Postecoglou confident Tottenham players will enjoy controversial Australia trip

Ange Postecoglou believes his Tottenham players will enjoy the experience of facing Newcastle United in Melbourne, despite the post-season trip attracting fierce criticism from some quarters.

Spurs face Newcastle at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, just three days after they rounded off their Premier League season with a 3-0 win at Sheffield United.

The trip has been strongly criticised on player welfare grounds, with former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer describing it as “madness”.

Last year, a report from global players’ union Fifpro warned fixture congestion was at “dangerous” levels and said more must be done to protect players.

Despite the negativity surrounding the fixture, Postecoglou believes his players will relish walking out at Australia’s most iconic sporting venue.

“I said to the lads, ‘I know it’s a long way but I think you’ll enjoy playing at the G’,” Postecoglou said at a press conference on Tuesday.

“It’s not easy because we played Sheffield on Sunday afternoon and we basically got straight on the plane to come out here.

“So we all lost Monday from our lives, but we’re here now and hopefully when the boys walk out tomorrow night and there’s 80,000 people at the ‘G’, the rest of it is irrelevant, and I’m sure they are looking forward to it.”

Welcome home, Ange pic.twitter.com/PsL7KVk151

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 21, 2024

Sunday’s win at Bramall Lane ensured Tottenham finished fifth in the Premier League table, securing Europa League qualification for next season.

Postecoglou does not think fixture congestion will hamper them in 2024-25, saying the absence of European football set Spurs back in their first campaign under him.

“That’s the reward for finishing strong this year so I think we’re looking forward to that,” he said.

“It’s another challenge for us and we’ll be ready for it. I think not having European football this year cost us a bit in terms of our development.

“This club deserves to be in Europe and hopefully we can make an impact next year.”