Tottenham urged to use a strange astroturf tactic against Bodo/Glimt
Carlton Cole has urged Ange Postecoglou to do something very strange in the second leg of Tottenham’s Europa League semifinal in Bodo/Glimit, given that the game will be played on an astroturf pitch.
While Tottenham fans were pleased to see their side drawn against Bodo/Glimt in the semifinal, Ange Postecoglou will know that the Lilywhites cannot afford to take the Norwegian club lightly.
Bodo/Glimt beat both Porto and Braga in the league phase to finish ninth in the table before eliminating FC Twente, Olympiacos and Lazio in the knockout stage.
One of the main reasons behind their brilliant record at home in the Europa League this season is that they play on an artificial pitch, which opposition sides have often found hard to get used to.
Tottenham urged to make a radical call for the semifinal
Tottenham will thus be hoping to take a big advantage to Norway after the first leg, as they do not want to be left chasing the game in the second leg, given how different the conditions are at the home of their opponents, which is situated north of the Arctic Circle.
Carlton Cole has now suggested that Spurs’ chance of getting a result at the Aspmyra Stadion will be boosted if Ange Postecoglou plays youngsters, with the pundit insisting that they can move more easily on an astroturf pitch.
The former West Ham striker said on The Dressing Room Podcast about Tottenham: “I’d advise them to play their younger players (in the second leg).”
When asked why, he responded: “Because they’re better on Astro. I reckon younger players are better on Astro because they can move better, they’re sharper. I think age plays a factor in this tie.
“I’m not just saying that age in general, of course, age in general does, but I don’t think experience has any use on Astro. It’s a different game. It’s a different game. I’m telling you.”
Why Ange Postecoglou will not take a gamble
If this were a group stage fixture, or perhaps even the first leg of a round of sixteen fixture, Postecoglou may consider taking the gamble of fielding younger players or players with a low centre of gravity at the Aspmyra Stadion.
However, it would be reckless to take that gamble in a game which will dictate whether Tottenham reach the Europa League final.
Postecoglou will be counting on his experienced players to step up in Norway and will also speak to the squad about the importance of taking a big lead into the second leg.
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