Ange Postecoglou has praised Giovani Lo Celso despite the midfielder facing difficulties in the current campaign.
Rumours have circulated about the Argentine international’s departure from North London this summer, attributed to his limited playing time this season.
Reports suggest that Spurs are also keen to sell Lo Celso to raise funds, as the attacking midfielder is not in the plans of the Australian manager.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham’s league fixture against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Postecoglou addressed Lo Celso’s situation, acknowledging the player’s injury setbacks and competition for his position, but highlighting his valuable contributions to the team.
The 58-year-old commended Lo Celso’s resilience during injury spells and hailed his recent impact, notably against Luton Town last Saturday. However, he also acknowledged the challenge of managing a large squad at a top club like Spurs, where consistent game time for every player is not guaranteed.
Ange indirectly suggested that if Lo Celso seeks more playing time, he might need to consider opportunities at other clubs. He commented, as reported by Alasdair Gold on Football London:
“It is not just him. There has been a few in that boat where they just haven’t had a real good run in terms of there has been injury disruptions.
“And other times when he has been fit, other players have played in his position, but I still think Gio’s been good for us this year.
“Through that middle patch when we had a lot of injuries, he really stood up for us and then got his own injury of course.
“He made a real impact against Luton at weekend and it really helped us get over the line.
“Look, he’s a fantastic player, but with all these things you’ve got to keep the perspective that we’re at a big club.
“We’re going to have a big squad and if it is not Gio, it will be someone else that will play that role next year.
“No one will play every game. It doesn’t happen. It doesn’t happen at all the big clubs, so I am never really worried about the game-time players are playing.
“If they want more game-time, there are other clubs where they can do that and I’m looking at contribution.
“With someone like Gio, like I said he has contributed to us this year and that’s been the most important thing for me.”
Despite Lo Celso’s impactful contributions in his limited time on the pitch, which include two goals and two assists, he has only started four Premier League games, just 13% of the total games. (Transfermarkt)
The injury record has further complicated matters, with the former PSG midfielder missing 11 games this season due to hamstring and muscle injuries.
Lo Celso is nearing the end of his Tottenham contract, with less than 18 months remaining before it expires in June of the following year, indicating a likely departure in the summer.
