“I don’t care who we’re playing,” Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou boldly claims game against Arsenal is no different from any other

Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur will be up against a rather depleted Arsenal when they face off in the North London Derby on Sunday.

“I don’t care who we’re playing,” Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou boldly claims game against Arsenal is no different from any other

Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Arsenal (via The SpursWeb/X)

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou made a big admission ahead of the club’s match against North London rivals Arsenal, this weekend. The 59-year-old manager exclaimed that the match against the Gunners would be no different from any other match. 

Having joined the club from Celtic last summer, Postecoglou was tipped to turn around the club’s fortunes, having failed to win any major trophy in the last 16 years. His first season didn’t go as planned.

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Now, he would also hope to improve on the team’s 5th-place finish last season, narrowly missing out on a UCL spot. The club has endured a mixed start to the season, having lost to Newcastle recently. Their next big challenge comes in the form of city rivals Arsenal. Postecoglou is yet to win a North London derby, since taking charge as manager. 

During the pre-match press conference, the Australian manager stated that the match against their arch-rivals would be a similar one compared to the other teams. Moreover, he highlighted that he would be unhappy with players, who would regard a win against Arsenal as carrying the utmost importance. However, he highlighted the significance of the match for the fans, owing to the fact that the team might lose support if they fail to register a win, early into a busy footballing season. 

I really would hate to think there are players in the dressing room who want to win this game more than any others or prepare differently or try harder in this game than any other. Because that’s not the way forward.
Ange Postecoglou ahead of match against Arsenal (via ESPN)

Additionally, the manager pointed out Arsenal’s 23-point gap over Spurs last season, hoping to close it. This match is expected to be a much-heated one, owing to accusations by many fans that Spurs had deliberately lost a match last season, blocking Arsenal from winning the EPL title.

Ange Postecoglou gets major squad boost ahead of crucial North London derby  

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou received a massive injury boost ahead of the crucial match against Arsenal. The 59-year-old manager informed fans about the return of Micky van de Ven and new signing Dominic Solanke to the starting XI.

Ange Postecoglou injury boost
Ange Postecoglou received a major injury boost ahead of North London Derby, as Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven are set to return. (via Eurosport)

Solanke might be given a starting role ahead of Dejan Kulusevski, after having missed the previous two matches due to an injury. Meanwhile, the talented Dutch centre-back, had to sit out during the match against Newcastle. The manager, however, revealed that midfielder Yves Bissouma would miss out, due to an injury that he sustained while on international duty.

Dom's [Solanke] improved as well and trained the back half of this week. Hopefully they get through training okay and are available.... Everyone's reporting all well except for Biss [Bissouma].
Ange Postecoglou on injury updates (via Spursplay)

The club will also be without forward Richarlison, as he is yet to recover from an injury. Postecoglou and co. will be hoping to make an impact against their arch-rivals, whom they last defeated in May 2022.