Sonny: "Quality alone doesn't bring the wins"
Tue 11 March 2025, 20:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Heung-Min Son knows you need far more than talent and ability to have success.
As we prepare for an undoubtedly huge night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week with the visit of AZ Alkmaar in the deciding leg of our UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie, Sonny is well aware we will need to bring much more than our quality to the game if we are going to progress. Our attitude and desire will be fundamental.
It is set to be one of the biggest nights our world-class home has seen in it's short existence thus far. While it has of course seen a Champions League semi-final - its fifth game as we hosted Ajax in 2019 - this upcoming European clash is perhaps the biggest it has seen since we tore Arsenal apart in N17 almost three years ago - a result which put us firmly in the driving seat to return to European club football's elite competition.
There were two things central to our success that night against our north London rivals.
The first was our approach. We were straight out of the blocks against the Gunners. We didn't give them a minute to breathe. We showed an unrivalled hunger. The mentality and approach was spot on.
Secondly, the noise from the stands was immense. Our fans were unrelenting throughout the 90 minutes. It was deafening inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
This Thursday, those fundamentals will be required once more if we are to continue our journey in Europe this season.
The games always need the (right) mentality and care. The performance and the hard work always matter
"On Thursday, it's another big game at home. We need everyone, from the supporters, players, staff, the Club. Everybody. We need that to get the game turned around," Sonny said.
"Quality (alone) doesn’t bring the wins. The games always need the (right) mentality and care. The performance and the hard work always matter.
"Individual quality... you don’t have to talk about it. When you are not giving everything, football is the sport where it can turn around. We need to be focussed, take it seriously, respect the opponents and do everything that we can to turn it around, especially at home."
