Yves Bissouma is hoping to put his tough first year at Tottenham behind him by shining under father figure Ange Postecoglou.
Midfielder Bissouma joined Spurs last year from Brighton for a fee in excess of £25million, but Covid-19 and injuries disrupted his debut season.
The 26-year-old has put that behind him, though, and is excited by the prospect of playing under new boss Postecoglou.
Bissouma likes the Australian’s attacking style of play, while he has also revealed how Postecoglou has become a father figure to many of the squad.
“He gives us confidence,” said Bissouma. “He’s like a dad, uncle, friend for us, so we’re happy to be with him and we’re trying to do what he wants.
“He’s good with us. He gives us confidence. He comes to his players and talks to us all. That’s really important in the changing room.
“When the gaffer comes and speaks to his players that means everything. You know how we have to do it.
“I really like the way we play but you have to adapt yourself. The coach can ask me to play right back, left back, centre back. In my head I’m ready to play every position for my team.”
Big things were expected of Bissouma last season as he arrived following an impressive spell at Brighton.
The Mali international, however, suffered a blow on Spurs’ pre-season tour when he contracted Covid-19. Then in the second half of the campaign he was forced to undergo ankle surgery.
Bissouma is back fit now, though, and he was one of the positives from Tottenham’s 3-2 defeat to West Ham on Tuesday in a friendly in Perth.
“I’m really happy to be back like this, and playing football like this, it’s amazing,” Bissouma added.
“Last year is last year. I don’t have to talk about last year. It’s the past. You have to look forward and focus on the future. I’m trying to work really hard to be ready for the season.
“I’m here for the club, for the fans as well. I say thanks to the fans because they give me motivation.
“They want to push me up. At the same time I’m working hard to do what I have to do.”
Bissouma played in a midfield-three for Spurs on Tuesday against West Ham, lining up at the base of it.
In front of him was Oliver Skipp and new signing James Maddison, and Bissouma is excited to see what the latter can do this season.
“Everyone knows he’s an amazing player,” he said. “We know he’s going to help us a lot with his experience.
“We’re confident with him. We’re trying to push him like we push each other. He’s a really good guy. We’re happy to be with him and we know he’s going to help the team.”
