Synopsis
In anticipation of the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals at Anfield, Ange Postecoglou asserts that Liverpool will feel just as anxious as Tottenham Hotspur. He emphasizes the significance of this match for both teams and discusses player fitness concerns, particularly regarding Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.Key Takeaways
- Liverpool and Spurs share similar anxieties ahead of the semi-final.
- The match is crucial for both clubs in their pursuit of success.
- Spurs lead 1-0 but face a formidable challenge against Liverpool.
- Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero may not feature due to fitness issues.
- Postecoglou emphasizes caution with returning players.
London, Feb 5 (NationPress) As Tottenham Hotspur prepares for their journey to Anfield for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, Ange Postecoglou expresses his belief that Premier League leaders Liverpool will share the same level of anxiety as his squad ahead of this crucial match.
“This is a significant moment for everyone involved. It's a semi-final. I don’t believe Liverpool will be any less nervous than us. This is a momentous game for both teams. You need to recognize that and embrace it, but ultimately, if you aspire to succeed, these are the matches you want to be part of because the alternative is sitting at home on the couch watching two other squads play on television and wishing you were in their place.”
Although Spurs hold a 1-0 lead, they face a tremendous challenge, especially considering this will be Liverpool's 20th entry into the final four of the League Cup, having only lost both legs of a semi-final once before (against Southampton in the 2016-17 season). Since that two-legged defeat to the Saints, the club has advanced from each of their last six major cup competition semi-finals.
Postecoglou further indicated that Micky van de Ven is unlikely to play in the semi-final. The defender was 'kept on ice' during Sunday’s victory over Brentford as a precaution, and he is still working on his fitness at Hotspur Way after returning from injury in last week’s Europa League triumph over Elfsborg.
“With Micky, and to some extent Romero, I think we need to exercise a bit more caution. Micky managed to get through the game well, but I don’t believe he feels ready for that step up to the Premier League intensity.
“The same applies to Romero. After losing Radu for the remainder of the season, which is truly disappointing for both him and us, my perspective is that we will not risk these players, keeping them engaged in training and ensuring they are completely prepared, without any further setbacks. The other players who are also nearing return are on a similar path,” he concluded.
