"If Son Heung-min and Chairman Levy express dissatisfaction with the coach's tactical management, Postecoglou could be dismissed."
Tottenham broke away from a recent slump by defeating Southampton 3-1 in the 31st round of the Premier League. In this match, captain Son Heung-min started but was substituted early in the second half at 57 minutes, which has been interpreted as a measure for managing physical condition.
Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 9th (Korean time) that "Despite being 33 years old, Son Heung-min is still maintaining a high-level performance. However, signs of physical exhaustion were detected in recent matches," and "Coach Postecoglou seems to have provided Son Heung-min with rest ahead of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals."
This match was an important turning point for Tottenham. The team recorded 1 draw and 3 losses in the previous 4 matches, showing instability in both offense and defense. The consecutive losses to Fulham (0-2) and Chelsea (0-1) were significant blows in the competition for Champions League qualification. The match against Southampton was against the bottom-ranked team, but given the league schedule and the need to juggle the Europa League quarter-finals, securing 3 points was essential.
On that day, Tottenham formed a front three consisting of Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson, while the midfield included Maddison, Bentancur, and Bissouma. The defense was made up of Spence, Davies, Romero, and Porro, with Vicario guarding the goal. With a relatively elite lineup maintained, Son Heung-min actively created opportunities from the left side from the early first half.
In the 13th minute of the first half, Spence, who received a pass from Son Heung-min, overlapped and delivered a cross, which Johnson finished to score the opening goal. Although this scene was not recorded as an attacking point for Son Heung-min, he played a key role in the build-up process.
After that, Johnson added another goal in the 41st minute of the first half, recording a brace, and in injury time of the second half, he earned a penalty kick and gave it to Mathis Tel, leading to the team's third goal. Son Heung-min was substituted in the 13th minute of the second half, alongside Bentancur. Given the upcoming Europa League schedule, providing rest to Son Heung-min, a key asset, is considered a reasonable choice.
In fact, Son Heung-min has already participated in over 40 matches this season, including the Premier League and the Europa League. His attacking points are 7 goals and 9 assists, which is the lowest figure in terms of league goals since his debut season at Tottenham (2015-16, 4 league goals). However, beyond simple statistics, Son Heung-min contributes in various aspects, including space creation, defensive transitions, and flank pressing, and he remains a central figure in the team's tactics.
The upcoming schedule holds significant meaning for both Coach Postecoglou and Son Heung-min. Tottenham will host Frankfurt on the 11th for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals. Considering the current Premier League rankings and the elimination from domestic cups, the Europa League is essentially the club's only opportunity for a title.
Local reports in the UK suggest that the outcome of this tournament is closely related to the coach's future.
Tottenham Hotspur News noted that "If Coach Postecoglou does not perform well in this Europa League, the possibility of him being dismissed is high," and "There have been cases in the Premier League where the captain indirectly influenced the coach's position. If Son Heung-min and Chairman Daniel Levy continuously express dissatisfaction with the coach's tactical management or player selection, it could play a role in personnel decisions."
It was also remarked that "Even if they win the Europa League, there is no guarantee of retaining the coach," highlighting that this is not just a matter of performance but also a judgment that includes the club's long-term direction and leadership evaluation.
Ultimately, Coach Postecoglou faces the significant task of efficiently managing Son Heung-min's physical condition while achieving maximum success in the Europa League.
In the future, Tottenham's season direction is expected to closely connect with Son Heung-min's performance and the coach's strategic management.
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