Pogtecoglou Udogi? Outstanding! To be the core of the team
Apr 19, 2025
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Postecoglou made an official press conference on the 19th, two days before the home game against Nottingham Forest. On this occasion, he was asked about Udogi. In response, Postecoglou responded, `He's a really outstanding player. What I felt as soon as I took over was the conviction that he would be a key player in our team. There is also a great potential for growth in the future."
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-What was the dressing room atmosphere like after Thursday's game?
▶It was good. Of course, the dressing room was full of joy after the game. Of course, I couldn't stay long because I had to pack up and leave quickly, but I need to fully enjoy those moments. Especially after a tough season, I didn't want to miss the opportunity for the players to enjoy the joy. The players, the staff, and everyone who went on the road together enjoyed the moment, and deserved it.
-Will this result give me confidence for the remaining semi-final matches and 6 league matches?
▶ That's right. I think it's important. I've said this all along, but it's not easy for a team to stay united in a difficult time. Each person has a different way of being affected. Many of our team's players have been sitting on the bench and have not contributed to the game. But on Thursday night, except for Son Heung-min and a few other missing players, I could feel that all the members who went with me contributed to the game. This is very important as we have the semi-finals and important league games ahead. Having a healthy squad for the first time, all the players will be needed.
-How are James Maddison and the other players doing?
▶We came back early Friday and took a rest yesterday. Madison is likely to be in some pain, so Monday's game is uncertain. The other players may train hard and feel a little stiff, but Monday night's game will be fine. Son Heung-min is still out. I've had foot problems for quite a while, so I've decided it's a good time to recover and I'm definitely going to miss Monday's game. Other players will be available.
-How long do you think it will take for Son Heung-min to recover from his injury?
▶I'm not exactly sure. I've been running with that area for quite a while, and it's not only not getting better, it's getting worse. I think rest is the most important thing for this type of injury. Son Heung-min is a player who always wants to train, so he will rest him for a few days and watch his recovery reaction.
-Did Son Heung-min have any contact with the team on Thursday night?
▶Yes, there was no direct contact with me, but of course there was contact with the players. You're still an important part of the team. We also discussed whether to take him on the road together, but we decided that it would be better for Son Heung-min to focus on his recovery for the semifinals and beyond. He's still part of the team, isn't there a group chat room or something? I don't participate. I had a brief encounter in the hallway in the morning, and I was delighted for many reasons, and showed a strong will to return as soon as possible.
-How difficult is it to keep performing like Thursday's game?
▶It's true that it's a challenge. Especially regarding the rotation of players. Monday's game will also need to change five to six players, and we need to make sure that all players are in proper condition. The overall performance against Wolverhampton wasn't bad, but it was disappointing in some respects, so you have to stay focused and focused like on Thursday night. Forest are a strong team, they are doing well this season and they are motivated to win on Monday night. Although the Europa League is a competition that gives us a special opportunity, I think the best preparation is to show a good performance before that.
-How do you rate Forest this season?
▶It's cool and interesting. Originally, he had good players, and after Nunu took office, he built a strategy suitable for him to become a stable team. The Champions League will be very competitive for the rest of the game, and Forest will also try to participate in the competition. It will definitely be a big challenge for us.
-Kevin Danso came back and played well, how important is his role in constructing a balanced three-back?
▶I was so happy to have Kevin back. He rehabbed really hard, and returned about a week earlier than originally planned. He and Kulusevski were aiming to return to the game. It was an important decision to put him in at the end of the second half. In fact, we made that kind of replacement several times last year, but there were many situations where there was only one center back this year.
This time, he and Ben Davies were on the bench, so they could take a variety of options in time for the game, and Danso played as if he had never been absent. I think we need to give more playing time in the next few games. It will be a very important resource.
-Destiny Udogi has been a big player in defence, how important is it for the club to ensure his long-term future?
▶I don't know much about rumors or interest, but he's a really outstanding player. What I felt as soon as I took over was the conviction that he would be a key player in our team. The future growth potential is also very high. My physical conditions are very good, and I'm getting more and more tactically advanced.
I've missed a few games due to injuries, but I think that's part of his physical growth process. His profile is very unique. He is tall, has strong physical strength, skills, and defense. He's in good shape at the moment, and I believe he and a few other young players will be very important assets for the club in the next two or three years.
-I'd like to ask you a question about Scott Mann. After the recent news of Vinay Venkatesham's appointment, Munn's future has become a hot topic. Fans don't really know what Scott Munn does, what is the director's relationship with him and what role is he in?
▶There are not just rumors about him, there are many others (laughs). Scott Munn may seem to be working behind the scenes, but his role is very clear. He is in charge of football-related administrative affairs, and several departments report to him. The whole football operation is under his control. I communicate with him almost every day. I'm a very passionate and sincere worker.
He's focused on the direction we need for this team that we're building, and he's a very important figure. It's true that people don't know much about him, but it's Scott who actually manages the entire football operation of the club. There are a lot of fans who hear a lot from me, but I don't handle everything. His role in running a soccer club is really big.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
