Tottenham star Son Heung-min admits Milan and Spurs have a similar playing style and is happy to see Antonio Conte back in the dug-out: ‘When the boss isn’t here it’s different.’
Tottenham forward Heung-min Son has been assessing Spurs’ hopes of progressing to the next round of the Champions League ahead of their ‘most important game’ of the season against Milan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Korean confessed that it would be ‘poor and very sad’ if his side failed to progress in the competition, highlighting the need to overcome previous difficulties if they want to win these sorts of games.
“For it to be a good season we have to do the best things we can at the moment. We’re still in the Champions League and fighting for the top four. We have to go for these things otherwise it’s going to be poor and very sad,” Son explained.
“It’s the most important game from now until the end of the season. It’s important under the lights. If you don’t have confidence in this game then you shouldn’t play these games.
“They’re playing similar to us. In the Champions League, all the teams are strong. Individual duels, it will be a really tough game. It’s important,” he added.
Spurs fell behind to a Brahim Diaz strike after seven minutes of the first leg of the Round of 16 tie at the Giuseppe Meazza, with the Rossoneri holding out for the 1-0 win.
Son admitted that Spurs were not at their best during the opening exchanges in Milan and Tottenham’s first meeting since 2011.
“We started the game sloppily,” said the 30-year-old. “Everyone in the Champions League is preparing and they are great teams. We have to give everything.”
Son was accompanied in his press conference by the recently-returned Antonio Conte, who will take his place in the dugout after a four-game absence whilst recovering from emergency gallbladder surgery.
He hopes that the return of his manager will provide an extra boost to the rest of the playing staff, who have fallen to a string of disappointing results over their last two games of domestic football.
Son divulged: “I’m glad that the manager is sitting next to me. He brings good energy to the team. When the boss isn’t here it’s different. Yesterday we could feel that energy and with his passion on the touchline we’ll feel more comfortable.”