Tottenham’s interim manager Ryan Mason has lifted the theory that his side is a one-man team after news talisman Harry Kane could miss the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
Spurs are underdogs heading into the show event at Wembley on Sunday, a situation exacerbated by Kane’s potential absence.
Harry Kane had to go out in the Spurs draw with Everton recently Visionhaus / Getty Images
The England striker limped towards the end of Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Everton last week and mixed reports have emerged as to whether he will be fit for the game with City.
Pep Guardiola once branded Tottenham as the “Harry Kane team”, and although Mason admits that the loss of one of the world’s greatest strikers is, of course, a blow, his side is far from a one-man band.
“If I think of Barcelona with [Lionel] Messi, think of Real Madrid too [Cristiano] Ronaldo, guys who publish crazy numbers and create big moments in big games, I think it is normal that your mind thinks they are the most important players, he says to journalists in quotes from the Daily Mail.
“But we are a team, a group, a group of players where whoever is out on that football field must meet, fight for each other and compete to get a positive result.
Ryan Mason is the youngest Premier League manager ever Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
“Obviously, if you have one of the world’s best number nine, which comes at the end of things and creates moments, people will talk, but no, it’s a combined effort by everyone involved.”
Mason has endured a couple of tough days since he was handed over the reins of Spurs after Jose Mourinho’s resignation.
After becoming the youngest Premier League manager ever, Mason admitted that there has been a lot to take in, even though he is ready for the Carabao Cup final.
“Your energy goes into preparing the team – what do the players need? What does the team need?” he said. “You have to watch games, watch moments, there is so much. I must be honest, the first three days I did not sleep at all. I want this to go well for the football club.
“Last night I had a good night’s sleep. I fell asleep in my son’s bed at half past six and I woke up at 5:30 in the morning. The body obviously needed it. I feel energized again and I feel good.”
? ️ @RyanMason: “There is a lot of pride in having this opportunity to help this amazing football club.” #THFC ⚪️ # COYS pic.twitter.com/6sJJq6ub4s
– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 20, 2021
Club captain Hugo Lloris admitted that even a victory in the final on Sunday would not dispel the feeling of disappointment over the club’s overwhelming campaign, although he added that it would be nice to break their trophy head.
“It will not change the feel of the season because we had so many ups and downs, but we can save the season and finish well,” he said.
“There is still a chance for a European place next season in the league. A trophy is always welcome, especially after many years without one.”
