Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma is loving life under ‘Uncle’ Ange Postecoglou and football.london understands that the new head coach has big plans for the Tottenham midfielder and has been building him up behind the scenes accordingly. The respect between Bissouma and Postecoglou appears to be mutual.
Yves Bissouma said: “He gives us confidence. He’s like a dad, uncle, friend for us so we’re happy to be with him and we’re trying to do what he wants. “[Against West Ham] he was good because we played our football the way he wanted the team to play. The result wasn’t good for us but we continue, work hard for the next game and try to win.”
On the new Spurs boss
Yves Bissouma added: “He’s good with us. He gives us confidence. He comes to his players and talks to us all. That’s really important in the changing room. When the gaffer comes and speaks to his players that means everything. You know how we have to do it.”
Bissouma is clearly relishing being fully fit and playing in a system that will get the best out of a player who at Brighton was considered to be one of the best midfielders then outside the Premier League’s top six.
Yves Bissouma said: “I’m really happy to be back like this, and playing football like this, it’s amazing. The important thing is a win. We can’t just say it’s just a friendly game. We want to win everything to give us confidence before the start of the season. It’s hard. At the same time, it’s good because we’re coming stronger, and we’ll see.”
Sitting at the base of Postecoglou’s midfield three suits Bissouma down to the ground and he loved the role against West Ham, but he will play anywhere for the Australian.
Yves Bissouma said: “I really like the way we play but you have to adapt yourself. The coach can ask me to play right-back, left-back, centre-back. In my head I’m ready to play every position for my team, but I’m happy to play the way I played [against West Ham]. I really like it.
Don’t try to talk to Bissouma though about the woes of last season because he has already cast it out of his mind.
Yves Bissouma said: “Last year is last year. I don’t have to talk about last year. It’s the past. You have to look forward and focus on the future. I’m trying to work really hard to be ready for the season. I’m here for the club, for the fans as well. We work hard to have a good result. Like all the players. Not just me. I say thanks to the fans because they give me motivation. They want to push me up. at the same time I’m working hard to do what I have to do.”
Also in the midfield three with Bissouma on Tuesday night was James Maddison and the England international has quickly made an impression on his team-mate.
Yves Bissouma said: “Everyone knows he’s an amazing player. We know he’s going to help us a lot with his experience. We’re confident with him. We’re trying to push him like we push each other. He’s a really good guy. We’re happy to be with him and we know he’s going to help the team.”
So what does next season hold for Bissouma and Tottenham?
Yves Bissouma added: “We always have big ambitions. Everyone knows the Premier League is not easy but we’re working to get ready and we’ll see.”
