Ange Postecoglou was questioned about the Israel-Hamas crisis and whether he had spoken to Manor Solomon considering the present circumstances in the winger’s homeland before of Tottenham’s game against Fulham.
Ange Postecoglou is hopeful that the game between Tottenham and Fulham on Monday will provide some relief to those affected by the Israel–Hamas crisis for at least 90 minutes. Because Tottenham Hotspur has strong ties to the Jewish community, the events of the last two weeks have had a significant impact on a number of persons associated with the football club.
Postecoglou, who returns to Premier League action on Monday after a two-week break for the season’s second international break, understands the critical role he and his players must play in bringing joy to supporters. While he agrees that it is not business as usual in Israel right now, he understands the power of football and what it can deliver for people.
“Well, it’s not business as usual,” the 58-year-old explained. “We don’t see ourselves in that role.” As I have stated, our duty is to present our supporters with something that they know they want to see in their football club. When we walk out there on Monday night, there will be 60,000 people – and hundreds of thousands more around the world – who simply want to see their football team play some great football, win a game, and give them the joy that only football can provide.
“Because, you know, when you score in the final seconds of a football game, you don’t care who’s next to you.” Do you? It makes no difference where they come from, what they think, or what they believe. For that little instant, you are one.
“That’s what football offers.” It has the ability to provide. And I believe that is our responsibility. It is always our responsibility, regardless of the current climate or what the climate might be next week or in the coming weeks. Football, as I previously stated, is a form of escapism for many people in those moments, bringing some comfort and making you feel like you are part of something bigger. As a football club, that is always our role.”
When asked how he is dealing with the events of the last two weeks, he stated, “I’ve always felt that I am not a custodian of any football club.” I, like everyone else, have the duty of being a football manager. I’m a human being, and you struggle with these things, and you recognise that others will suffer with them as well.
“My life experience has taught me not to pass judgement or jump to conclusions.” In these cases, I’ll allow the people who are affected be my guide. Because it is extremely easy for others to pass judgement, but you are directed by those who are directly touched in all of these matters. And all I can do as a football manager inside our football club is try to provide support, counsel, and direction to anyone who is battling with these things in the best manner I can and in the best way a football club can.
“Again, I’ve always felt football – in sport, in general, especially football, the most important role I can play is just that – and it may sound trivial at times, but it is, it can be a form of escapism.” Ninety, 95 minutes where you can take individuals who are struggling with whatever they are going through in life and take them away from it, just for a little bit, while you know you’re around supporting their football club.
“And maybe, within that context, we can provide some small solace, comfort, or even a little bit of joy that takes their mind off whatever they’re going through.” But that’s where I’ve ended up.
“I don’t try to insert myself into these things because, you know, there are some things I do know about, like my own upbringing.” And, you know, I know what it’s like to be an immigrant, and I can speak passionately about it. However, my family has never been involved in the battle. So it’s not for me to pass judgement.”
Following the summer acquisition of Manor Solomon, Tottenham now have the lone Israeli player in the Premier League. Postecoglou has admitted that he has spoken to the winger, but not specifically about the current situation in Israel, at a difficult time for the player given what is going on in his home country and also because he has just undergone knee surgery and faces three to four months on the sidelines.
“Not in particular. I spoke with Manor. Because he’s dealing with a few issues. He, too, has recently undergone surgery. “I’ve been assisting him through that process,” Postecoglou explained when questioned about speaking with Solomon.
“Once again, it’s not about me trying to get information out of him. I’ll be there. He’s going through what a lot of people in his situation are going through. Hopefully, as I mentioned, if he feels there is a place here where he can get some extra help or direction, we can provide it. I’m not sure where that space is. That will be defined by him and his current situation. But I spoke with him a couple of days ago.
“As I already stated, it is also about…I spoke a couple of weeks ago about finding balance in life, and you know, he’s got a couple of things to deal with right now, aside from his personal injury. The good news is that he is very optimistic about the procedure and how far it has progressed. And he is very eager to rejoin the team.”
When asked about his role as head coach and whether he seeks out players who may be affected by something or waits for them to come to him, Postecoglou said that he always tries to create an environment where players and other members of staff feel comfortable and can get advice, guidance, or whatever is needed.
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