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Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has sought to clarify his exchange with angry fans following the “terrible” Europa League defeat by AZ Alkmaar, apologising to anyone who took offence.
Spurs had their No1 to thank for keeping them alive in the last-16 tie after an abject performance in Thursday night’s first-leg clash in the Netherlands that was decided by an early freak own goal from Lucas Bergvall, making some crucial saves to deny the likes of ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott and keep the deficit at only 1-0 as the visitors mustered just one shot on target in the 88th minute.
However, he received some criticism after the game after standing in front of the away end at AFAS Stadion and waving his arms in an apparent attempt to ask for more support, which produced an angry response from the travelling fans as Vicario then walked away frustrated.
The Italian later told reporters in Alkmaar that he understood the frustration and that supporters were entitled to feel disappointed, but urged the fans and the club to stick together as they attempt to engineer a turnaround in the second leg on home soil next week, after the visit of Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Manager Ange Postecoglou also spoke out in support of Vicario on Friday, insisting the goalkeeper was “very passionate” and cared a lot about the club, describing him as “one of the purest human beings you could ever come across” and insisting that he did not have “one bad or vindictive bone in his make-up”.
Vicario has now addressed the incident again in a new post on his Instagram account, which reads: “As a team, we take full responsibility for our terrible performance on the pitch last night. We will work even harder to understand, as a mature group, what went wrong.
“Still, we have a great opportunity, starting from Sunday, to redeem ourselves and prepare in the best way possible for the second battle next Thursday.
“Regarding what happened at the final whistle in front of the away section, I want to clarify my intention to keep everyone as united as possible, even in the disappointment we have caused our people. If I have offended anyone, I apologise to those who felt affected.
Ange Postecoglou has given a staunch defence of Guglielmo Vicario’s attempts to rally Tottenham’s travelling supporters after the defeat by AZ Alkmaar, insisting the goalkeeper does not have a “vindictive bone” in his body.
The Italian shot-stopper could be seen raising his arms in an effort to gee up Spurs’ away fans at AFAS Stadion on Thursday night, following a disappointing 1-0 Europa League last-16 first-leg loss that was ultimately settled by Lucas Bergvall’s freakish early own goal.
Supporters responded angrily to Vicario, leaving the goalkeeper appearing irritated as he walked away from the exchange in front of the away end.
Afterwards, Vicario told reporters in Alkmaar that fans “have to be” frustrated by Tottenham’s players following their latest defeat, but calling for the team and supporters to “stick together”.
“I can really understand the disappointment they had because we didn't show our level of football,” Vicario said. “It's disappointing for us but we have to analyse and forget, and be ready for the next round.”
Speaking in his press conference on Friday morning ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth, Postecoglou was keen to offer reassurance that Vicario had meant to strike the right tone with fans who had travelled to the Netherlands.
“Vic is very, very passionate about this football club,” the Spurs boss said. “He is very, very passionate about what we’re trying to do here.
“He wants to win and he wants everyone on board with that. If people think there is one bad or vindictive bone in Vicario’s make-up, they don’t know the man I do.
“The guy is one of the purest human beings you could ever come across. Whatever he does, he does what he thinks is best for the team, best for this football club, because he really cares.”
Tottenham could have both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero available against Bournemouth but must wait to learn the extent of Dominic Solanke’s fresh knock.
The two centre-backs have both been long-term injury absentees but were unused substitutes in Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first-leg defeat away against AZ Alkmaar, with Ange Postecoglou of the view that the questionable quality of the pitch at AFAS Stadion would have made fielding either player an unnecessary risk.
Van de Ven and Romero are, however, likely “in line” to face the Cherries in the Premier League on Sunday, according to their manager.
Solanke made his comeback following seven weeks out with a knee injury as a second-half substitute against AZ Alkmaar, but had to be replaced himself in stoppage time by Dane Scarlett.
Asked for an update on Solanke, Postecoglou said on Friday morning: “It’s too early to tell. With Dom, it was [a] big [impact from] the knee into the back-side. He's probably a bit sore, but it’s a knock. So hopefully it settles down quickly.”
