insulates them from being taken away from what’s important, and that’s preparing for a big game.”