Spurs have been left shorthanded by their injury troubles. Against Hoffenheim, Postecoglou could only name eight substitutes, including two goalkeepers and five teenagers.
All three of the players to come off the bench against Hoffenheim were 19 or younger, including 17-year-old debutant Callum Olusesi.
“These guys are giving everything they can. It should not be dismissed that I had five teenagers [on the pitch],” Postecoglou said.
“We are a Premier League outfit playing in an away game in Europe and we had five teenagers out there. It is pretty much unheard of in an important game, not a dead rubber. And that goes to show the load these guys are willing to take on themselves, without making excuses.
“I could not speak highly enough of the players carrying us through. They will get some help hopefully soon with some players coming back. We are in a real good position in Europe.”
Spurs are now fourth in the Europa League table, and will qualify as one of the eight sides to go straight into the knockout phase if they beat Elfsborg on matchday eight.
Their progress in the cups is in stark contrast to their league form. In the Premier League, they have won one of their past 10 matches and have fallen to 15th, eight points above the relegation zone.
Leave a Reply