Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou insists his players need a break despite their poor form extending with a 2-2 home draw with Wolves. Jorgen Strand Larsen’s late goal denied Spurs a first victory in three Premier League games.
Spurs had valiantly fought back from a goal down thanks to goals by Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson. Johnson's strike on the stroke of half-time came after Son Heung-min saw a first-half penalty saved by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.
But Wolves, who remain unbeaten under new boss Vitor Pereira, struck late on through Strand Larsen's excellent finish. Spurs are depleted and all four of their senior centre-backs were carrying injuries in the build-up to the game. They might now be set to lose Destiny Udogie to a suspected hamstring injury.
Postecoglou says his players need a break ahead of their crunch clash with Newcastle on January 4.
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"We’re asking a lot of a small core group of players. The whole group probably needs a couple of days to get away and recover,” Postecoglou said.
"It has been really intense for a core group of players. It will do them good to go away with their families to recover with their families mentally as much as physically. I will keep going and look for help to get these players to perform at their best."
Spurs were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day and were thumped 6-3 by Liverpool prior to Christmas. Those results came just as Postecoglou's side appeared to be back on track after thrashing Southampton 5-0 and cruising past Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
First-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both absent with hamstring injuries. The experienced Ben Davies has a similar issue and he recently suffered a setback in his recovery. Radu Dragusin overcame pre-match doubts over a twisted ankle to start against Wolves.
The Romanian played alongside teenager Archie Gray, who has been forced to play in the heart of defence despite being more comfortable at right-back and in midfield. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and forwards Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are long-term absentees.
“It doesn't feel like we're getting a smooth run at anything. As soon as we get one back we lose one,” Postecoglou continued.
“But we have to get through it. We still have a lot to play for. With what's on the horizon we have to give them all the support we can to perform at their best.”
