Ange Postecoglou has lashed out at what he perceives to be a double standard around Tottenham’s narrative amid the supposed “hysteria” surrounding their pursuit of European football. It comes as the Australian could make as many as nine changes for the Liverpool clash.
Despite Spurs sitting at an uncomfortable 16th place in the Premier League after tasting defeat to Nottingham Forest, and with questions hanging over his future, Postecoglou is feeling the heat as the season draws to a climax. He only has two players missing for the game.
Postecoglou’s job as Tottenham’s manager remains uncertain as the year winds down, irrespective of Spurs’ outcome in the Europa League. With the semi-final clash against Bodo/Glimt on the horizon, victory in this tournament guarantees them a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Yet Tottenham’s immediate focus is on an impending Anfield encounter against Liverpool this Sunday. The game comes with high stakes for Arne Slot’s team, who need only a point to clinch the Premier League crown. Another loss for Tottenham would see them notch their 19th league defeat of the season, matching the club’s most dismal record in its Premier League history.
A visibly frustrated Postecoglou has adopted a combative stance in recent press interactions, pointedly challenging the media during a pre-game press conference about the narrative shaping those vying for places at the top of the league.
“I love the frenzy around finishing fifth this year,” declared Postecoglou with a hint of sarcasm. “They’re all brilliant, aren’t they? We finished fifth last year. Why is it such a disaster that we finished fifth? That’s what you need to ask everyone and yourselves… around this time last year, I was asked to lose a game, and I was wrong for wanting to win it.
“But we finished fifth last year, yet it’s not a good story. A better story is my tenure has been a disaster and it continues to be. I just think that the kind of hysteria that is surrounding what’s happening at the moment is all premeditated for a certain outcome. Hopefully we can defy that.”
(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Postecoglou was reflecting on May last year, when Spurs faced Manchester City in a match where a win would have favored their rivals Arsenal. Despite losing four consecutive games prior to the City clash, the Australian manager dismissed the notion they would intentionally lose the game just to spite Arsenal.
Despite a 2-0 loss to City, Postecoglou’s response to the suggestion was fierce. “I’m here fighting tooth and nail every single day for everything I can get for this football club because that’s my responsibility,” he asserted.
Speaking on Friday, Postecoglou acknowledged: “We are well aware our league form and league position is not good enough. But we also know there is an unbelievable opportunity on the horizon.
“I think irrespective of, this club has had many seasons and a lot of clubs have had seasons where they have done outstandingly well in the league but don’t have the opportunity we have right now of being in the final four of a major European competition.”
