With the start of the Premier League less than three weeks away, teams are ramping up their preseason intensity in order to be fully ready for the long and arduous season ahead. Tottenham Hotspur are no different.
Following a long and physically taxing tour of Japan and South Korea, Spurs will wrap up their Asia tour with a match against German giants Bayern Munich on Saturday. Ange Postecoglou's men have impressed so far this preseason, winning four games on the bounce.
However, Bayern will present a completely different challenge to what Spurs have faced this preseason. So, which team will come out on top in this highly anticipated preseason friendly?
As a club, Tottenham Hotspurs has found a new leash of life under Australian head coach, Ange Postecoglou. Spurs’ fans had to endure dull and unimaginative football for almost four seasons, as Daniel Levy appointed defensive-minded coaches like Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte. The fanbase grew increasingly frustrated by Levy’s constant managerial missteps, and it all came to a head after Antonio Conte’s infamous press conference rant.
The fans had reached their limit, and big changes were needed in the 2023 offseason. However, Postecoglou’s appointment instantly lifted the mood around the club. His no-nonsense communication, faith in youth and ultra attacking football resonated with the club’s values and the fanbase’s desire. Ange’s Spurs performed admirably during the 2023-24 season, finishing fifth in the league. But now in his second season, the fans expect his team to kick on and truly challenge for trophies and a Champions League spot.
Spurs have had an excellent preseason tournament, securing victories against Hearts, QPR, Vissel Kobe and K-League 11. They now face Bayern Munich twice before the start of the Premier League season. These two preseason friendlies will be of immense importance not just for Tottenham, but Bayern too.
The Bavarian are still getting used to life under new head coach, Vincent Kompany. The Manchester City legend replaces seasoned coach Thomas Tuchel, who fell out with the Bayern board. Therefore, the inexperienced Belgian coach needs to hit the ground running. Fans and the board will expect Kompany to guide Munich into a new era, laden with domestic and continental trophies. However, it is easier said than done. The preseason friendly against Spurs will be Kompany’s new-look Bayern’s first big test.
Vincent Kompany named a 26-man roster for Bayern Munich’s brief Asian tour. Key players like Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala, Eric Dier, Kim Min-Jae and Serge Gnabry have all been included onto the roster. Furthermore, new recruit Joao Palhinha has also travelled to Seoul. Many expect Kompany to hand Palhinha this unofficial Bayern debut versus Spurs.
However, one name which isn’t on the roster is Harry Kane. Spurs record goal scorer hasn’t made the trip to Seoul, as he’s still on an extended vacation following England’s Euro 2024 campaign. Moreover, Kompany will also miss the services of Michael Olise, Leroy Sane, Mattijs De Ligt, Dayot Upamencano and Alphonso Davis.
On the contrary, Ange can call upon most of their key starters. Players like Son Heung-Min, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma have all recieved significant game time this preseason. The only key players missing are Micky Van De Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison.
The game is scheduled to take place on 3rd August 2024 (Saturday). The match will kick off at 4:30 PM (Indian Standard Time).
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