Ange Postecoglou’s preseason remarks on Guglielmo Vicario may have contributed to Lucas Bergvall’s humiliation by the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper.
Spurs’ season got off to a faltering start against newly promoted Leicester City, tying 1-1, following an electrifying first half. But when Vicario gave the adolescent a piece of his mind during stoppage time, it was one of the game’s most memorable moments.
Shortly before Wilfred Ndidi pushed Vicario into a last-minute save, Bergvall, 18, lost the ball on the left side of the pitch. Vicario, having successfully kept the ball out of his hands, marched over to the worried-looking child and gave him a hard time.
Vicario’s outburst split a lot of Spurs supporters, especially because it was directed at such a young athlete. But based on Postecoglou’s pre-season remarks on the Italian, it appears that he has been given the go-ahead and accountability to be such a prominent and vocal voice inside the team.
The Australian was questioned in the summer about his feelings for the former Empoli goalie. He made it apparent that he believes the shot-stopper will act and speak appropriately due to his disposition and leadership qualities.
Postecoglou stated: “I thought he was the appropriate guy for us as soon as I spoke with him. He is not just a superb goalie but also a superb person.”
“Having someone like him in your dressing room will provide you with more than just a goalie. He seems like the type of man who will have an impact on everything we do. He will have an impact on my work, and incorporating these types of players is how I continue to learn.”
Vicario’s outburst caused a rift among Tottenham supporters. Many on X believed Bergvall shouldn’t have had such easy treatment because of his age, while others sided with the Italian and felt the man’s hairdryer treatment of the child was needless.
Vicario appears to have been elevated and encouraged to make a big impression in the locker room, based on his remarks made throughout the summer. Vicario chuckled as he said, “I’m one of the older players in this group,” to the Athletic.
In the locker room, he said, “I’m very happy with this new role, but I have to do it in a humble way and try to just give them good advice so that they are in a great mind for the team.”
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