As Tottenham gears up for their match against Crystal Palace, manager Ange Postecoglou delved deeper into the dynamics of the team, the absence of Harry Kane, and the evolving role of James Maddison. Here’s a detailed look at the embargoed section of his press conference:
1. The Dynamics Without Harry Kane When asked about the team’s playstyle in the absence of Harry Kane, Ange emphasized that individuals change the way a team plays. He remarked, “Not him not being there just allows us because different individuals come into the team and they change the dynamic.” He was quick to point out that while the structure remains consistent, the presence or absence of certain players can alter the team’s approach.
2. The Impact of Individual Players Ange elaborated on how different players can change the team’s dynamic even within a consistent structure. He said, “Having Sonny as at nine is different from having obviously Harry or even Richie… having Dey as a winger and having Brennan Johnson as a winger changes it even though the structure is the same.” He stressed the importance of balancing the squad to allow individual qualities to shine within the team’s structure.
3. James Madison: The ‘Student of the Game’ Discussing James Maddison’s role in the team, Ange praised his football intelligence and intuitive understanding of the game. He mentioned, “He is very intuitive around the game and understanding the game… he looks at it from not just from individual information but how does that help the team.” He highlighted Madison’s goal, attributing it to his hard work and pressing, which not only benefited him but also the team.
4. The Broader Perspective of Players Ange emphasized the importance of players looking at the game from a broader perspective, not just focusing on individual roles. He said, “He’s one of these players who looks at it from a broader perspective, not just how he can help him as an individual but how it helps the team evolve into being the team we want to be.”
In conclusion, Ange Postecoglou’s insights provide a deeper understanding of Tottenham’s evolving dynamics, the importance of individual roles, and the broader perspective required to build a cohesive team. As the season progresses, it’s clear that Ange’s approach is centered on maximizing individual talents while ensuring the team’s collective success.
