Tottenham Hotspur has suspended their star midfielder, Yves Bissouma ahead of their Premier League 2024-25 season opener against Leicester City after the Mali international was filmed on video inhaling Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas.
“We’ve suspended Bissouma from Monday’s game. He needs to build that trust back with both me and the group. The door is open for him but behaviour is crucial,” Tottenham’s manager Ange Postecoglou spoke to the press ahead on Thursday.
The midfielder had issued an apology earlier for his actions. “I want to apologise for these videos. This was a serious lack of judgement. I understand the seriousness of this and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously,” he said as quoted by the Indian Express.
Tottenham will begin their season against Leicester City on Tuesday. Postecoglu’s side will look to improve and build upon what has been a promising season last year. But the suspension of Bissouma could become a massive blow to the side’s midfield unit.
In the transfer market, the London-based club have made three major signings. Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth, Archie Gray from Leeds United and Lucas Bergvall from Djurgårdens.
Bissouma who is a defensive midfielder, was among the regular starters for Postecoglu’s side last year. With his suspension, the club could opt to play Oliver Skipp instead. The club have also opted to loan out the star midfielder, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg to the French club, Marseille as well which could be an additional hit.
After finishing fifth in the domestic league last season, the club will look to take on the test of European football along with an improvement in the domestic games as well, where Ange’s managerial skills will be put to the test. Spurs will also make their return to the Europa League for the first time in four years as well.
Leicester City also have a new man at the helm with Steve Cooper taking charge of the club on a three-year contract. Under Cooper, the club could look to take a more pragmatic approach which could be a difficult challenge for the London-based club to crack open.
Comments
0 comment