Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is relieved to be back in Melbourne and will start preparing for his second season in the Premier League.
The 58-year-old Postecoglou had a “special” friendly against Newcastle United on Wednesday night in front of 78,419 fans at MCG Stadium.
After a 5-4 loss on penalties, when the score was 1-1 at full time, the Tottenham players had to fly out late in the evening either for international duty or for holidays.
“I think they did a fantastic effort considering how far we had to travel to get here, and of course right after a very important Premier League game that we played tonight,” said Postecoglou.
“They are coming back. Many of them might have a few days off before the European Championships or Copa America, but the rest will have a break.
“So yes, the guys will be on the pitch tonight.”
Postecoglou also hinted that he will return to work quickly after the short break.
“I’ve got a bus ride to the hotel and that’s it, mate, and then we’ll get going. In reality, it never ends,” he says.
“But I will have some time to rest. I’m going to see my family this weekend, we’re going to Greece and relax for a few weeks.
“But it never ends, there is a lot to do. But there are many people working and doing most of the work. I’m just there to guide them.”
After finishing fifth, Postecoglou said he was keen to get all transfer business done as soon as possible so that new players are available before the season.
Adding more firepower in attack will be key as Spurs prepare to balance Premier League hopes with Europa League commitments.
No decision has yet been made on whether Timo Werner will move permanently.
“I don’t think it’s any secret. You saw how we finished the season,” Postecoglou said.
“Of course we lost Richarlison and Timo because of injuries. But we are quite light on that front.
“We started last season with Manor [Solomon] and (Ivan) Perisic and we were quite healthy numerically in the front third.
“But later in the year it became quite obvious that we needed to strengthen. Obviously we’re in Europe next year as well, so there will be more games.
“So that’s definitely an area that we need to strengthen.”
Player James Maddison, who has done well under Postecoglou since his move from Leicester, was delighted to see his manager welcomed to his home town.
“He’s very popular, isn’t he?” Maddison smiled.
“Ange is a good man. A great man and I like working for him.
“To see him in his home country with the support he has here was nice to see.”
Maddison was confident Spurs could reach new heights during Postecoglou’s time in charge.
“The first season of any new project has its ups and downs,” Maddison said.
“But I think we can achieve great things and hopefully this will be the first year of many.”