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***OMT*** Tottenham Hotspur v Bodø/Glimt*** Europa League Semi-Final Second-Leg Thursday May 8th, KO 8pm

Trixster said:
Their 9 wins from 10 using it, pretty good strat I'd say.
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The have an 85% win average at home and 3% on the road.

I think they are a very good side at home, as the numbers suggest.

There's a video floating around where a reporter visits the club for pre match, meets the owners, fans and historian.

In their league, and in Cup competitions they have been successful, but again not unlike Liverpool or United under Fergie pretty much have an unbeatable home record.

Tomorrow isn't going to be a cakewalk, and right now I'd take a draw.
 

Here is a detailed summary of the OSO Spurs podcast episode covering the West Ham match, the upcoming Bodø/Glimt second leg, tactical analysis, and the Europa League debate:



🎙️ OSO Spurs Podcast – Episode Summary​


Hosts & Guest:​


  • Regular Hosts: Sai, Stu, and Abod Local
  • Guest: Sander from Norway, a lifelong Spurs fan and expert on Bodø/Glimt (from Bodø himself), previously praised for insights in an earlier episode.


🏟️ West Ham Match Review​


🎯 Tactical Choices & Rotation:​


  • Ange Postecoglou made significant squad rotation.
  • Stu questioned whether rotating too heavily was more harmful than helpful.
  • Sai felt the rotation was justified given the risk of injury or suspension ahead of the crucial second leg vs. Bodø/Glimt.
  • Particular sympathy expressed for Alfie Gray, forced into right-back again instead of his preferred midfield role.

🧠 Fan Perceptions:​


  • The lineup wasn’t necessarily “weak,” with experienced players like Kulusevski, Sarr, Bissouma, and the preferred wingers starting.
  • Performance deemed uninspired but not catastrophic. Spurs haven’t historically done well at West Ham, so a draw was acceptable.

😴 Atmosphere & Energy:​


  • Sander, who attended the game, described it as “boring” with flat energy even from the West Ham fans. By the second half, the stadium was silent.
  • The panel agreed the game felt like a “nothing match” played in a “nothing stadium” with nothing to play for.


⚙️ Tactical Debate – Who Controls the System?​


❓ Was the tactical shift vs. Bodø/Glimt manager-led or player-initiated?​


  • Three theories were debated:
    1. Players took over tactics.
    2. Tactical shift was incidental/lucky.
    3. Ange intentionally changed tactics.
  • Stu strongly argued against the idea of a player mutiny, citing Ange's career consistency and player respect.
  • Evidence for tactical changes:
    • Shift from high press to mid-block.
    • Greater willingness to play long diagonal balls (e.g., Porro’s pass in the first goal).
    • More selective pressing—a “faux press” designed to trigger counters, described as a deliberate ploy.


🔮 Bodø/Glimt Second Leg Preview​


🧍‍♂️ Opposition Strength:​


  • Bodø/Glimt: 31 wins in 36 home European matches.
  • They’re confident and used to fast-paced play on an artificial, heavily watered pitch, which can disrupt Spurs’ rhythm.

⚠️ Lineup Concerns:​


  • Spurs missing Maddison and Berval.
  • Expected return of Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie to shore up defense.
  • Midfield debates:
    • Sarr & Bissouma to start?
    • Kulusevski in midfield or bench?
    • Tell vs. Richarlison on the left? Tell is more technical; Richarlison more physical and disruptive.
  • Possible rotation: Richie starts wide, moves central if needed. Mikey Moore might come on late.

🧠 Sander’s Insight:​


  • Bodø fans don’t disrespect Spurs—comments in the media were exaggerated.
  • He expects Bodø to dominate possession and try to pin Spurs back.
  • Spurs will likely sit deep and hit on the counter.

📌 Key Tactical Consideration:​


  • Artificial pitch & fast ball will demand:
    • Players with good first touch.
    • Tactical patience.
    • High concentration, which Spurs have often lacked late in games.


🏆 Is the Europa League Devalued Without UCL Drop-Ins?​


❌ Common Criticism:​


  • Some media (e.g., Matt Law) suggest Spurs' run is less meaningful without UCL teams dropping into the competition.

✅ Panel Rebuttal:​


  • Stu: Champions League teams don’t deserve a second chance. It undermines the competition.
  • Sai: This year’s Europa League has actual champions—Ajax, Galatasaray, Olympiakos, Ferencváros—so quality is high.
  • Sander: UEFA having 3 separate tournaments means each should be respected for its tier.
  • The historical context matters:
    • Spurs' first European trophy was the UEFA Cup (now Europa League).
    • It's part of Spurs’ identity and heritage—fans should be proud.
    • Criticism of Europa as “backdoor qualification” is unfair when compared to finishing 5th or 6th in a league.


💬 Fan Culture & Atmosphere​


🕊️ First Leg vs. Bodø:​


  • Possibly best-ever home atmosphere at Tottenham.
  • Full participation in “White Wall” display, pre-game songs, flags.
  • Early goal (38 seconds) elevated energy.
  • Sander described the emotional experience of seeing his hometown club play at his favorite team’s stadium.

