Yves Bissouma thanks Ange Postecoglou for looking out for Tottenham’s players | OneFootball

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has paid tribute to “uncle” Ange Postecoglou for protecting the squad through tough times and guiding them to the Europa League final.

Spurs have set unwanted Premier League records this season with a worst ever tally of defeats in the division – going beyond the 19 losses they suffered in the 1993-94 and 2003-04 campaigns respectively – but Postecoglou has rarely pointed the finger at his players.

A huge injury crisis which started in November and lasted until March has played a big part, but Tottenham have put their top-flight struggles to one side to navigate knock-out ties with AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt to set up Wednesday’s final with Manchester United.

“It’s never changed, never changed. We have a good relationship,” Bissouma said of Postecoglou.

“He’s like a dad or uncle for us. He’s always trying to make us understand what he really wants.

“For us, he’s Ange, he’s him. He’s got his idea. He’s trying to help us every time. It’s not easy (the style), especially at the start. We have to stick together like what we’re doing and that’s what we’re doing.

“He’s always protecting us. Every game when we lose or win. Like I said, he’s got a top mentality. He understands football. He knows it’s up and down. He never blames players.

“To have a coach like him is something. At the same time, with him, we are working hard.

“We want to improve every game and every training because it’s really important for us and the club. We’re all here for the club, for the same reason. It’s necessary to be together.”

Bissouma almost perfectly encapsulates Spurs in his ability to fluctuate between bad and brilliant.

The Mali international played only 13 minutes of ties with AZ and Frankfurt following a string of poor displays before he starred – when Lucas Bergvall was ruled out with an ankle injury – after being required to start both matches against Bodo.

A season which started with a one-match club ban following a laughing-gas incident could finish with Bissouma being a key member of the team which ended Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought.

Quizzed on his laughing gas mishap, Bissouma said: “I don’t want to talk about that, sorry.

“Of course there’s more to come (from me). We are always here for learning, I’m still learning. This season has been hard for me because I didn’t play much.

“The most important thing is if the team does good. I’m here to work and when my time comes, I play.

“The only thing I know is you have to work hard and never give up and be ready when your team needs you. That’s what I’m always trying to do.

“We know what we have to do. We have to win this cup because for us, it’s really important. It’s an important game for us.

“As a player, it’s not coming every season. For the club, for the fans, it’s something special.”