"This may be the last opportunity." vs "It's a £100 million final."
Captain Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) spoke firmly. Manchester United is also approaching the match with determination.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will face off in the 2024-2025 season UEFA Europa League final at 4 a.m. (Korean time) on the 22nd at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
Son Heung-min attended the official press conference held a day before the final, stating, "I have played at this club for 10 years, but I have never won a trophy. This could be a historic moment for me, the club, and my teammates." He added, "My condition has improved. I am fully prepared."
His starting status remains uncertain. The British outlet 'Football London' reported that Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is considering changing formations due to injuries in the midfield, and one of Son Heung-min or Richarlison may start on the bench. If Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Yves Bissouma all start in the midfield, the winger positions will be limited.
Son Heung-min proved his condition by playing in two consecutive matches after returning, but the possibility that Richarlison, who was rested recently, could be included in the manager's plans for the final adds complexity. Although Son Heung-min has past experience starting in a Champions League final, he noted, "I was nervous then, but now I want to help the team calmly as captain," indicating a slightly different role.
Tactically, the possibility of formations like 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 is being raised. If Dominic Solanke starts as the lone striker, Son Heung-min will have to compete with Wilson Odobert for the position. There are analyses that suggest Odobert, who created threatening moments in recent matches, may get another opportunity.
The significance of this final goes beyond tactics. Particularly for Manchester United, this match represents a critical juncture in the club's rebuilding efforts, beyond a mere title challenge. The British outlet 'BBC' explained, "The Europa League final is directly related to Manchester United's financial structure and overall future strategy."
Qualification for the Champions League is directly tied to annual revenue exceeding £100 million (approximately 186 billion won), which has cascading effects on squad maintenance and enhancement, sponsor contracts, and defending the club's value.
Finishing 16th in the Premier League, Manchester United, like 17th place Tottenham, cannot qualify for any European competition solely based on league results. Within the club, a sense of crisis has developed, stating, "If we can't win, the team's brand value and financial model could be shaken simultaneously." Manager Ruben Amorim also mentioned, "Participation in the Champions League is more important than just a trophy."
Tottenham is equally eager. With a trophy tantalizingly close after 10 years, Son Heung-min once again stood in front of the press as the team representative. He emphasized that they bonded during a barbecue party, saying, "The support from the fans has always been a huge motivation. I want to present the trophy with a smile."
Everyone is eager for this stage. There is only one trophy, and while the starting point is 11 players, the one who determines the outcome may come from the bench. Although Son Heung-min may start on the bench at first, the possibility that the name 'SON' could change the outcome remains open.
'La Catedral,' as it is affectionately known, is San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain. Who will the god of football support?
[OSEN]