‘Perfect condition’ – Pochettino left pleased with how hard star has been working

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Heung-min Son has been busy trying to further improve his own game.

The South Korean has missed the opening two matches of the season against Aston Villa and Manchester City after still having to serve a ban which he picked up following his red card at Bournemouth last season.

Last season, the start of Son’s campaign was interrupted after he had to jet off following the opening day win at Newcastle to take part in South Korea’s involvement in the Asian Games which saw him lead his nation to glory and more importantly was spared the prospect of military service (Guardian).

With no such commitments on the horizon this season, Son has been working hard to improve his fitness and performance which has left Mauricio Pochettino impressed by his work ethic.

Son is now back in consideration for selection ahead of Sunday’s visit of Newcastle to North London with his manager describing him as being in tip-top condition.

Pochettino told Football.London when asked if it feels like the forward has been out for more than three matches: “Unlucky for him that it was over the holiday. Feels more but I think he was training really, really hard to keep fit and improve in different areas. We are happy in the last few weeks he was unbelievable in the way he was available to train and compete in every single training session and I hope it’s going to help the team from now.

He added when quizzed if Son was frustrated at having to miss the opening matches: “I think it was a good opportunity for him to build his fitness and have a proper pre-season which sometimes when you’re involved in competition is difficult.

“For him, looking at last season which was really, really complicated for him and difficult and we used that situation and trying to be positive and helping him to get really fit to help him and the team because the pre-season is so important for every player, but sometimes the priority is holidays and this type of situation with him it was so clear that he was going to be suspended for two games and the plan was to provide him with good quality training to improve in different areas and when the moment he is available to play to be in the perfect condition.”

Opinion

Son proved to be the match winner in the same fixture last season with a late winner and Spurs will be hoping that this fixture will not be such a tense affair.

With a trip to Arsenal to follow, Son will be hoping to get the opportunity to impress against Newcastle to claim a place in the side for the North London derby.