Son’s return a “massive” boost ahead of final as Postecoglou focuses on the present

Ange Postecoglou at his press conference in Bilbao today (Picture: Jack Burford)

As Tottenham prepare for their biggest game of the season, the return of captain Son Heung-min has provided a timely lift for Ange Postecoglou’s side – both on and off the pitch.

Having recovered from a recent injury scare, Son played 60 to 70 minutes in the previous outing, showing glimpses of the sharpness that has made him one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers over the past decade.

“Yeah, massive to get Sonny back,” said Postecoglou. “We were a little bit worried when he picked up the injury because we just weren’t sure how long he would be out for, but he worked so hard to make sure he was back. 

“I was really pleased the other night to see him play 60 to 70 minutes, and you could see his sharpness coming back.”

“He’s just so important to the group, and he is so important as a leader. He is such an important figure at this football club, and it’s a big motivation and driver for all of us, including me, to give him a trophy that his career deserves. 

“Again, he is a guy who has come from the other side of the world. Not many players have come from Asia and stayed in the Premier League – the top league in the world – for so long and maintained that excellence. 

“It would be great to cap that off with a trophy for him. He knows, and we all know, that we’ve still got to do the work. He’s been in this position before, obviously in the Champions League final, so he has that experience. I’m sure he will pass that on to the players.”

With the spotlight also turning to Postecoglou’s own future, the Australian made it clear that conversations around that topic have not distracted the group.

“No, because I think, again, that would not really help with what is before us right now. 

“I’ve said to the lads from day one, nothing is guaranteed in life, nothing is guaranteed in sport. You just need to try and make sure you take every opportunity before you. That’s what I have done my whole career. 

“I’ve been in this position before where the big game was the last game I managed. It’s not unusual territory for me. I have always navigated it pretty well because, for me, nothing is more important than my responsibility for this football club and its fans – that tomorrow, me, the players, our mind is only on one thing, and that is to create something special.”

Postecoglou, who has previously moved on from roles after significant success, reiterated that his sense of purpose remains unshaken – regardless of what speculation may swirl around him.

“I qualified for a World Cup and left. Won the treble with Celtic and left. Won at Brisbane and left. It’s actually more common than you think.”

When pressed on whether the final could mark the end of his tenure, Postecoglou said: “My future is assured, mate. I wouldn’t be the first person who changes job. We all change jobs. I’m sure you’ve had more than one job. My future is assured. 

“I’ve got a beautiful family, I’ve got a great life, I’ll keep on winning trophies until I finish – wherever that is. Don’t worry about my future, mate. My future is not intertwined with anything. 

“My future is assured, provided – God willing – my health remains, my beautiful family is beside me, my friends… there is nothing wrong with my future, mate. Don’t stress. Sleep easy tonight. I’ll be OK.”

Still, Postecoglou made it clear he believes his work at Tottenham is far from complete – and that a trophy would mark a milestone, not an endpoint.

“No, because I don’t think my job is done here. I really feel like we are building something, and what a trophy does is hopefully accelerate that. 

“So I still think there is work to be done. It is quite obvious with the challenges we’ve had this year, which I think are well chronicled. But there is some reasoning in the context of that, and also there has been some growth, and I would like to see that through. Whether that happens or not is not that important right now, but I don’t think – far from it – is this job finished. I certainly feel there is some growth there that can take this club to where it needs to be.”

With one game standing between Spurs and European silverware, the mood inside the camp is one of belief and quiet determination – a genuine understanding of the importance of tomorrow night’s fixture.

Postecoglou famously said earlier in the season, “I don’t usually win things in my second season, I always win things.” Spurs fans in Bilbao and back home in England will be dreaming that the Australian’s statement remains true after the full-time whistle blows in Bilbao tomorrow evening.