Speaking about Van de Ven and Romero, he said: “Yeah, they’re a chance [against Bournemouth]. Look, when I saw the pitch the night before, I pretty much made up my mind [that] I wasn’t going to risk them last night.
“It wasn’t a great pitch. It wasn’t steady underfoot. It wasn’t the sort of game where I felt I needed to expose them. A couple of extra days' training and recovery, and hopefully both are in line to feature.”
On Ben Davies, he said: “He’s actually training at the moment, so we’ll see how he feels.
“He’s definitely progressed and he feels good. We’ll see how he goes [in the] next 24–48 hours. There’s a chance.”
Postecoglou must decide whether to persist with January loan signing Mathys Tel up front, or whether to use him out wide instead. Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison are still out, along with Radu Dragusin.
There is little doubt Spurs are under pressure. Currently sat 13th in the Premier League table, Ange Postecoglou’s side must respond.
Indeed, Spurs lost 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night to leave their Europa League hopes hanging by a thread. While Europe is obviously the focus between now and the end of the season, another poor performance would hardly raise much confidence ahead of the return leg against the Dutch side.
Still, the Cherries have been impressing all season and will head to north London with very little to fear.
Tottenham vs Bournemouth is scheduled for a 2pm GMT kick-off time on Sunday 9 March, 2025.
Ben Davies is also in with a chance, although a decision is still to be made on striker Dominic Solanke after he came off against AZ Alkmaar.
Spurs will surely offer something of a response in terms of their performance but it’s hard to see them approaching this with anywhere near the importance for the Alkmaar return leg.
A comical first-half own-goal from Lucas Bergvall consigned a lacklustre Tottenham to a 1-0 loss away to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Bergvall's sliced clearance from a Troy Parrott shot looped in after 18 minutes and it proved enough to give AZ a first victory over an English side in 12 attempts.
Spurs had eight days to prepare for this fixture but produced a flat display in the Netherlands and did not register a shot on target until the 88th minute.
It was a thoroughly disappointing performance from Ange Postecoglou's team, especially given this competition remains the club's last hope of silverware this term and their only chance to salvage a difficult campaign.
Tottenham now have it all to do ahead of Thursday's second leg in north London.
Postecoglou resisted the temptation to start fit-again trio Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke and the injury curse actually struck the hosts as Mayckel Lahdo was forced off after eight minutes at AFAS Stadion.
It contributed to a disjointed start, but AZ, with the first legitimate chance of the match, took the lead in bizarre fashion in the 18th minute.
Peer Koopmeiners' corner picked out ex-Spurs forward Parrott, who had a side-footed shot which Bergvall completely miscued and watched in horror as his attempted clearance looped over Djed Spence and into the net.
It was an embarrassing own goal and, while Tottenham briefly responded, Parrott was involved again soon after as Archie Gray blocked his effort before Ernest Poku sent the follow-up well wide.
An even better opportunity was created after 31 minutes when AZ broke after a Son Heung-min chance and Parrott was played through, but Guglielmo Vicario raced out to brilliantly deny the Republic of Ireland forward.
A poorly-worked short free-kick by Son summed up Spurs' half before the visitors survived a goalmouth scramble as James Maddison slid in to deny David Moller Wolfe and Bergvall blocked from Koopmeiners.
It remained 1-0 at half-time, but Postecoglou reacted by bringing on Wilson Odobert for Mathys Tel and Tottenham's urgency improved, with Bergvall firing wide before Son blazed over.
AZ remained a threat and Poku forced Vicario into another save after a dangerous cross by Moller Wolfe.
Rodrigo Bentancur was booked soon after for a late challenge on the excellent Parrott, which rules the Spurs midfielder out of next week's second leg.
Chances remained at a premium for Tottenham and Postecoglou made a triple substitution with 18 minutes left, with Pedro Porro, Pape Sarr and Solanke sent on.
It failed to spark a late rally and, although Odobert tested Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro for the first time in the 88th minute, Spurs were dealt a fresh blow late on when Solanke limped off after he was caught by AZ's goalkeeper.
Loan signing continues to struggle while leading the line
Ineffectual: Mathys Tel
Action Images via Reuters
Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP2 minutes ago
Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick
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Tottenham’s season is hanging by a thread after they lost 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of the Europa League last-16 in Holland.
