Ange Postecoglou highlights growth of Radu Dragusin after shock league cup win against Manchester City
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ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side impressed as they advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 triumph over Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This win sets up a December showdown against Manchester United. Kulusevski delivered an outstanding performance, significantly influencing the game’s opening goal with a precise delivery that Timo Werner capitalized on. While Werner received accolades for breaking his recent struggles, he owed much to Kulusevski’s brilliance, which was further demonstrated with another assist at the 25-minute mark. Displaying energy and skill, Kulusevski troubled City’s defense throughout, although he missed out on a deserved goal due to Stefan Ortega’s save.
Ange Postecoglou said “I think Deki is growing but I think that’s kind of where we are as a group. A lot of them are growing and growing through experiences. I think for Deki at the weekend was another growth period because he got hurt pretty early and wasn’t happy with it. To understand it is part of it and focus your energy on helping the team on the day rather than being personally aggrieved, but that’s where we are as a group and that’s where we get our growth. By going through experiences like we did at the weekend with a lot of the players and them going through that and understanding how to deal with it better next time. Deki has been fantastic for us this year in both his output and his attitude and mentality.”
Injury concerns emerged for Spurs as Micky van de Ven exited early due to a hamstring issue, replaced by Udogie who worked tirelessly to secure the win. Yves Bissouma showed leadership by offering Van de Ven support and played a pivotal role with a critical defensive block late in the game. Spurs’ defense, including Archie Gray, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin, and Ben Davies, stayed resilient despite City’s pressure, with Dragusin particularly impressing. Postecoglou addressed Romero’s early second-half exit due to fatigue.
Ange Postecoglou said “…the World Cup winner was ‘a bit tired’ and that he contemplated changing him at half-time before opting to make the change on 52 minutes rather than run the risk of sustaining another injury.”
Dragusin’s strong performance underlined his value, especially if Van de Ven is sidelined. Tottenham’s substitutes, notably Bissouma, made key contributions, cementing their win against City. Despite missing a prime scoring opportunity, Richarlison showed effort both defensively and in attacking transitions. Spurs’ successful cup performance was a sharp response following their Crystal Palace defeat, aligning with Postecoglou’s track record of securing trophies in his second season.
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