Tottenham Hotspur is taking a risk.
Tottenham Hotspur will face AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 for the 2024-2025 season on the 14th at 5 a.m. (Korea time) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
After suffering an unbelievable 0-1 defeat in the away match on the 7th, Tottenham risks experiencing another frustrating trophyless season if they do not win this game.
Currently ranked 13th in the Premier League (34 points), Tottenham has already fallen far from the title race and has exited both the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) and the FA Cup last month, leaving the UEFA Europa League as the only competition where they can still contend for a title. Even this competition has become increasingly at risk of resulting in another trophyless season after losing in the first leg of the Round of 16 against Alkmaar, which is viewed as superior in terms of objective strength.
On the 12th, ahead of the match, Tottenham relayed the voice of captain Son Heung-min through the club's official channel.
Tottenham noted, "Son Heung-min knows well that talent and ability alone are not enough for success," adding, "As we approach this important match against AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, Son Heung-min understands that something beyond mere skill is necessary for us to advance to the next round. Attitude and passion will be the critical factors."
The club stated, "This match is expected to be one of the most important nights that Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has hosted in its relatively short history since its opening. Of course, there was the Champions League semifinal against AFC Ajax in 2019, which was the fifth match held here, but this match could likely be the biggest European showdown since the game that confirmed our return to Europe’s top competition by overwhelming Arsenal three years ago."
They continued, "There were two key elements to our victory against Arsenal at that time. The first is our approach to the game. From the start of the match, we went at them relentlessly. We never gave Arsenal a moment to catch their breath. We showed a hunger for victory and maintained the right mentality and attitude throughout the game."
They added, "The second was the atmosphere in the stadium. The support from fans throughout the 90 minutes was incredible. The noise inside the stadium was deafening. We will need these same elements once again in this match. To continue our European journey, we must demonstrate the same spirit we had back then."
Son Heung-min said, "This match is another important home game. We all need to come together. Fans, players, coaching staff, and everyone at the club must unite. Only then can we turn the game around."
He emphasized, "Victory cannot be achieved with skill alone. A proper mentality and attitude when approaching the match are essential. Performance and effort are always important."
He also stressed, "There is no need to speak further about individual skills. However, if we do not give our best, soccer is a sport where the outcome can change at any moment. We need to stay focused, take the game seriously, show respect for our opponents, and pour everything we have into ensuring we turn the result around at home."
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