Postecoglou backs depleted Spurs to handle ‘partisan’ Galatasaray challenge | Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou has backed a patched-up side to handle one of the continent’s most feared pots when Spurs face Galatasaray in the biggest test of their Europa League campaign to date.

Tottenham have won three from three in the new eight-game format and will almost certainly guarantee at least the safety net of a playoff spot with another win in Istanbul. But they will be sorely depleted against the Turkish league leaders, who have dropped just two points from 10 home games, and the occasion will be a test for the less experienced members of Postecoglou’s crop. While the modern Rams Park doesn’t quite offer the “Welcome to Hell” of the old Ali Sami Yen Stadium, there are few scarier venues.

“I’m sure they’re all looking forward to it,” Postecoglou said of the opportunity to stand tall in front of such intense partisan support. “That’s why you play football. This generation, many of them experienced what football was like without fans (during the Covid lockdowns) and definitely don’t like it. It’s a fantastic stadium, the supporters create an incredible atmosphere here and they love the big European nights.

“(Galatasaray) are a very, very good team, exactly the kind of game you want to be involved in. Whether you’re young or old, whatever your role is, you look forward to it.”

17-year-old winger Mikey Moore had been penciled in for his third consecutive European start but, in a blow to the manager’s efforts to rotate, has a virus and has not traveled. Richarlison, who only returned to action last month, is another casualty after damaging a hamstring in Sunday’s big win over Aston Villa.

Postecoglou said the Brazilian would “probably be out for a while” and revealed Timo Werner had had a groin problem that rules out his involvement. Another absentee, Cristian Romero, may be able to return against Ipswich on Sunday, while Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert and Djed Spence remain on the sidelines.

Postecoglou spoke of Galatasaray’s attacking threat, which was not surprising as their manager, Okan Buruk, can name an attacking force of Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi. In defence, he can call on former Spurs centre-back Davinson Sánchez. A 4-3 win over Elfsborg in their latest Europa League encounter here spoke of the excitement that can await. “They certainly have a lot of threat in the front third,” the Australian said. “Their attacking players are very, very good individually. They are a strong team physically so we will have to match the attacking threats they have with the way we play.

Moore’s illness could mean that Brennan Johnson, who might have expected a rest, continues on the right flank with Son Heung-min opposite. Young striker Will Lankshear could start if Postecoglou opts to keep Dominic Solanke fit. Two goals against Villa highlighted Solanke’s importance and he hopes to build on last month’s return to the England game when Thomas Tuchel takes charge of the national team. “I would love to be there again,” Solanke said. “I worked hard to get back there, so it’s definitely my goal to stay there.”