'What does this make SON?' Racist Activities Bentancourt Seeks Postecoglou's New Season Plan-Centered Rise

Aug 17, 2024

TBR풋볼 기사캡쳐

"He trained really well. It looks very good."

Tottenham Hotspur coach Enze Postecoglou praised a player ahead of the opening of the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) season. You can't just see it as a compliment. It contains hints about how to operate the team's tactics early in the season. It is highly likely that the mentioned player will play as the team's main midfielder.

The problem is that this player is Rodrigo Bentancur (27), who made racist remarks toward Son Heung-min 'Captain'. Bentancur, who is also a member of Uruguay's national team, appeared on a broadcast in his country ahead of the 2024 Copa America and made racist remarks against Son Heung-min. When this fact was revealed, it was widely criticized by fans at home and abroad.

However, Son Heung-min rather defended Bentancourt. Son Heung-min spoke with Bentancourt on his SNS account on June 20. He made a mistake and apologized when he found out. We're brothers and nothing's changed, and we'll get through this, and we'll be united. We will come together in the pre-season and fight for the club.'" However, the club did not take any additional disciplinary action.

In the meantime, Bentancourt has emerged as a key resource for the team in the new season. Bentancourt's position suddenly grew when position rival Yves Bissouma inhaled 'laughter gas' and released it on social media. On top of that, coach Postecoglou even praised him.

British media TBR Football reported on the 17th (Korea time) 'Postecoglou said he was very moved to see a player worth 21.5 million pounds (about 37.7 billion won) during the training process' It was Bentancourt who captured Postecoglou's heart. Bentancur left Juventus for Tottenham in the summer 2022 transfer window. It has recorded a transfer fee of £21.5 million. He played as a key resource under then Tottenham manager Antonio Conte.

However, I suffered a serious knee injury in February 2023 and had to rehabilitate for about eight months. Just a few weeks after recovering from the injury, he injured his ankle this time and missed for a month. 'Glassbody' was ultimately a stumbling block to Bentancourt's growth. There were too many injuries. If this continued in the new season, he could have left the team.

But a twist happened. First of all, Bentancourt worked hard in training and impressed Coach Postecoglou and built himself well. Yves Bissouma, who was previously considered a key member, then had a big accident just before the season opened. After a friendly match against Bayern Munich in London, he posted on social media that he attended a party and was drunk and drinking laughter gas. Criticism poured in. In addition, it was revealed that he could be sentenced to prison for this act, and Tottenham decided to discipline him. Bissouma will be excluded from the starting lineup for the opening game.

After all, there are only James Maddison, Pape Sarr and Bentancourt in the center of Tottenham. Among them, Bentancourt caught the attention of Postecoglou. Coach Postecoglou should also complete the midfield operation plan as soon as possible. Initially, it was planned to operate as Sarr, Madison, and Bissouma, but the possibility that Bissouma will not be able to play for the time being has increased. It seems to be leaving the vacancy to Bentancourt.

Speaking to Football London a day before the opening match, Postecoglou said 'Last year's Bentancourt had been suspended from training and playing at times. However, he showed his strong performance in the second half of last season. He trained really well, too. I hope those things will be factors that develop us.'" As Bentancourt's playing time increases and the team's position increases, the inconvenience of Son Heung-min and Korean fans may increase.

wman@sportschosun.com

'What does this make SON?' Racist Activities Bentancourt Seeks Postecoglou's New Season Plan-Centered Rise

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