Ange Postecoglou has claimed that even Mohamed Salah would struggle in his Tottenham side, despite the Liverpool striker's red-hot form in front of goal.
Salah has scored 21 goals in his 27 appearances in all competitions this season and will now look to carry that form into Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham, live on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou's side have fallen to 12th in the Premier League after a run of four games without a win, including a 6-3 defeat to Liverpool in December.
Salah scored two goals and provided two assists in that encounter and despite his scintillating form throughout the 2024/25 season so far, Postecoglou has stated that the Egyptian forward will still struggle to thrive in his team.
“Mo is a world-class player but if you put him in our team at the moment I'm not sure he would have the same impact because of the situation we are in as a group,” the Tottenham boss said.
“He plays on a fantastic team that is flying right now. I dare say if you Sonny [Heung-Min Son] in the Liverpool team I think his goal return would be decent.
“It's difficult for our players at the moment, they are trying really hard to be the best they can be.”
No rush to determine Son's long-term future after the one-year option is activated
Tottenham head into the showdown in north London buoyed by the knowledge that Son Heung-min will remain at the club until at least the summer of 2026 after activating an option to extend his contract.
The South Korean forward has been an influential player for Spurs, scoring 169 goals in 431 appearances, but Postecoglou insists there is no rush to discuss his longer-term future.
“It's not something that should be forced one way or another,” he said.
“When you have a player like Sonny who has such a reputation at a club – and I know how highly the club values him and how much he loves the club – I think it will all be mutual.
“I don't think the club is in a position to force anything, otherwise Sonny would try to force something.
“There is enough respect and credit between both parties that these kinds of discussions will naturally arise and I think they will come to a conclusion that everyone is happy with.”
Ange: Success in the Carabao Cup can help our future
Postecoglou traditionally sees league form as the best barometer of his team's progress, but with ten players injured and suspensions for Pape Sarr and James Maddison against Arne Slot's side, he believes something special can be forged in adversity.
“We are having a difficult season. Our league form is very poor and we need to improve,” he said.
“But we are in the semi-finals of a competition and with the group of players we have at the moment, if we can achieve something where they are in their careers then you are very well prepared for what we are trying to do.” to build here, I think.
“It's not the be all and end all, as I've often said. But if we reach a final and win a trophy, we will look back on this period as a small group of players. to have to rise above and beyond to get there.
“That will be just as worth the achievement as actually winning it.”
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