Ange Postecoglou looking forward to Tottenham Hotspur’s night at the ‘G’

MELBOURNE – Ange Postecoglou is certain his Tottenham Hotspur players will enjoy the experience of playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 22, despite hotfooting it Down Under after their last English Premier League match over the weekend.

Spurs take on Newcastle United in a friendly at Australia’s most famous sporting arena, and former England skipper Alan Shearer is among those who have questioned the scheduling from a player welfare point of view.

Postecoglou, returning to his home city for the first time since 2019, said it had been a gruelling trip, but thought the players would forget the 26 hours on the plane once they got on the pitch.

“I said to the lads, I know it’s a long way but I think you’ll enjoy playing at the ‘G’. It’s not easy because we played Sheffield (United) on Sunday afternoon and we basically got straight on the plane to come out here,” he said on May 21.

“So we all lost Monday the 20th from our lives, but we’re here now and hopefully when (the boys) walk out tomorrow night and there’s 80,000 people at the ‘G’. The rest of it’s irrelevant, and I’m sure they are looking forward to it.”

Tottenham beat relegated Sheffield United 3-0 on May 19 to cement fifth place in the Premier League and qualify for the Europa League next season.

Postecoglou also scoffed at the idea that fixture congestion might hamper the club next campaign.

“That’s the reward for finishing strong this year, so we’re looking forward to that,” he insisted.

“It’s another challenge for us and we’ll be ready for it. I think not having European football this year cost us a bit in terms of our development. This club deserves to be in Europe and, hopefully, we can make an impact next year.”

Despite being away from home for five years, the 58-year-old said he was aware how intently his career was being followed by football fans in Australia.

He was the first Australian to manage a Premier League club when he took over at Spurs in 2023 and he hoped he was acting as a trailblazer for his compatriots.

“I understand that if I continue to make inroads where I am, that shines a light on Australia and Australian people. I’ve made it part of my mission to try and open doors for Australian coaches,” he said.

“I’ve never felt that’s right, I don’t think where you come from should come into it (getting a top coaching job in Europe). If I can open those doors for other guys coming through, I think that’ll be something I’ll take great pride in.”

Newcastle will play an additional friendly against an A-League All-Stars side on May 24, again in Melbourne. REUTERS