Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has told Yves Bissouma to carry out “trust-building” with his team-mates after suspending the midfielder over a video appearing to show him inhaling laughing gas.
Bissouma will not feature in Spurs’ opening Premier League match of the season at Leicester City on Monday (20:00 BST) because of the situation.
“The door is open for him and, hopefully, we can help him realise the decisions he makes impact more than just him,” said Postecoglou.
“There’s some trust-building that needs to happen between Biss and me, as well as Biss and the group.
“That’s what he needs to work hard at from now on – to try to win that back. He’s going to have to earn that. Hopefully, it allows him to make better decisions moving forward.”
BREAKING: Yves Bissouma has been suspended by Tottenham for game against Leicester on Monday Night Football after a video on social media appeared to show him inhaling laughing gas ⚪ pic.twitter.com/te8U3pKMKf
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 15, 2024
What did Bissouma do?
The 27-year-old, who joined Spurs from Brighton & Hove Albion for £30 million in 2022, issued a public apology on Monday over clips he posted on social media showing him inhaling from a balloon.
Possession of laughing gas – or nitrous oxide – for recreational use has been a criminal offence in the UK since 2023 and risks a two-year prison sentence.
“This was a severe lack of judgment,” said Bissouma. “I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved. I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”
The latest team news from Ange ahead of our return to @premierleague action on Monday 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/HB2RTQsTPs
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 15, 2024
Bissouma stats
Mali international Bissouma played for 45 minutes of Tottenham’s home friendly against Bayern Munich earlier on Saturday.
Postecoglou started Bissouma 26 times in the 2023/24 Premier League and brought him off the bench twice.
The former Lille prospect’s availability was hindered by a red card against Luton Town in October and another against Nottingham Forest in December.
