Ange Postecoglou is hopeful that Spurs can ‘express themselves’ during this weekend’s North London derby clash with Arsenal.
Spurs make the short trip to the Emirates to face fierce rivals Arsenal this weekend, in what will be the Australian’s first experience of the North London rivalry.
The 58-year-old said he has been made aware of the importance of the clash, as unbeaten Spurs search for a first win at Arsenal in the Premier League for more than a decade.
“People have given me an indication of how they feel about this game and that’s great,” Postecoglou said at his pre-match press conference.
“I’ve been involved in derbies and one pretty significant one [Old Firm derby]. You understand what it means to the fans. They are a very good footballing side and they have strengthened this year. You can see there is a real belief within them and playing at their place will be difficult for us.”
Spurs will have several players experiencing their first derby this weekend, but Postecoglou is confident that his team can rise to the occasion and express themselves at the Emirates.
“We have quite a few that haven’t played in this fixture. It’s not just that it’s a derby and away from home but it’s the challenge of overcoming a strong opponent.
“As much as you want to talk about it, it’s the experience that makes you grow.
“In these fixtures you let the players go out and hopefully express themselves in the right way, I don’t want to put too many restrictions around them.”
