Credit: Imago]

Ange Postecoglou commits ‘sackable offence’ ahead of Tottenham v IF Elfsborg

Thu 30 January 2025 19:21, UK

Ange Postecoglou appears to have already upset some Tottenham supporters before a ball has even been kicked against IF Elfsborg.

Spurs suffered their 13th Premier League defeat of the season last time out, losing 2-1 to Leicester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (26 January), with some fans seemingly turning on Postecoglou during the clash.

Therefore, the Australian will be more desperate than ever to pick up three points in the UEFA Europa League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against IF Elfsborg on Thursday (30 January). As a result, he has taken a risk and thrown Micky van de Ven straight back into the team.

However, this is not a decision which has gone down well among supporters.

Micky van de Ven starts for Tottenham v IF Elfsborg

Van de Ven was injured in Spurs’ 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday 30 October.

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He returned against Chelsea in the 4-3 Premier League defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 8 December. However, he picked up an injury in the 79th minute, and it later emerged that Postecoglou had defied medical advice by playing the Dutchman as long as he did [via The Athletic, 23 January].

And it feels as though some supporters feel that the Australian has done the same thing once again, with one fan suggesting that starting van de Ven was a “stackable offence”.

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Postecoglou can’t afford van de Ven to get injured again for two reasons. First and foremost, it would be a huge blow for Spurs ahead of a very important week.

However, more importantly for the 59-year-old, it would raise a lot of serious questions after he appeared to previously rush the defender back. Therefore, Postecoglou will need to keep a close eye on van de Ven against IF Elfsborg.

In other Tottenham news, a “magic” Manchester City transfer agreement has been reached.

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