Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has said that even though he is not in Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven at the moment, he has had clear conversations with the Tottenham head coach regarding what is expected of him.
Hojbjerg has been an automatic starter in his previous three seasons at Spurs under Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte, but the Dane has played a bit-part role under the new regime so far.
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The 28-year-old has come off the bench as a second-half substitute in three of Tottenham’s four league games (Transfermarkt) but he did start the Carabao Cup second-round clash against Fulham last week, with the Lilywhites being knocked out on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw.
Over the course of the summer transfer window, there was a lot of speculation linking Hojbjerg with a move away from Spurs.
In the end, Atletico Madrid’s proposal reportedly fell short of the North London club’s valuation (Fabrizio Romano) while the midfielder allegedly turned down the chance to join the Cottagers (Evening Standard).
The former Southampton man has insisted that there is a lot of mutual respect between him and Postecoglou, and remarked that he is prepared to give his all when opportunities do come his way.
Hojbjerg to remain a professional at Tottenham
Hojbjerg told Bold about his current situation at Spurs: “I follow the path of the coach and the team, and fortunately, there has been a good tone throughout, and as such there has been no problem from some of the sides.
“Fortunately, there is a great understanding that the only thing that is important are the tasks that lie ahead for the team and the club.”
“There has been a good dialogue throughout, and there has been great respect for both parties. In the end, the most important thing, and I have made this very clear to the coach and the club, is that I have to show my best side and deserve what I get from playing time.
“Right now I am not among the starting XI. It is what it is. I try to show my best side if the coach points to me.”
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The fact that Postecoglou continues to bring Hojbjerg on in the latter stages of matches to help Tottenham see out their wins, suggests that the Australian values the 28-year-old as a squad player.
While the Dane is perhaps not ideally suited to the system that Spurs currently employ, he could have a big role to play if either Sarr or Bissouma pick up an injury.
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