AZ scored the winner after 18 minutes when Lucas Bergvall sliced an attempted clearance, which looped over Guglielmo Vicario and Djed Spence on the goal-line and dropped into his own net.
Vicario saved from Troy Parrott and Ernest Poku to keep an abject Spurs in the game, and Ange Postecoglou’s side offered little going forward, aside from a Lucas Bergvall shot which was just wide of the far post. Dominic Solanke made his return from injury, but was soon after forced off after colliding with the opposition goalkeeper.
Here’s how we rated the Spurs players…
Guglielmo Vicario 8
His saves to deny a clean-through Parrott and Poku could prove huge moments in the tie.
Djed Spence 6
Tested by Poku in the first half. Looked livelier when he moved to the left flank for the final 20 minutes.
Archie Gray 5
Given a tough examination by Parrott, who looked determined to make an impact against his former club.
Kevin Danso 5
Does not look as comfortable on the left side and some of his passing was erratic.
Destiny Udogie 5
Offered little going forward in another middling display since his return from injury.
Rodrigo Bentancur 5
Often outnumbered by a compact AZ midfield and struggled to control the game.
Lucas Bergvall 7
Desperately unlucky with the own goal, particularly as he was Spurs’ brightest player. Sent a shot skimming just wide of the far post.
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James Maddison 4
A botched free-kick routine in the first half summed up his and Spurs’ night. Offered little in the way of creativity.
Brennan Johnson 4
Blazed a shot over in the first half but largely anonymous.
Heung-min Son 4
When Spurs needed thrust and ingenuity from wide areas, the Korean mostly played with his back to goal and struggled to make an impact. Moved up front in the second half and fired a shot over the bar.
Mathys Tel 4
Showed the odd glimpse of improved hold-up play but this was another desperately ineffective display at centre-forward from the January signing.
Subs
Wilson Odobert (Tel 46’) 6
Made a positive difference with some lively runs and had a couple of half-chances late on.
Pedro Porro (Udogie 72’) 5
Got forward in Spurs’ late but fruitless push for a leveller.
Dominic Solanke (Son 72’) 5
His return to the pitch was short-lived after he was forced off in stoppage-time after taking a blow to the back. His latest injury capped a terrible night for Spurs.
Pape Matar Sarr (Maddison 72’) 5
Neat and tidy in possession but lacking drive.
Dane Scarlett (Solanke 90’) N/A
Not used: Austin, Whiteman, Bissouma, Romero, van de Ven, Moore.
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Spurs have not grasped their Europa League opportunities in the past - this time it must be different, starting in Alkmaar
Last chance for silverware: Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou previously boasted of always winning a trophy in his second season in charge at a club
Action Images via Reuters
Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP1 minute ago
Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick
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It seems an age ago now that Ange Postecoglou tetchily reminded a reporter "I always win things in my second year" after Tottenham's defeat by Arsenal in September.
Back then, everyone at Spurs was still looking ahead optimistically to a season which appeared filled with promise but, six months on, Postecoglou's chances of fulfilling his boast rest solely on the Europa League.
For the Australian, it is not just his record of winning silverware in year two of a job on the line but Tottenham's entire campaign, which could still be remembered as historic and transformative or a miserable failure – depending on how they fare in the Europa League from here.
Having navigated the revamped initial phase, Spurs begin the knockouts with Thursday’s last-16 first leg against AZ Alkmaar, who they beat 1-0 at home in the competition in October.
"We obviously started the season feeling pretty good about where we were at, but obviously it hasn't transpired that way," Postecoglou said in Alkmaar. "We've got ourselves in a good position, we're in the round of 16.
"We've got two tough games against AZ and that's the first thing to overcome."
Postecoglou has blamed the club's chronic injury pile-up over the winter for derailing the season but his selection crisis and the schedule have eased in the last few weeks, contributing to a sense that everything is coming together in time for the knockouts.
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The loss of Dejan Kulusevski to a niggling foot injury which will keep him out until after this month's international break is a fresh blow but Spurs' injury concerns are mostly behind them, and Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke are all in contention to return to the squad against Alkmaar.
