(Reuters) – This week, a reporter approached Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou to ask about the value of the Asian Cup, which will cause the Premier League club to be without Son Heung-min for a few weeks in the new year due to injury. Postecoglou previously led Australia to victory in the Asian Cup in 2015 when they defeated a South Korea team featuring Son in the final.
When asked about the importance of the continental championship, Postecoglou responded by saying, “You know I won it, don’t you? So I rank it pretty highly, I think it’s pretty important. A lot of European people think the Euros are pretty important – well, it’s the same for the Asian Cup or the African Cup of Nations.”
Tottenham is currently facing multiple injuries, with James Maddison, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Cristian Romero out. In addition, they will lose forward Son for the duration of the Asian Cup while South Korea remains in the competition.
Proud of his Australian heritage, Postecoglou couldn’t resist making a playful comment about Son. “I hope Sonny goes on and finishes runner-up to Australia again, mate,” he said. “I’d be really happy about that.”
After experiencing a 4-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday, Tottenham, currently fifth in the standings, will host 12th-placed Bournemouth on Sunday.
The 2023 Asian Cup will take place from Jan. 12 to Feb. 10 in Qatar.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair and Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Michael Perry)
