Ange Postecoglou believes Tottenham can have a special season despite their woeful form – but says Pape Matar Sarr “shouldn't start” as a late replacement for James Maddison. It is likely to face Leicester City. A new concern was expressed for Richarlison.
Injured Richarlison started his first domestic game of the season and gave Spurs the lead with a second goal in the 33rd minute, but only Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss scored in the second half. The hosts have had a poor run of points from seven league games.
Assisted by James Maddison. Tottenham beat Hoffenheim. He missed Leicester's Europa League clash with injury on Thursday and replaced Sarr after 54 minutes before pulling out alongside Richarlison.
“(Richarlison's) really feeling his groin – he should have gone at half-time but he wants to do another 10 minutes,” he told Postecoglou. Spurs play.
“He couldn't move well, so we had to remove him. Pape should never have started today but we lost Madders (Maddison) too late so we have to start with Pape.”
“It hurts.”
Son Heung-min reacts to Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 loss to Leicester City ⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/ElAt4SM3lu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 26 2025
Richarlison injury history
Richarlison played less than half of Tottenham's league games last season and has been sidelined since February with knee and hamstring injuries.
The Brazil international said he suffered “eight months” of pain when he underwent groin surgery in November 2023, but managed to score nine goals in eight games the following month.
Tottenham are missing a number of players due to injury, but Postecoglou said defenders Christian Romero and Mickie van Deven are expected to return to training.
The Australian is under pressure in his second season in charge, with Tottenham fans furious at chairman Daniel Levy for a fourth consecutive league defeat.
Postecoglou: Tottenham 'try'
“When you're in that position, you look at the people around you,” Postecoglou said. employees I think the people I deal with are still totally supportive of what we're trying to do.
“That's all you can ask for as a manager. That gives me strength – I put aside my frustration and feelings – and I try to make sure I support these people who are trying as hard as possible to turn this around.
“They had a massive shift to get the job done on Thursday night and they had to do it again today. Some of them shouldn't be out there, but I'm asking them to dig as much as they can. There are those.
“In the next 10 days or two weeks, we will have some outstanding players back. I know it will improve the whole team. As I continue to say to the players and staff, there are still great opportunities to make this season a special one.”
“It hurts. It hurts a lot.”
Ange Postecoglou reacts to Spurs' 2-1 defeat to Leicester 💬 pic.twitter.com/lTrpiDYMw8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 26 2025
Spurs games
Spurs can secure a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League. At the home of Swedish club Elfsborg They will play their final match on Thursday (8pm GMT). They are sure of at least a play-off spot for promotion, regardless of the result.
Tottenham will travel to Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup three days after leading 1-0 in their EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool on February 6 at 8pm.