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Tottenham star keen to have a good pre-season after two years of injury horror

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated May 23, 2025 4:47 PM ET

Tottenham forward Richarlison hoping to have a good pre-season after winning the Europa League in Bilbao

Tottenham Hotspur ended their 17-year wait for a trophy on May 21, as Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal was enough to beat Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.

Victory meant Ange Postecoglou has fulfilled a promise to deliver silverware in his second season at Spurs. It may not save him from an exit in the coming weeks but at least he has given the loyal and passionate fans so much happiness and joy they’ve craved for a very long time. And by winning the Europa League, the North Londoners are set to benefit from a £100m windfall after qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

There were several heroes on the pitch in the Europa League final against Manchester United. Huge credit has to be given to the Tottenham defenders, along with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, for limiting the Red Devils to few chances and keeping a clean sheet. The central midfielders protected the backline very well with their energy, physicality and experience.

The forwards also did their job, especially the off-the-ball work ethic was truly magnificent. Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Brennan Johnson started as Spurs’ front three and they worked their socks off to help the North Londoners prevail.

Ange Postecoglou made a bold decision to start Richarlison ahead of skipper Son Heung-min and it paid off. The Brazilian was excellent, bombing up and down the left flank and giving extra protection to left-back Destiny Udogie every time Amad Diallo had the ball. The work rate off the ball was commendable, before he had to leave the pitch due to cramps.

Delighted with the European victory in Bilbao, Richarlison opened up on the “intense” final and the challenges he had to experience throughout the season. The versatile forward now wishes to kick on and have his first good pre-season with Tottenham, after barely enjoying one in the last two years.

“I gave my life on the field, I got cramps in both calves, very intense. A difficult season, injuries, even getting into rhythm is difficult. I hope to have a good pre-season, I haven’t had one in two years,” Richarlison said in an interview with GE Globo.

The 28-year-old has had a rough time with a glut of injuries at Tottenham in the last two seasons. This limited his game time and productivity on the pitch, disrupting his confidence and ability to perform with regularity. The 2024/25 season has seen being limited to only 23 appearances across all competitions.

Richarlison saved his best performance of the season for the Europa League final, giving his all on the pitch. He looks determined to have a good pre-season in preparation for the next campaign, but with the club chiefs open to listening to offers for him in the summer amid interest from Everton, it remains to be seen what exactly happens with the South American after the last game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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