Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg at home to Bodo/Glimt (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Postecoglou confirmed Son Heung-min “won’t play tomorrow night” and is “out training separate from the group”.
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On the impact of the fans: “It’s going to be hugely important for us. Our fans in Frankfurt were outstanding and they have been in all the European games this year. We are going to need it [support] tomorrow night.”
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Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League but Postecoglou wants his side to “concentrate on an unbelievable opportunity” and not let their league form detract from the chance to give the fans a “special moment”.
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On the possibility of building a lead in the first leg: “Playing at home in Europe has its advantages for every team. What is really important is that we put in a really dominant performance but I don’t think we can go into it thinking we are just going to kill off the tie.”
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After an injury-hit season, Postecoglou feels Spurs are in a “good place physically” but stressed “they will need to be” against a side like Bodo.
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On Bodo/Glimt: “They’ve been consistent over the past few years. Obviously, they’ve got the same manager and a core group of players with a distinct style of football. You [the media] would love us to say that Bodo are a small club, but they are here on merit. I don’t underestimate anyone and they’ve earned the right to be here.”
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