Here are our key Tottenham Hotspur takeaways following the 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in their final pre-season match before the Premier League kicks off:
Saturday’s clash with Bayern Munich mirrored the match against South Korea in its contrasts. It was a game of two halves—whether analyzing the two sides of the pitch or the two periods of play. Spurs seemed like a team still integrating key pieces of Ange Postecoglou’s tactical puzzle.
The late return of crucial defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, along with a midfield powerhouse like Rodrigo Bentancur, and the gradual recoveries of Destiny Udogie and Richarlison, combined with the ongoing pursuit of Dominic Solanke and other potential transfers, suggest that next season could unfold differently.
Unlike last season, where Spurs started strong but faltered as injuries mounted, this campaign might see them take some time to hit their stride. However, they should have the added quality and depth to maintain momentum as the season progresses.
Postecoglou will benefit from his players now being more familiar with his methods. For instance, van de Ven had just one training session before his first Premier League match last summer. This time, he’ll have had two weeks of training and 45 minutes in a friendly against top-tier opposition, setting him up well for the season opener against Leicester City.
Players like van de Ven, Romero, and Bentancur were only in action around three weeks ago, and their sharpness remains evident, as demonstrated in their performances against Bayern. Bentancur, in particular, looked sharper than he has since his return from injury.
“Our training is pretty good in terms of getting people up to speed. It is a Monday night game [at Leicester], so we have a couple of extra days for us. I think the 45 minutes today will be good for them, and we will do some good work with them over the next 10 days,” said Postecoglou.
The difference between the two halves was stark. In the first 45 minutes, with only one regular back-four player on the pitch, Spurs looked vulnerable, and Bayern capitalized by scoring three goals, two from set pieces. However, the second half saw a more fortified defense, with three regulars in the backline, and an impressive performance from Archie Gray at right-back, effectively shutting down the German giants—even after Harry Kane’s introduction in the final 10 minutes.
Dejan Kulusevski’s goal just 24 seconds into the match had promised a different outcome. The Swede’s interception in the middle of the pitch, followed by seizing on another mistake in Bayern’s box, showcased his sharpness. However, the makeshift backline’s generosity allowed Bayern to equalize and eventually pull ahead.
The second half saw Spurs tighten up their defense and remove underperforming senior players. Youngster Lucas Bergvall’s pressing and weighted pass set up Kulusevski for Spurs’ second goal, further underlining Bergvall’s rapid adjustment to life at Tottenham, outshining even vice-captain James Maddison.
Maddison had a few bright moments, including a quick, clever free-kick to Kulusevski, which led to a saved shot and an effort from distance that just missed. However, he was replaced at halftime alongside Yves Bissouma, who started well but faded as the half progressed. Bissouma’s lack of match fitness remains a concern, having yet to play more than 45 minutes in pre-season.
An alarming moment occurred when Bergvall appeared to struggle with breathing during the match, prompting a call for medical assistance. Postecoglou later reassured fans, stating, “I’m not really sure. He said he was struggling to breathe, and we had to find out whether he swallowed something. I think it was nothing serious. He was alright.”
Solanke, Kane, and Kulusevski were the focal points of the day. Kulusevski once again demonstrated his prowess as a false nine and has been Spurs’ standout player this pre-season. Postecoglou confirmed that with the arrival of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison’s return from injury, Kulusevski wouldn’t be required in that role as frequently, although his versatility will likely see him utilized as a tactical option.
Solanke’s unveiling before the match was significant, as he was one of Postecoglou’s main transfer targets. The 26-year-old striker, who netted 21 goals last season, fits perfectly into Postecoglou’s system, offering the ability to press high, link up play, and be a focal point during opposition pressure.
Bournemouth’s determination to retain Solanke meant Spurs had to break the bank, ultimately securing him for £65 million, including add-ons. Postecoglou was pleased with the acquisition, stating, “He was obviously one I was very keen to get in. It took a while to get it over the line, but I think he will be a great fit for us in terms of the player he is and the point of his career where he is at.”
Solanke’s professionalism was highlighted by the glowing tributes from Bournemouth’s management and his former teammates, who wished him well despite his departure. His move to Spurs was met with excitement rather than resentment, a testament to his character.
During the post-match interview, Solanke expressed his delight at joining Spurs, citing the club’s ambitions and style of play as key factors in his decision. He also emphasized his determination to contribute to the team’s success, bringing goals, hard work, and a winning mentality.
Solanke’s debut at Leicester could see Brennan Johnson drop to the bench after another subdued pre-season performance. Spurs will need their new striker upfront, with Kulusevski and Son Heung-min looking sharp this summer.
It was fitting that on the day Spurs finally secured a new striker, they also paid tribute to Harry Kane. Solanke may not be a direct replacement for Kane—no one is—but he has the potential to be a prolific scorer in Postecoglou’s system.
Kane himself praised the signing, noting Solanke’s high-intensity, high-speed style, which will undoubtedly create chances in Postecoglou’s attacking setup. Kane’s return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was marked by a mix of emotions, from the warm reception from fans to his refusal to lift the Visit Malta Cup out of respect for his former club.
In his post-match comments, Kane reflected on the strange experience of returning as an opposing player but expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from the Spurs faithful. He acknowledged the rush of last year’s exit and appreciated the opportunity to properly bid farewell to the fans who supported him throughout his career at Spurs.
As Tottenham moves forward without their former talisman, a new leadership group is emerging, with Romero among the senior players stepping up to protect and guide the younger talents. The trust between the experienced players and the club’s rising stars, like Gray and Bergvall, is evident, signaling a promising future for the squad.
Postecoglou, however, is still eyeing further reinforcements, with the transfer window remaining open. He hinted at potential departures for Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Emerson Royal, and others, as Spurs aim to balance their squad and address homegrown and foreign player quotas.
In summary, Tottenham’s pre-season finale highlighted the ongoing integration of new and returning players into Postecoglou’s system. While the match against Bayern Munich exposed areas for improvement, the additions of Solanke and the emergence of young talents like Gray and Bergvall provide optimism for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
