Mauricio Pochettino did not look to be taking preparations for Tuesday’s clash lightly during the session.PHOTO courtesy.
MELBOURNE, Australia, July 26 – Tottenham fans are due to get their first glimpse of new midfielder Victor Wanyama and striker Vincent Janssen in Tuesday’s friendly against Juventus in Melbourne.
The duo were acquired in June ahead of the new season with Wanyama joining from Southampton on a £11million while Janssen, a £17million signing former AZ Alkmaar forward joined Spurs after their only pre-season friendly so far – a behind-closed-doors win over Nottingham Forest on July 12.
Janssen and Wanyama trained with his new team-mates at the MCG on Monday and with manager Mauricio Pochettino leaving Tottenham’s Euro 2016 contingent at home, the Dutchman will likely lead the line against Juve.
Pochettino apologised to the club’s Australian fans for leaving some of his star players at home as they continue their post-European Championships recovery.
“It would be great for all the players to be involved in the tour in Australia. We saw last year, it was amazing to see our supporters in Australia. I think they understand that it’s very difficult because they arrive (back at the club) a few days before we came here. It was a very difficult decision for me,” the Argentine said.
Victor Wanyama will also look to stake his claim for a starting spot after signing from Southampton.PHOTO/Getty
Janssen, brought in to reduce Harry Kane’s workload, will look to make the most of the England front-man’s absence to impress his new manager against the Italian champions.
None of England’s squad from Euro 2016 featured in the touring party and club captain Hugo Lloris was also excused the travel after reaching the final with France.
Kevin Wimmer did play for his country in France but exited early enough to be taken on tour.
Erik Lamela, a squad member in the Argentina side that reached the Copa America final, is also in Australia.
Pochettino did not look to be taking preparations for Tuesday’s International Champions Cup clash lightly as he put his players through their paces on the pitch at the MCG, although the squad did take some time out to pose for photos with their ‘Ozspurs’ supporters.
