Pierre Emile Hojbjerg gave an honest interview after Tottenham's 1-0 defeat to Roma on his side's performance and the hopes for the upcoming season. The Dane has been a key part of the Spurs squad since his arrival a couple of years ago, making 36 Premier League appearances during the 2021/22 campaign.
The 26-year-old is a valuable member of Antonio Conte's squad, being a consistent player in his midfield duo, with Rodrigo Bentancur arriving halfway through the season, Yves Bissouma being the new addition and Oliver Skipp struggling with injury. Hojbjerg is also a leader in the side, being a vocal part of the team both on and off the pitch.
The midfielder has started in three out of the four pre-season friendlies and, in the defeat to Roma on Saturday, didn't do much wrong in his 90-minute performance. Now it is time for Spurs to prepare for the start of the 2022/23 season, and Hojbjerg opened up after the match against Jose Mourinho's side to give his verdict on the performance and result.
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"We didn't get the result we wanted, so in that case, obviously disappointed, but I thought that in terms of the tactical, technical and physical aspect of the game, what the coach wanted from us, a big part of the game we brought that. Of course, we need to be a bit sharper in every situation, but again, it is pre-season, and these are the things we are working on, but you have some good situations with some high pressing and some, I wouldn't call them big chances but some opportunities we created, by moving the ball quick so, in that case, it was positive," he admitted, in his post-match interview with Spurs TV.
"I think we could have done that even more, but again, I think everyone is pushing really well, and at the moment, we are training really hard, and everyone I think is responding in a fantastic way, so overall, I think the team is pushing really good and responding really well to what the coach wants."
The Dane was then asked about Bissouma, whom he started the game with in midfield, and it gave Hojbjerg the opportunity to give his verdict on the summer signings so far. "I think he [Bissouma] is a good player that the club has taken," Hojbjerg said.
"The same regards to the other players that have arrived, and everyone is responding well, and the coaches are demanding a lot, and I think everyone is taking the information on board. Again, responding well and trying to create their own personality in that system, which is good and positive and something that the team will also benefit from. So overall, the players that have arrived, I think they are all really good players, and again, it's important with the competition."
Tottenham ended last season in a strong position, finishing in fourth place and securing Champions League football for the upcoming campaign. This was after just a matter of months of working with Conte, and now the Lilywhites need to continue to build and hopefully end their 14-year trophy drought.
This want to win silverware is also something Hojbjerg reiterated and described that it is what he is motivated by. "I'm in a good moment in my career, but I can still learn a lot, and I still want to progress a lot," he said.
"The main thing that I wake up every day and I push myself is, for one thing, that is to try and win. Win everything that I touch, and I know this is something that is also a big objective for the club.
"Personally for me, the only thing that matters is to win something, and I think the more experience you get in your career, the vision gets even clearer. I can say very clear for me, is to go and to try and win everything because that's the player I want to be, and that's what I want to do with my career. When I've finished, I will look back in the mirror and say I did everything I could to win the competition I played in. Will it happen or not? God knows.
"What I know, 100 per cent sure, is that I want to be able to look myself in the mirror and know I gave my everything, and when the coach needs me, I will be there and ready to help the team, and if not, I will still be there and give my best side because this is who I am. I want to represent myself every day in the best possible way," the 26-year-old added.
Hojbjerg's admission about always being there for Conte, whether he is on the pitch or not, will be a real boost for the Italian. Tottenham have improved their squad depth, which was needed after the lack of it was clear to see last season.
This does mean that the Spurs boss has a number of options in multiple positions, which is a good thing, but of course, not every player can play every game. Therefore Hojbjerg may be side-lined in some games, but for Conte to know that the Dane will still "be there" and give his "best side" will be important.
The 53-year-old will need all his players to be ready for every game, as you never know when you could be needed. Hojbjerg ended his interview by looking to Tottenham's first game of the season, which is against his former side, Southampton.
The midfielder had only positive words to describe his old side and explained that he wishes the best for the Premier League season, apart from against Spurs.
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