Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, has strongly countered the claims made by Bodo/Glimt’s boss, Kjetil Knutsen, regarding the energy levels of his team during their UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg. The match, held in North London, saw Spurs take a commanding 3-0 lead before conceding a late goal to midfielder Ulrik Saltnes, who reduced the lead to 3-1, providing his team a glimmer of hope ahead of the return leg scheduled in Bodo, Norway, just north of the Arctic Circle.
In his post-match remarks, Knutsen suggested that Tottenham displayed signs of fatigue as the match progressed after Saltnes’ strike. However, Postecoglou firmly disagreed with this assessment, insisting that the scoreline failed to accurately encapsulate his team’s dominance throughout the match. “I don’t really care what opposition managers say,” Postecoglou stated during an interview with TNT Sports, emphasizing that while Knutsen might present a certain narrative, he holds a different perspective. He regarded the performance as one of strength and skill, indicating that if his squad could replicate this level of play in the subsequent match, success would likely follow.
Postecoglou underscored that Tottenham had largely controlled the encounter, showcasing impressive defensive organization and continually posing a threat on the offensive front. He expressed belief that the score did not reflect the level of play exhibited by his players, stating, “It was a really strong performance from the lads … the whole game they probably got into our box a couple of times.” As he looked forward to the return leg, he pointedly remarked, “There’s a game tomorrow, it will all be answered there.”
While expressing disappointment regarding Saltnes’ late goal, which could have implications for Tottenham’s progression in the tournament, Postecoglou maintained a steady demeanor, attributing the team’s ability to handle such situations to their experience with injuries throughout the season. He mentioned that if dealing with absences had been a rare occurrence, it may have posed a greater challenge for his squad, but given that such issues had been a consistent aspect of their campaign, they were well-prepared to adapt.
The semi-final match’s significance was amplified by Knutsen’s comments, who labeled it as the “biggest game ever” for Bodo/Glimt, indicating the weight of the moment for the Norwegian side. Tottenham’s upcoming match will take place in the idyllic town of Bodo, known for its picturesque fishing villages and its location above the Arctic Circle. The Spurs are set to compete at the 8,270-capacity Aspmyra Stadion, which is characterized by its artificial pitch – a surface that the English club last encountered during a FA Cup third-round victory over Tamworth in January.
Postecoglou, however, brushed off any speculation that the previous match on an artificial surface was indicative of their potential performance in Bodo. He stated, “I’d assume people also understand this is a semi-final of a European major tournament,” reinforcing the high stakes involved in their forthcoming clash and the importance of keeping a focused mindset. The manager stressed that to achieve success in European competitions, his team must adeptly navigate various challenges, from pitch conditions to environmental factors.
As they prepare to face Bodo/Glimt, the game, set for Thursday, May 8, will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+. The kickoff is scheduled for 20:00 UK time, and TNT Sports coverage will commence an hour earlier at 19:00. Fans have various options to follow the match, as TNT Sports is accessible through multiple television platforms like BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media, alongside digital streaming on discovery+. For those looking to enjoy the game in social settings, a Pub Finder tool is available to locate nearby venues showing the match. The stakes are palpable as Spurs aim to secure their place in their first European final since 2019.
