Spurs’ opening game of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League at home to Qarabag on Thursday evening came after a long delay.

“The kick-off for tonight’s game has been delayed due to serious travel disruptions. More information to follow,” said a Spurs post on X at 7:16 p.m.

It was later confirmed by Danny Jamieson of TNT Sports – and Spurs – that the new kick-off time would be 8.35pm.

Ange Postecoglou had already joined the TNT Sports panel consisting of Lynsey Hipgrave, Peter Crouch and Glenn Hoddle before the game and had the floor.

“You have to work hard tonight,” Postecoglou joked to the TNT trio.

“I stay away from the dressing room, the boys are pretty quiet,” he added.

“As soon as we know the start time, we will assume that. Not ideal, I think, but whenever kick-off is, we’ll be ready.”

Spurs have named a strong team in Son Heung-min and Dominic Solanke for the encounter with their Azerbaijani opponents.

On the prospect of a season in Europe and what it can bring to his group, Postecoglou said: “It’s exciting, it’s exciting to be back in Europe after not being in Europe last year.

“For a club of this size, you miss evenings like this when everyone is playing and you’re basically sitting at home. Firstly: We are there and are really happy about it, I think the players are too.” .

“We have a young group that wants to create their own little legacy and hopefully it starts tonight.

“It’s just different (with the challenge of European football). In the Premier League, although teams play differently when you play against continental opponents, I think there’s always something different when you play away, the conditions, the way they play, there’s always a different challenge than normal.

“I think that’s the exciting thing. It allows you to explore more possibilities and helps you develop individually and as a team.

“Like I said, for our young players, especially the guys starting tonight, it’s going to be a great experience, a little taste of what Europe is all about and it’s different to the domestic competition and me “I’m sure they’ll learn.” a great offer tonight.