Richarlison credits Ange Postecoglou for getting him through 'dark' period, vows to fuel World Cup bid

Tottenham forward Richarlison said manager Ange Postecoglou helped him through a "dark" spell after difficult seasons in north London and that the hardship of the past two years will drive his ambition to make an impact for Brazil at the next World Cup.

Richarlison produced an overhead kick on the opening day of the Premier League season against Burnley — his second goal of the match — a finish he likened to the acrobatic strike he scored for Brazil against Serbia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The goal restored a sense of momentum for the 27-year-old, who has battled injuries, mental-health challenges and pressure to justify his £60 million transfer to Tottenham.

In an interview, Richarlison described a period of struggle after his move to north London but said Postecoglou's support and management style helped him through those darker moments. He said he now feels fitter and more confident and that the experience of adversity will strengthen his determination to perform for both club and country.

The forward also spoke positively about Thomas Frank, singling out the Brentford manager's attributes as noteworthy. Richarlison credited the different coaches he has worked with for helping him refocus on his game and regain form.

Richarlison's goal against Burnley drew immediate comparisons to his 2022 World Cup brace against Serbia, a reminder of the player he produced on the biggest stage. His recent performances earned him a recall to the Brazil squad, and he said the combination of regained fitness and renewed confidence has him targeting a strong contribution at the World Cup.

Tottenham signed Richarlison for £60 million amid high expectations, but the forward's first seasons in north London were interrupted by injuries and public discussions about his mental health. Those issues contributed to inconsistent form and criticism about his ability to justify the transfer fee. Postecoglou took over at Tottenham and has overseen a shift in the team's playing style and personnel, with Richarlison among the players to have benefited from the change.

Richarlison's comments come as Tottenham seek to build on early-season momentum and as Brazil prepare for their next major international tournament. The striker's trajectory will be watched closely by club supporters and Brazil's national-team staff, who will weigh current form and fitness when selecting squads for forthcoming qualifiers and tournament preparations.

Richarlison said the recent run of health and performance has helped restore the joy of playing and that he intends to use the lessons of his difficult spell to push for prominence with both Tottenham and Brazil. He emphasized resilience and hard work as central to his recovery and future objectives.