Ange Postecoglou reveals why he took Destiny Udogie off during the win against Everton

Tottenham secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Everton on Saturday, bouncing back effectively from their previous draw against Leicester City.

However, the match raised some concerns when manager Ange Postecoglou opted to substitute left-back Destiny Udogie in the 72nd minute.

In his post-match press interview, Postecoglou clarified that Udogie’s substitution was a precautionary measure to prevent injury.

The Australian manager explained that Udogie was experiencing fatigue, with soreness in his hamstrings and calves, prompting the decision to rest him.

Postecoglou also mentioned that Udogie had shown similar signs of fatigue the previous week, leading the club to carefully manage his playing time to help him build fitness without risking further injury.

He said (as quoted by Football London):

“Destiny was a bit sore. Tiredness in both hamstrings and calves. He was really fatigued last week as well and we’re trying to build up his minutes.”

Postecoglou’s cautious approach reflects the club’s strategy to manage Udogie’s fitness carefully.

Udogie, who had a debut season interrupted by a quadriceps surgery, is crucial to Tottenham’s plans.

The club aims to avoid a recurrence of last season’s injury issues and ensure Udogie remains a key asset throughout the campaign.

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The Athletic reported on 16 August that another midfielder was wanted in addition to a full-back, and two attacking recruits, in the wake of Georginio Rutter’s and Crysencio Summerville’s departures.

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Mateo Joseph broke out with an excellent performance in the 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday [Sky Sports, 23 August] to suggest he could also be a regular in the XI this term.

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