Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou highlighted the existence of a spy within the team.
On the 12th (Korean time), a day before the team's match against Wolverhampton in Round 32 of the 2024-2025 Premier League, Postecoglou made a shocking statement during a press conference.
Postecoglou asserted, "There is no doubt that someone in our team is leaking information to the outside this season."
It is very rare for a manager to acknowledge the existence of a 'spy' in an official setting. The background to such a statement involves strange developments that occurred the day before.
Rumors began swirling about the absence of Tottenham winger Wilfried Gnonto ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals against Eintracht Frankfurt, which took place on the 11th. This information spread through online communities and social media before the match, and eventually, Gnonto was listed on the substitute bench but did not participate in the game.
Postecoglou considered this situation to be a clear internal information leak. He noted, "The problem started last year. I thought it was resolved, but information is still being leaked continuously from various points," expressing his dissatisfaction.
In particular, the severity of the problem lies in the fact that the leaked information is excessively specific.
Postecoglou also mentioned, "It is unlikely that injuries or medical information have been leaked by players or agents. I have a hunch about who it might be."
He continued, "I handle medical information very carefully. But I cannot understand why we are doing this to each other," revealing a strong sense of betrayal.
Postecoglou indicated that prompt action would be taken. He emphasized, "Information in the football world should flow freely. However, medical records must be handled with caution."
He also raised his voice, saying, "We will definitely resolve this issue internally. As always, we will conclude it in the right manner."
Meanwhile, regarding Tottenham's captain Son Heung-min, who has been receiving criticism from the media due to recent performance declines, Postecoglou stepped up to defend him.
Postecoglou stated emphatically, "Son Heung-min still has a very significant impact on the team both on and off the field." He added, "In the match against Frankfurt, Son created several chances. He is at the center of everything our team is currently doing."
This serves as a type of counter-response to the recent skepticism surrounding Son's declining stamina, downturn in form, and captaincy role being raised in the British local media. In fact, Son's scoring rate relative to shots has decreased in recent matches, and his success rate for dribbling has also dropped, leading to rumors of 'accumulated fatigue.'
Currently, Tottenham is fighting a simultaneous battle against an 'invisible enemy' marked by not only poor performance but also internal information leaks.
Given that the manager has directly mentioned the 'existence of a spy,' there can be no doubt about the possibility of fractures within the organization beyond mere rumors.
Meanwhile, Tottenham is looking for a turning point through the upcoming away match against Wolverhampton in Round 32 of the league.
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