Postecoglou speaks on incident between Tottenham duo

Tottenham Hotspur continued their 100% start to the UEFA Europa League’s first round with a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar, courtesy of a penalty by Richarlison in the second period of the game. The Brazilian scored his first goal of the season to give the hosts a narrow win, while also boosting his morale by finding the back of the net after an injury-crippled start to the campaign.

Lucas Bergvall earned the spot kick after receiving a pass from James Maddison eight minutes after the second half commenced. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and rightly so. In the moments leading up to Richarlison taking aim from 12 paces out, he had a word with James Maddison with the duo supposedly staking their claim on the penalty together.

While no bad blood ensued as such as they both celebrated the goal together as well, the sharp eyes of the English media were quick to latch onto the incident. A reporter even quizzed Ange Postecoglou in the post-match press conference by asking what his thoughts were on penalty duties, to which he replied with the following, as per Football London.

“As long as they score. I thought Madders was outstanding tonight. I think in that moment he sensed that Richy has worked really hard. Goals are important for strikers so I thought it was a good decision from Madders to give the responsibility.”

From a managerial standpoint, Postecoglou played his cards very diplomatically – as he does more often than not – by not allowing himself to back one player or another in the public eye. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the impact it would mentally have on Richarlison if he scored given his fitness issues of late as well as his position on the pitch, and leaving it just there.

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It is one of many characteristics that have rendered the Australian as a fan favourite at Hotspur HQ as he came up with a very witty response to a question that could have very possibly been taken out of context by the media.