Oliver Skipp has admitted that he and his Tottenham teammates are keen to give a good account of themselves during the upcoming season on the back of a disappointing 2022-23 campaign.
Skipp shortened his break after being involved in the European Under-21 Championship, reporting to Hotspur Way just days after lifting the trophy with his teammates in Georgia.
Ange Postecoglou revealed in his most recent press conference that he allowed the 22-year-old to decide whether he wanted to join up with the squad on the pre-season tour to Asia and Australia, and was impressed that Skipp chose to be part of the Spurs tour (Football.London).
Skipp is ready to put last season behind him
Skipp has now stated that he was keen to be part of the trip so that he could get accustomed to the style of play that the new coaching staff are trying to implement.
When asked about forgoing a lengthier holiday to travel on a pre-season tour, the midfielder told Football.London: “It was a short break but I had time off before and managed to get away, but after the tournament, I spoke to the coaching staff and I felt it was really important to be with the group in Australia, a new coach and new style of play.
“Ideally, I would have wanted longer but, in this situation, it was important to be with the team and integrate into this new way of playing.”
When asked if there is a worry about being overworked, given the injuries he has suffered over the last couple of years, Skipp responded: “I don’t think so… also in the tournament I didn’t physically play every game, so I had that little break, not on the pitch.
“Also, I think there will be opportunities in the season, I’ve finished with the Under-21s, and was able to have that break but I was excited to get back in and ready for the season.”
Skipp insisted that he learned a lot from last season despite the fact the campaign did not go according to plan, and remarked that he and the rest of the squad are keen to put things right under the new regime.
When asked about the team’s struggles last season, the Tottenham academy graduate said: “It was a tough season, everyone perhaps agreed it didn’t go the way we wanted.
“But definitely lots of learning curves. It was probably my second season playing full-time regularly, so lot to take from a personal point of view. But also we’re looking forward to the season and definitely trying to improve and play our football the way the manager wants.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I felt Skipp came under a lot of undue criticism last season for his performances. Not only was he returning from an injury lay-off but he was also playing in a dysfunctional unit, which also seemed to lack motivation.
This is the big season for the 22-year-old, who would want to prove that he belongs in a team with Champions League aspirations.
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