Postecoglou says Spurs cannot ‘risk’ best players as star forced off ahead of Europa League final clash | OneFootball

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou insists that he cannot risk his best players in the Premier League as his side looks ahead to a Europa League final against Manchester United.

Spurs were beaten 2-0 at home by Crystal Palace, sealing the Eagles’ first ever league double over the north London club.

Two goals from Eberechi Eze were the difference between the two sides but Postecoglou’s biggest concern will be Dejan Kulusevski leaving the pitch early in the first half with discomfort.

The Australian was adamant that the Swede’s injury is nothing to worry about but stressed that he needs all his players fit and rested for the game in Bilbao on 21 May.

“He should be ok,” Postecoglou said. “Just talking to him after, the medical team are not too concerned about him. It was just a knock.”

When asked about whether he would have brought on Dominic Solanke Postecoglou said: “No, we weren’t going to. The last time we played on an artificial with Tamworth, the game after we got two calf injuries out of it. Guys like Brennan, maybe Richy (Richarlison) and Madders, so we were never going to risk those guys today.”

The Spurs manager made eight changes from Thursday night’s win against Bodo/Glimt and insists that every player needs to be ready to play in the Europa League final.

“We lost Lucas Bergvall the day before a game, you have got to be ready for your opportunity,” he said.

“They may think that the team is already set but something else we have learnt this year is that nothing goes to plan. I am not thinking about the starting lineup for the final because we still have another game and ten days to navigate.”

He added: “If there is the attitude that they will not be playing in the dressing room then it is the wrong attitude because when Lucas went down we had to throw Bissouma in there.”

This loss was their 20th of the season, a Premier League record for the club, and Postecoglou admits that the changes from Thursday are not an excuse for the poor performance.

He said: “We weren’t anywhere near the level we needed to be today. It’s not helpful when you lose another player, it’s the fine line we’re trying to navigate at the moment.

“That aside, it was a disappointing performance and nowhere near the level it should be.

“I cannot totally discount the performance today on the fact that I have made a number of changes. We should have still went out and performed better than we did.”