Ange Postecoglou makes drop huge Tottenham selection hint as player who criticised him could now start

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has called up Sergio Reguilón to his squad for the first time this season, ahead of the Europa League game against Ferencváros. Reguilón had previously been left out of the squad entirely, though he continued to train at the team’s training ground, Hotspur Way.

The Spanish defender was out on loan at Manchester United and later Brentford last season, but he gave an interview to The Times where he criticized Postecoglou, claiming he was left "out in the cold" despite initially being assured of his place in the squad.

Reguilón told the Times: “During pre-season, I was very happy, and he [Postecoglou] was happy with me, as were the staff. I was playing like a normal player in all the games. The week before, I went to see him. I asked, ‘Do you want me at the club?’ He said, ‘Yes, I have to make a list, and you are in my squad.’

“It was strange. The next day, I was out of training, and I didn’t know what happened. I know I can play for Spurs, but in many aspects of football, the player doesn’t have control. And I don’t want to stay just to sit in the stadium watching. I am 27; I have too much football left to play.

“I don’t understand why one day it’s ‘yes’ and the next day it’s ‘no.’ I don’t think it was for performance reasons. I think it’s something else; this is football, this is business.”

The defender is back in favour

Now, however, the Spanish full-back, signed by José Mourinho, could be in line to start the game in Hungary, marking a dramatic turn of events, especially after being told he had no future at the club.

It’s not definite that he will start the game, but his inclusion in the squad suggests he’s back in contention, as he would have likely been left at home otherwise.

Tottenham began their Europa League campaign with a 3-0 win against Qarabag, and they’ll be eager to build on that and secure knockout qualification as soon as possible.