- Dejan Kulusevski says lack of European football is a big advantage for Spurs
- Tottenham are two points clear at the top of the Premier League table
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’
Dejan Kulusevski is convinced Tottenham have a key advantage in the Premier League title race because of the absence of European football from their schedule.
Out of the failures of last season, Ange Postecoglou has benefited from a fresher side that has stormed unbeaten to the top of the table.
While there are multiple factors in the resurgence, not the least of which is Postecoglou’s overhaul of the playing style, it is doubtless in his favour that his side is being pulled in fewer directions.
That could be emphasised this week, with Newcastle, Manchester City and Arsenal all engaged in the Champions League, while Tottenham could move five points clear with a win against Crystal Palace on Friday.
It is notable that City and Arsenal have each dropped points immediately after European exertions this season.
Dejan Kulusevski is convinced no European football is giving Spurs a huge advantage
The Swedish star celebrates as Spurs went back to the top of the table after beating Fulham
Kulusevski, part of the Spurs side that beat Fulham on Monday, said: ‘Honestly, it helps a lot. Physically, I remember last season was very hard playing three games a week. You feel very tired in the warm-ups.
Also, mentally, not having to travel to Spain or Italy to play games helps. You are at home, with your family. You have a good rest mentally, also, so it is a huge thing that we have and we have to take advantage of that this year.
‘You can feel the difference and hopefully, you will see even more at the end of the season.’
Ange Postecoglou celebrates the win that put his side two points in the Premier League table
‘It is early so we will see what happens. Everything can change every day so we don’t need to talk about (title), but we must live for the day with a smile, train hard and not forget who we are. We must try to get better every day.
‘It is not important what people say. The important thing is to work hard, be humble, listen to the coach and keep the smiles on faces. Then at the end of the season we will see where we are.’
