Tottenham Hotspur manager Enzi Postecoglou has revealed why he has entrusted Son Heung-min, 32, with the weight of the ‘captaincy’.
The EA Sports FC Online YouTube channel published an interview with Postecoglou on Wednesday (June 23). In the interview, Postecoglou talked about why he chose Son as captain, the 2015 Asian Cup victory and his advice for South Korean soccer.
Postecoglou took over the reins at Tottenham last summer, succeeding Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Antonio Conte, and was tasked with rebuilding the club.
The fans weren’t too pleased. Aside from two seasons with Celtic in Scotland, Postecoglou had no European experience. 바카라사이트 Even though he had won a Domestic Treble with Celtic, Tottenham fans, who were expecting a Thomas Tuchel or Julian Nagelsmann, were unlikely to welcome a manager with such a lack of prestige.
Nevertheless, Postecoglou remained confident and doggedly implemented an ‘attacking soccer’ style of play. He revamped the squad with younger players and chose Son Heung-min as the new captain. In the first 10 games of the league, the team went unbeaten with eight wins and two draws, and surprisingly took the lead.
But it was not without its limitations.
Postecoglou’s lack of tactical flexibility and the limitations of his squad were exposed in the second half of the season. The team still managed to finish in fifth place and qualify for the UEFA Europa League, but it was a disappointing finish considering the early momentum. Considering it was their first season, it was half a success.
Captain Son Heung-min played a big role, leading the team on and off the field as the first non-European captain in Tottenham’s history. He was an ace with 17 goals and 10 assists, and he was also a respected leader in the locker room.
When asked why he entrusted Son with the captain’s armband, Postecoglou said, “It was one of the changes we wanted to make. 파워볼사이트 추천 Before Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris was the captain for a long time. We had two very strong leaders, so I felt that the captain I chose would have a big responsibility.”
“I was the Australian national team coach, so I’ve watched Asian players up close, and I’ve watched Son Heung-min from the beginning. “It’s not often that a player can perform at the highest level for many years in the Premier League. Players usually have a two- or three-year sparkle, but Heung-min has been at that level for a long time. So I knew what kind of player he was,” he added.
But what kind of player is one thing, but what kind of person is another.
“But I didn’t really know what kind of person (Son Heung-min) was, and he needed to know. I talked to him a little bit,” he said, “and everyone I asked said the same thing. “Everyone I talked to said the same thing: He’s a good person, he’s kind, he’s very professional, and everyone likes him.
Postecoglou also recalled the 2015 Asian Cup final in Australia, where they met as enemies. Postecoglou’s side had won 1-0, but Son scored a theatrical equalizer in second-half stoppage time to send the game to extra time. Australia were the eventual winners, scoring the winning goal in the first half of extra time.
Still, it was enough to make Son Heung-min’s presence felt.
“Is Son Heung-min a real winner? The 2015 Asian Cup final proved it. We had 30 seconds to win the game, and then he came in and said, ‘Korea can’t lose like this! So I knew he had everything as captain. For me, it was a very easy and important decision. I already knew about him from the beginning,” he continues.
“In other words, whether you’re a coach or a captain, the important thing is that if you want people to follow you, you have to believe in them. Not only in games and training, but also outside of it,” he reiterated.
Postecoglou also revealed his deep affection for Son Heung-min, who, when asked about his best position, said: “I need three Son Heung-min. Two wingers, one striker. 바카라사이트 Then all problems are solved,” he laughed, adding, “As captain, Son Heung-min accepts responsibility wherever he is put. He is a clever soccer player and knows how to play,” he said.