👥 Fanbase Divides:​


  • Older vs. younger fans see things differently.
    • Older fans recall the club’s low points and see this era as progress.
    • Younger fans, having missed the club’s rise, focus more on frustration with the current stagnation.
  • Online negativity doesn't match in-stadium passion.


🔚 Score Predictions​


  • All agree: this will be tight and tense.
  • Predictions ranged from:
    • 2–2 draw with Spurs going through.
    • 3–1 Bodø win leading to extra time and Spurs grabbing a late winner.
    • 3–0 down by 70th minute with Spurs clawing back to win in extra time.


🎯 Final Thoughts:​


  • Spurs should be proud to be in a European semi-final.
  • The club’s European heritage began in this competition.
  • Fans need to stop self-deprecating and back the team.
  • If Spurs reach the final, the narrative will shift regardless of past criticisms.
 

Here’s a detailed summary of the Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham podcast episode, recorded the day before Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League semi-final second leg away at Bodø/Glimt in Norway:



🔷 Setting the Scene​


  • Hosts: Lee Wilmot and Alasdair Gold (subbing in for regular co-host Rob Guest, who's on holiday).
  • Location: Gold reports live from Bodø, Norway, the site of the match.
  • Travel Notes: Alasdair jokes about poor lighting hiding the stunning Norwegian sea view. He clarifies the town is pronounced “Buda”, not “Bodo” as many Brits say.


🟡 Match Context: Bodø/Glimt vs Spurs​


  • First Leg Result: Spurs lead 3–1 after a strong home performance.
  • Warning Sign: Bodø’s late goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has slightly unsettled what could have been a more comfortable lead.
  • Second Leg Conditions:
    • Artificial Pitch: Concerns about adaptation and injury risks, especially for players like Van de Ven (hamstring issues).
    • Weather: Around 7°C — chilly but playable.
    • Small Venue: Bodø’s population (~42,000) could fit inside Spurs' home stadium with room to spare.


⚔️ Spurs Tactical Preview​


  • Expected Approach: Sensible, measured performance required; not "Ange-ball" at full throttle. Spurs must avoid complacency.
  • Lessons Learned: Spurs have previously underperformed in Europe when underestimating teams (e.g., Dinamo Zagreb).
  • Key Strategy:
    • Keep it tight in the first 20 minutes.
    • Avoid giving Bodø early momentum.
    • Use pace and physicality in transitions and set pieces.


🧠 Mentality and Player Focus​


  • Cristian Romero:
    • Likely captain in absence of Maddison and Son.
    • Needs to avoid rash tackles early on.
    • Despite criticism, Romero brings big-game experience (World Cup, Copa Americas).
  • Micky van de Ven: Main concern is injury risk on artificial surface.


🧑‍⚕️ Injury Updates​


  • James Maddison: Likely out for an extended period.
  • Son Heung-min: Status unclear; if fit, may only make the bench.
  • Lucas Bergvall: Sidelined after a freak training injury.
  • Injury Crisis Ongoing: Alasdair calls Postecoglou “the unluckiest manager” due to the sheer number of training-ground injuries this season.


🟢 Team News and Selection Thoughts​


  • Probable Midfield: Bentancur, Bissouma, Kulusevski.
  • Debate over Kulusevski at #10: Lacks the drive and turn Maddison brings when linking with defense.
  • Other Considerations:
    • Richarlison could play on the left.
    • Matías Tell and Oduber are pushing for starts but Tell likely edges it.
    • Udogie and Bissouma looked decent in recent matches.
    • Mikey Moore impressed off the bench vs West Ham.


⚽ West Ham Draw Recap (1–1)​


  • Flat Atmosphere: Derby lacked intensity; “no one cared.”
  • Rotated XI: Spurs rested starters ahead of Europa League clash.
  • Notable Performers: Tell looked sharp; Bissouma solid; Vicario’s left-foot distribution still suspect.
  • Takeaway: Gave fringe players minutes, but minimal tactical insight.


📊 Bodø/Glimt's Home Form – A Worry​


  • In all three Europa League knockout rounds so far, Bodø:
    • Lost the first leg away.
    • Won second leg at home by 2+ goals.
  • Alarming Stat: That’s exactly what they need vs Spurs.
  • Silver Lining: They lost 2–1 at home to Qarabag (whom Spurs beat 3–0 with 10 men).


📅 Fixture Adjustment – Aston Villa Game Moved​


  • If Spurs reach the Europa League final:
    • Their match against Villa is moved from Sunday to Friday night.
    • Man United’s game moved as well for fairness.
    • Villa reportedly unhappy due to lost fanfare for their final home match.


💡 Closing Notes​


  • NordVPN Sponsor Segment: Alasdair highlights how VPN helps journalists stream matches from abroad to double-check decisions for accuracy in reports.
  • No Predictions: Both hosts refuse to jinx the match with predictions.
  • Next Up: Press conference with Ange Postecoglou and Vicario plus open training session coverage to come.


