Spurs head coach Postecoglou attended a press conference ahead of the match

Tottenham Hotspur will face Qarabag at home in the first round of the Europa League group stage. 



Are there any new injury concerns?
No new injuries emerged last weekend; everyone is recovering well with no issues. Romero, Spence, and Reguilón will be unavailable. Reguilón trained today but can't play for various reasons.

How excited are you to return to European competition?
I’m really happy and excited to be back. I mentioned last season that our schedule felt incomplete without regular football. It’s important for the team to face different opponents and gain meaningful match time. Watching others compete was uncomfortable, so returning to European football is significant.

Regarding the expanded tournament format, do you agree with Son Heung-min and Rodri about player welfare?  
It’s not just about this tournament. Player expectations have reached a dangerous level. The issue isn't one or two competitions but the entire schedule. Players lack sufficient rest between seasons due to the increasing number of club, international, and continental matches, which could lead to them breaking down. This needs addressing.

You mentioned players managing themselves. What does that look like?
I said they might manage themselves, not that they will. They are the most affected, so if they begin to think collectively, it raises questions about our control. It’s our responsibility as a club and coaching staff to protect them. We want to participate in all matches but also manage our squad effectively.

Can we return to an era where teams can compete at the highest level without dominating possession?
Football develops in cycles. There have always been dominant teams with high possession and others that thrive with less. Success depends on the execution of tactics by the teams. As one approach dominates, others adapt, leading to shifts in strategy.

People praise Arsenal's playing style and "dark arts." Why don’t you use such tactics?
It’s not a battle of good versus evil. I believe “dark arts” exist in football, but it’s not my style. If other teams employ these tactics, we must be disciplined to avoid being disrupted. Each coach and team has their way of trying to unsettle opponents.

What do you think of the new tournament format without Champions League teams in the knockout stage?
It’s interesting. We’ll see how it develops. I mentioned earlier that it feels like there will be more matches. In the group stage, you can often predict which teams will advance after a couple of games, so now every match holds significance. It’s a unique challenge facing eight different teams with varying styles.

As a journalist from an Azerbaijani outlet, which Qarabag players do you focus on?  
We’ve studied them closely, sending scouts to their recent matches. They’re a strong team with influence in both domestic and European competitions. We analyzed their games against Bayer Leverkusen, noting their quality and pressure.

Will Spurs adopt an attacking style against Qarabag?  
Don’t always believe the British media. We’ll play our football. European matches present unique challenges against teams with different styles. We’ll aim for an attacking approach but also be prepared for what Qarabag brings.

What role does James Maddison play, given his deeper position?  
He hasn’t changed his role; he’s doing what he did last season. His fitness is key, allowing him to contribute effectively in various positions. His recent performances have shown improvement, crucial for our plans.

How did you adjust training after last season’s injury struggles?  
We reviewed and made changes in our sports science and medical departments. It’s essential to have a strong squad and manage player workloads effectively to minimize injuries while maintaining performance levels.

Does the new tournament format allow for more rotation and player minutes?  
Yes, we anticipated a busy season, potentially over 50 matches. We want players to gain experience without making excessive changes, especially early in the season.

Do you prioritize winning certain trophies, like the Premier League over the Europa League? 
No, we want to win everything; there’s no preference.

What are your thoughts on European competition?  
From my perspective, it’s beneficial for income and prestige. The challenges differ from the Premier League or other cups, but it offers significant growth opportunities for the team, especially for younger players experiencing it for the first time.

Does the absence of Champions League dropouts make the tournament easier? 
You can’t think beyond the first stage; it’s about advancing first. The challenges remain the same. The unique format adds complexity, and we’re focused on the eight matches ahead with the opportunity to progress.