"Significant players coming back for us but also just having the opportunity to train with the whole group has been really valuable," Postecoglou added. "Probably a month back we were really struggling, with no players and no recovery, so from our perspective the past few weeks have really been good for training, recovery and just the level of intensity we can put into preparing for games."
As the head coach acknowledged, everyone at the club now senses an "opportunity" in the Europa League, and they have emerged on what appears to be the kinder side of the draw, with Eintracht Frankfurt or Ajax awaiting if they beat Alkmaar.
The boys really understand there is a great opportunity for us
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou
"The boys really understand there is a great opportunity for us," Postecoglou said. "They’ve appreciated the fact that the guys who have been playing through [the injury crisis] are now able to recover and train and prepare themselves better for games.
"That’s coincided with seeing their team-mates come back and certainly the guys that have been out injured [have] come back with a real hunger and desire to help the team.
"There is a platform there for us to hopefully get back to playing our football and seeing how far we can progress."
There have been opportunities for Spurs in this competition in the past, which they have failed to take.
In their last two seasons in the Europa League, they crashed out to Dinamo Zagreb after squandering a 2-0 first-leg lead at the same stage in 2020-21 and were eliminated by Gent in the round of 32 in '16-17.
In 10 cracks at the competition this century, Spurs have never got beyond the quarter-finals and last won the UEFA Cup, as it was then known, in 1984.
"The club hasn't in recent years done well in this competition, but it's a major European competition, we're in the last 16 and for us there's an opportunity there and we'll see how far we can go in it," added Postecoglou.
In the past Spurs, though, have not generally needed the Europa League as much as they do now.
When they were beaten by Gent, they were still fighting for the title under Mauricio Pochettino, while in '20-21 Jose Mourinho's Spurs were scrapping for a European place when they were humiliated in Zagreb.
This time, it is win or bust for Postecoglou and his players, a reality reflected in the head coach's team selection for last week's league defeat by Manchhester City, when Kulusevski, Heung-min Son and Djed Spence were all left on the bench.
The situation should bring a clarity and focus which has been missing from Spurs' previous European campaigns, but with it comes pressure.
"We want to win the competition of course because we want to be part of a Spurs team that is winning things," said centre-back Kevin Danso, who could be partnered by Romero or Van de Ven for the first time on Thursday.
Injury blow: Tottenham will be without the influential Dejan Kulusevski for both legs against AZ Alkmaar
Getty Images
"The pressure is normal and you have to deal with that at all big clubs. It’s down to us to bring a good performance and win the game."
Postecoglou, who said he would decide after Wednesday's training if Van de Ven, Solanke or Romero could start the game, is conscious of underestimating AZ, who thrashed Galatasaray 4-1 in the home leg of their recent play-off round tie.
"We’ve got to make sure whatever happens at the end of the game we’ve still got an opportunity to go back to Tottenham and win the tie," he said.
"We understand with the home support, I’ve been here with Celtic in a Europa game so I know the experience of it and they’re a good side, but we’ve got to make sure we play our football and dictate the tempo of the game."
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Tottenham will be significantly boosted by the returns of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke against AZ Alkmaar tonight, but Dejan Kulusevski will miss the Europa League last-16 first-leg tie.
Romero has not played since early December but has now been back in full training for over a week and could come into the side at centre-back, alongside Kevin Danso.
Van de Ven is also fit again after a lengthy hamstring injury but Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou could take a more cautious approach with the Dutchman, who made fleeting comebacks against Chelsea in December and Elfsborg in January, only to immediately return to the sidelines.
Solanke's return up front after seven weeks out with a knee injury would be a major boost but he could be saved for Sunday's visit of his former club Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Postecoglou must pick two of Pedro Porro, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie at full-back, while Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are all competing for two spots in midfield.
Bentancur and Bergvall have started the last four games together and may keep their places in Alkmaar this evening.
Mathys Tel is potentially due a rest after a series of unconvincing displays at centre-forward, so if Solanke does not start then captain Heung-min Son may have to deputise up front.
Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson are pushing for further starts after being named in the starting XI against Manchester City last time out.