The incredible work Rodrigo Bentancur put in for Tottenham return and what Postecoglou told him

Rodrigo Bentancur has shared the details of his journey back to the field after a serious knee injury. The Uruguayan midfielder tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a match against Leicester City in February. After eight months of dedication and hard work, Bentancur made his much-anticipated return as a substitute in Tottenham’s victory over Crystal Palace. In an interview on the club’s SpursPlay channel, Bentancur opened up about the injury, his recovery process, and his experience playing under new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Bentancur described the moment he felt the injury, recalling a painful “crack” and initial difficulty walking. He later spoke to the doctor, who confirmed his fears of an ACL tear. Mentally preparing for a long recovery period of seven to eight months was challenging for Bentancur, and he admitted that he had a moment of vulnerability where he needed to retreat and cry. Throughout his recovery, Bentancur received unwavering support from his family, who helped him stay positive and focused.

Bentancur highlighted the extensive work and recovery sessions he underwent to regain his fitness. He mentioned that he faced no major problems or inflammation during the process and that his knee responded well to the training. Bentancur diligently trained multiple times a week, including separate sessions with his uncle. In the last three months alone, he completed around 120 sessions. While he felt good physically, Bentancur emphasized that training alone could not compare to being with his teammates and playing football.

Prior to his injury, Bentancur was a standout player under Antonio Conte. Since then, the club has had two interim head coaches before Postecoglou took charge and propelled Spurs to the top of the Premier League table. Bentancur spoke highly of Postecoglou, mentioning a chance encounter where the manager offered him words of advice and trust. Postecoglou asked Bentancur to prioritize his recovery and return at full fitness while aiming to reach the same performance level as before the injury.

Bentancur expressed confidence in his knee’s recovery and felt ready to make his return. He no longer worried about his ACL or felt any fear. All he desired was to be on the pitch again, contribute minutes to the team, and give his best performance when called upon. Learning that he would play against Crystal Palace brought immense joy to Bentancur, who emphasized the significance of feeling like a footballer once more. He appreciated the support and camaraderie of his teammates and felt they were more like brothers than friends, especially during his injury phase.

During the match, Bentancur came off the bench in the final minutes, replacing his former Juventus teammate Dejan Kulusevski. The moment held deep meaning for him, as it made him reminisce about his early days as a professional footballer. After the match, Bentancur experienced an emotional moment as his teammates pushed him towards the fans who chanted his name. The outpouring of love and support overwhelmed him, and he admitted to almost crying at the powerful and touching scene. Bentancur considered the injury a turning point in his life, as it allowed him to mature both personally and as a player.

In conclusion, Bentancur expressed his gratitude towards the fans for their unwavering support during his lengthy recovery journey. He felt their affection throughout the process and looked forward to being able to connect with them once again.

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Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson is your soccer guru, providing extensive coverage of soccer. With a global perspective, he delivers match reports, player interviews, and insights into the beautiful game, ensuring readers stay connected to the world of soccer.