Ange Postecoglou has rubbished suggestions Tottenham defender Djed Spence has an 'attitude problem' as the defender pushes for a first Premier League outing in 19 months.
Spence joined Spurs from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2022 after catching the eye during a loan spell with Nottingham Forest. He was only handed five league minutes by Antonio Conte, though, with the Italian sending him on loan to Rennes in January 2023.
Further loans followed after Postecoglou took over as manager. Spence spent the first half of last season on loan at Leeds, but that move was cut short and he finished the campaign in Serie A with Genoa.
Now, though, the 24-year-old has been handed a lifeline. Postecoglou has allowed Emerson Royal to leave this summer but Spence has been reintegrated, and the manager's comments offer hope ahead of Spurs' Premier League opener against Leicester on Monday.
“You would know about it if it was [a problem],” Postecoglou said of Spence's attitude. “He wouldn’t be part of it if it was, but that’s probably something that, whether that was right or wrong, as a person and as a player, Djed has taken responsibility for that and not allowed that to be part of the conversation this pre-season.
“For me and all the coaches, we’ve had absolutely zero issues with his attitude. He’s trained really well, he’s fit into the group really well. That’s on him. He’s the one who hasn’t allowed it to become an issue.
“With Djed, I had an open mind. I certainly think the kind of characteristics he has would fit into our football. It’s then more about, OK, well he obviously didn’t fit last year, will he fit this year?" the manager added. “He’s had a good pre-season. He’s trained really well. He seems to have fit into the group really well."
How big a part will Djed Spence have to play this season? Have your say in the comments section
Spence could even start the Leicester game at left-back, with Destiny Udogie working his way back from injury. While Postecoglou recognised the defender is more comfortable on the right, he was pleased to have more options.
Spurs have spent more than £100m on new signings this summer, and at least one is expected to feature on Monday. Postecoglou indicated Dominic Solanke should be ready to go after his big-money arrival from Bournemouth, while Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert have also joined permanently.
"Thankfully it is what we expected, he is a top pro, a good guy, he has sort of settled into the dressing room really well," Postecoglou said of Solanke. "Footballing wise you can see he has the attributes that kind of fit into what we want to do really well."
Opponents Leicester won't be at full-strength for the clash. Conor Coady, Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka are all set to miss out through injury, with Zambia striker Daka set for a lengthy spell out after surgery.