Ange on Bodo/Glimt: “We know what we have to do”

Ange Postecoglou is looking for a repeat of the second legs on our European journey when we step out at Bodo/Glimt’s Aspmyra Stadion for our UEFA Europa League semi-final, second leg on Thursday evening (8pm UK).

The big difference in Norway to the deciding legs in the Round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar and quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt is that we have a two-goal advantage after our 3-1 win in the first leg last week - we lost the first leg 1-0 in AZ and drew the first leg against Frankfurt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The pressure was on to progress in both ties - the players responded with a 3-1 win against AZ in N17 and an impressive 1-0 victory in Germany.

So, with an advantage this time around, would it make any difference to our approach? “It doesn’t, really,” said Ange, speaking on Inside Spurs from pitchside at the Aspmyra. “The consistent thing always is that in the second legs, we’ve been disciplined, organised and calm in our approach, knowing exactly what we needed to do.

“AZ at home, that could have been nervy, as we lost the first leg, but I thought the lads handled it really well. Frankfurt, going away, it was still 1-1 in the tie, knowing we had to win, again, in a really intimidating atmosphere. Again, we had clear heads in what we needed to do, and it will be the same tomorrow. We know what we have to do. We have to be disciplined and make sure we follow the game plan and allow our quality to take us through.”

Ange’s latest on James Maddison...

“Unfortunately, as we saw last week, Madders hurt his knee. He’s obviously got an issue there, so it will keep him out for the rest of the season. That’s disappointing... disappointing for him, more than anything else, because he’s been important for us, particularly in this latter part of the year, and particularly in Europe. He’s been a catalyst for a lot of our good stuff. So, really disappointing for him, but it has been a constant of our season, dealing with things like this, and this is another we have to overcome.”

Ange on that constant theme of injuries...

“It’s one of those seasons where we can’t get any smooth sailing in any way shape or form, but, I guess, as it has been a constant, the players just get on with it. They understand it’s another challenge to overcome. So, disappointing for Madders, but I still have great belief in the boys who will take the pitch tomorrow.”

Ange on Bodo and playing at the Aspmyra - he was here with Celtic in 2022...

“It’s as you’d expect. They create a good atmosphere here, the pitch plays differently, we know that, like all artificial surfaces, but what trumps all those things is the fact that it’s the second leg of a semi-final. That’s the most important thing. Whenever you play away in Europe, there are always challenges to overcome - the pitch, the environment, the atmosphere - and we’ve experienced a lot of that this year. The lads have grown through that, and this is another challenge for them tomorrow.”

Ange on how he’s feeling...

“Buzzing, can’t wait.”