Yves Bissouma may have just sent a big hint about his future by telling Tottenham fans that there is a lot more to come from him, but the midfielder admitted that this season has been a difficult one for him personally.
Just a couple of months ago, it seemed like the Mali international was destined to leave Tottenham this summer, and some even suspected that he had already played his final game in a Lilywhites shirt.
Postecoglou had publicly criticised Bissouma’s tendency to let games drift by him, and after the experienced midfielder had fallen down the pecking order, reports indicated that Spurs were already making plans for Bissouma’s sale.
However, the former Brighton man has had a resurgence just at the right time, playing a crucial role in helping Tottenham reach the semifinal, and he may yet write his name into Spurs history by helping the side lift the Europa League.
Yves Bissouma insists he was always ready for his opportunity
The 28-year-old has now said that he never allowed his head to drop when he was struggling for game time for the last few months, revealing that he continued giving his all in training.
When asked about the difficult moment he has experienced at Tottenham, Bissouma responded: “Everyone, and yourself as well, as a professional. You have to understand that football is up and down. In the hard moments, you have to be strong.
“You have to stay strong because it’s not easy. The most important thing for us is that we’re here to learn. That’s why we train every day to be ready for the game.”
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When asked if there is more to come from him in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt, the midfielder gave a bullish answer.
Bissouma responded: “Of course, there’s more to come. We are always here for learning, I’m still learning. This season has been hard for me because I didn’t play much. The most important thing is if the team does good. I’m here to work, and when my time comes, I play. As a professional, you have to be ready.
“You have to understand it’s not just yourself – you are part of a group. You can’t control things sometimes. The only thing I know is, you have to work hard and never give up and be ready when your team needs you. That’s what I’m always trying to do.”
Bissouma is determined to achieve Tottenham success
Given the injuries that Tottenham have in the middle of the park and Bissouma’s improved form of late, the Malian is almost certain to start in Bilbao against Manchester United.
He insisted that he and his teammates know what to do when they step out onto the pitch at San Mames as they look to end Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought.