As the curtain closes on their debut in the inaugural Swiss League Phase format in the UEFA Europa League, Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou sat down in front of the media to preview his side's clash with Swedish side IF Elfsborg.
The Lilywhites' availability has taken a further battering since their last European outing a week ago, but their Head Coach continued to remain upbeat and delivered a message to Spurs fans ahead of Thursday's clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
"My message would be to all Spurs fans, because I represent them all, not just the angry ones that you are referring to or maybe talking to. All Spurs fans. We are working hard to turn this around. Obviously we know the situation, notwithstanding the fact the possibilities and opportunities in the second half of this season are still very much in our hands to capitalise on and still make it a successful season."
Pressure building, or not...
Tottenham require a win to automatically progress to the round of 16 without having to play a two-legged play-off match in early February; this result would mean they do not have to rely on anyone else's outcome. Whilst a draw might be enough, that would mean waiting to see what happens elsewhere.
"Me, personally? No different to any other game. It’s a game I want to win and we go into it with the same intent. It’s a competition we have done really well in to be in a great position. We want to solidify that position and finish in the top eight. That’s in our hands tomorrow night. A win makes it certain, a draw is probably going to be good enough as well.
"Finishing in the top eight for us is hugely important because it gives us a good foothold in the tournament and also gives us a couple of weeks where we don’t have midweek games, which at this point is really important."
As the Australian mentioned, the potential of an extra two midweek games would be hugely detrimental to his side, but a victory will see them go straight through and may help them get back on track via some much-needed rest.
He knows how crucial this game could be, not just on the night, but in the grand scheme of things as he fights for his job, with Postecoglou coming under increasing pressure in recent weeks, but the former Celtic man said he remains comfortable.
"It doesn't affect me, it never has, it never will. My view on my role has never been about self-preservation or security. It's about trying to achieve and we're still in a position where we can do that. You suggest there's a running commentary on me at the moment which is not surprising considering our league position.
"I don't have to respond to that or get involved with that, it just doesn't interest or affect me. What is important to me is I have a responsibility to... as I said, people can choose to ignore it, but we're in a great position to still achieve something special this year. I'm going to push this group of players and everyone at the club to not lose sight of the fact that this is a tough spot we're in, but the possibilities of us doing something special are still there if we work our way through it."
Praise for Bergvall
It's been a challenging spell for the club, but one thing is for sure, Bergvall has benefitted massively from an extended run in the team, which has given the Swede an opportunity to acclimatise to top-flight football in England, as well as on the continental stage.
"Outstandingly well. We lose sight of the fact that he's only 18 years old, but also his previous senior experience is in the Swedish league, so he's come into a different league, obviously a step up in the league level, different country, different environment. As an 18-year-old, for him to be taking such a massive responsibility on his shoulders to not only play but also try to make an impact for the team, I think has been outstanding.
"I'll keep saying it, as tough as it's been, and it's been tough, and still is tough, we're going to get so much benefit from the likes of him and Archie coming through this really not like 18-year-olds, but like men, wanting to help the club through this process, once we hit some calmer waters then we'll truly see them flourish even more. He's been outstanding and it's a credit to him as much as a person as it is as a player that he's tackling this in the way that he has."
Good news at last
In the last few weeks, the injury issues in North London have only worsened. Despite losing James Maddison to a calf injury after last Thursday's win at TSG Hoffenheim, as well as Pape Sarr who played through the loss to Leicester City with a knock, there has finally been some good news.
Djed Spence has recovered from a knock which saw him miss Sunday's embarrassing home defeat, whilst Micky van de Ven is back in full training and is on course to be named in the match-day squad for the visit of Di Gule.
Vice-captain Cristian Romero also returned to training last week, although he has been in the gym throughout this week and won't be included in the squad tomorrow or for Sunday's trip across London to Brentford.
"Cuti's a bit of a slow burner. We're mindful his injury was a bit different and he's still got to tick a few boxes so, not for the horizon at the moment in terms of this weekend. We'll see how he goes after."
Postecoglou was also quizzed on how dealing with a harrowing injury crisis has been for him.
"It's well chronicled. Earlier in the year it was a different issue, we were kind of dealing with guys coming back and getting injured, but since late November, it's been logical that with the workload of the players we'd be getting niggles along the way and people picking up things. That's a natural consequence and not something that really we can do much about. It hasn't been something you're surprised by."