Ange Postecoglou has addressed Gareth Southgate’s concerns regarding Tottenham’s post-season friendly against Newcastle, emphasizing the complexities faced by both club and national team managers in navigating player welfare and fixture congestion.
The friendly match, scheduled for May 22 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, has raised eyebrows due to its proximity to the end of the Premier League season and the upcoming European Championship. While Postecoglou acknowledges Southgate’s apprehensions about potential player injuries, he draws parallels with his own experiences as a former national team manager.
Responding to Southgate’s comments, Postecoglou remarked that the England boss may gain a different perspective if he were to transition to club management in the future. He highlights the perpetual concern faced by managers when their players are involved in matches, whether they be regular fixtures or international friendlies.
Regarding the creation of the fixture, Postecoglou draws an analogy with the introduction of new national team tournaments, suggesting that such scheduling complexities are inherent in both club and international football.
Despite the criticism, Postecoglou defends Tottenham’s decision to participate in the friendly, citing the potential benefits for the club’s growth and fanbase expansion in Australia. He stresses that the decision was made after careful consideration of various factors and acknowledges the balance between risks and rewards.
Ultimately, Postecoglou affirms that the club’s decision reflects a thorough evaluation of the circumstances, taking into account the disrupted nature of their season and the unique opportunity presented by the friendly fixture.
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