Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski has thrown a jab at former boss Antonio Conte by admitting that he is relieved to no longer be playing at wing-back under new boss Ange Postecoglu.
The Swede was signed as part of a deadline-day double deal in 2022, arriving from Juventus with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, and slotted into Conte’s system immediately. He scored 5 goals and grabbed 8 assists in the second half of the campaign to help propel Spurs above Arsenal and into fourth, but his second season was far less successful.
Just two goals across the entire campaign contributed to Spurs finishing a lowly eighth place and missing out on European football altogether, in a season that saw them have three permanent managers.
Now coached by Ange Postecoglu, Spurs appear to have ditched their defensive system for more creative freedom, and used that to good effect to sweep aside a poor Manchester United side in the second week of the new season.
Speaking after the game, Kulusevski admitted that he was much happier playing this way, and that he was happy he no longer had to play as a wing-back.
Asked how his game has changed under the Australian, the Sweden international said: “A little bit, of course, because it’s more offensive”
“I learn a lot of things every day. I like that because I’m still young, so it’s still good to go every day, to hear new things and keep improving.”
Spurs face a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday before a London derby with Fulham in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, and will be hoping that their win over the Red Devils can provide a springboard to start the season strongly.