🔚 Final Message​


Spurs have a crucial match in a tricky European away environment. Despite injuries and inconsistent form, they have a strong lead and enough quality to finish the job — if they stay disciplined and composed.
 
glorygloryeze said:
Tbf, we didn't do that away to Frankfurt...so there's some hope
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We didn't do it in Frankfurt or at home against these guys.

At home we played a mid block 4-2-4 for the majority of the game, with (most noticeably) the ball in front of defense most times.

Do the same, wait for the opp, get a goal, one goal from us makes it very difficult for them.
 
K.D.D.D.D.Soc said:
After reading this thread I wonder why we are bothering going there, hope you've all got a good supply of TENA pants if you've got the balls to watch.
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We have lost over twenty games this season, have no Bergvall or Maddison, I mean confidence should be at an all time high.

But apart from that i think we will win by five clear goals.

😒
 
El Dante said:
I fully agree. I think we will have had a better season than any team that ends the season without a trophy if we win the competition.
We will never see the Champions League return to first only. It’s more and more like a Super League of sorts as time moves forward. See how we now have a league format. It’s crazy to think though that there could be as many as seven Premier League clubs in the Champions League next season if we, or United, win the Europa League, and Arsenal somehow win the CL but finish outside of the top 5.
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I think they need to expand the amount of PL teams inside the CL to at least 7 by default but that won't happen because La Liga will start whinging that Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo aren't in it to make the tournament brick.
 

UPDATE | MADDISON RULED OUT FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON​

Wed 07 May 2025, 18:00|Tottenham Hotspur


Ange Postecoglou has confirmed James Maddison will miss the rest of the campaign.
The midfielder was forced off with a knee problem midway through the second half of our Europa League first leg win over Bodo/Glimt last week.
Scorer of our second goal in that game, Madders was sent for a scan after the win over the Norwegian side to assess the extent of the injury but it has now been confirmed by our Head Coach that the problem is significant enough to keep him out of action for the rest of the season.
"Unfortunately Madders last week hurt his knee and it looks like he's got an issue there," Ange explained. "That'll keep him out for the rest of the season which is disappointing... disappointing for him, more than anything because he's been important for us, particularly this latter part of the year and particularly in Europe - he's been a catalyst for a lot of our good stuff.
"It's really disappointing for him but it has been a constant of our season to deal with things like this and it's just another one we need to overcome."
 

Not sure on the Werner comment !!!

This is a pre-match press conference with Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, ahead of a critical second-leg European semi-final fixture. The key themes are injuries, tactical approach, leadership, resilience, and outside commentary about Spurs. Here is a detailed summary:



🔴 Squad News and Injuries​


  • Timo Werner is ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury suffered in the first leg. Postecoglou expressed sympathy, highlighting Werner’s key role in the European campaign.
  • James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall are both injured, removing two of Spurs' most creative midfielders.
  • Dejan Kulusevski is seen as crucial in filling the creative void; Postecoglou noted he’s regaining rhythm and was strong against West Ham.
  • Heung-Min Son did not travel, though is progressing well. There is a possibility he could feature at the weekend.
  • Dominic (presumably a reference to Micky van de Ven or another Dom) is fit and has trained fully.


🟡 Tactical and Preparatory Approach​


  • Postecoglou rejected the idea that Spurs are being cautious with a two-goal lead, emphasizing discipline and organization, especially in away European games.
  • Spurs trained at the venue, unlike a previous European trip with Celtic, citing familiarity and preparation as the reason for the change.
  • Acknowledged the artificial pitch presents a challenge but said the team will train on it and adjust.
  • Spurs are expected to maintain their aggressive playing style, even under pressure, but he concedes natural conservatism kicks in during tight knock-out matches.


🧠 Mentality, Leadership & Resilience​


  • Leadership has been decentralized due to regular absences of key figures like Maddison, Son, and others. This has allowed players like Pedro Porro, Bentancur, Bissouma, and Vicario to step up.
  • The experience of constant squad rotation due to injuries has helped foster a resilient and mentally tough squad.
  • Postecoglou credited his players for never losing belief despite adversity, emphasizing this as a foundation for any future success.


🔥 Narratives & External Criticism​


  • Responded to Arsène Wenger's criticism of Champions League qualification through this competition with humor and sarcasm, suggesting Spurs’ involvement tends to “make people crazy.”
  • He dismissed suggestions that Spurs are somehow undeserving of qualification, pointing out the rules were set before and not because of Spurs.
  • Reiterated that winning a trophy is crucial to shift the club’s narrative — pointing to a 15-year drought for any silverware and 21 years without a European title.
  • On comments from opposition player Frederik Scherbell calling Spurs' pressing “very bad,” Postecoglou dryly noted that “those things will be answered tomorrow.”


🧩 Big Picture & Cultural Change​


  • When asked about being two games from changing perceptions about the club, he said winning alone won’t change all narratives, but it helps foster a culture of belief.
  • Resilience, according to Postecoglou, is essential for any form of success, and Spurs' season has been a prime example of enduring and growing through adversity.


🟩 Closing Message​


The session wrapped with Postecoglou emphasizing:


“If [the players] can tap into the way they've dealt with every sort of stumble and challenge this year, they’ll find the strength to get the job done tomorrow.”
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