Tottenham’s ‘new captain’ Son Heung-min was not smiling in his first start.
Son Heung-min made his first start as Tottenham captain in the first round of the 2023-2024 English Premier League (EPL) season against Brentford at the GTEK Community Stadium in London, England, on Wednesday. Spurs drew 2-2 with Brentford, however, and Son was substituted in the 30th minute.
Enze Postecoglou’s tactical decision was far from ‘Son Heung-min football’: He was isolated on the flank, while left full-back Destiny Udoji was more involved in the attack.
“That’s what the coach asked. I have to be inside when Son is straddling the line. On the other hand, if he’s inside, I’ll go outside.” Udoji’s words were real.
Still, Son’s captaincy has opened up new avenues in Tottenham’s culture. The players gather in a circle at the start of the first and second halves to warm up. It’s called the huddle. It’s usually done in the center of their own half.
Captain Son Heung-min broke that tradition. Before the Tottenham game against Brentford, he ran to the front of the away fans and did the ‘huddle’ to get them pumped up. It was a “fresh shock”.
“It was the first game of the season,” says Son. I usually do it in the center of the pitch, but I thought the fans were one of the most important parts of this season, so I suggested to the players that we go to the fans to show that kind of spirit and to show that we are united.” “The players liked it and accepted it, so I was able to do it. It’s not just about me, it’s about the players agreeing to it.”
Vice-captain James Maddison also spoke about the huddle, telling Football London on Thursday (local time): “The night before the game, Son Heung-min texted me and said he had an idea. Instead of doing the huddle in the center, we should do it in front of the away fans.” “I think the fans would have appreciated seeing us together. It was a good idea for him and it gave us a positive start,” he laughed.
Maddison, who joined Tottenham from Leicester City in the summer, was fantastic on his debut. He assisted on both goals by Christian Romero and Emerson Royale.
“It was a decent result. We’ll take it as a positive, but we can’t be satisfied with one point. We dominated, especially in the second half. I’m happy with the performance and hopefully it will lead to three more points.”
Meanwhile, neither Heung-min Son nor Mason were aware of the squad before Postecoglu announced it. “You saw how we had a meeting,” said Mason. I wasn’t expecting it at all. It was a surprise,” he confessed.바카라사이트
Son Heung-min also said, “I found out at that time (the announcement). When I saw the video, which I thought I knew in advance, I was so surprised that I didn’t know what I was talking about. It was the first time I found out in that situation. I was quite surprised. It’s a proud moment, but it was a surprising moment.”