WHEN Ange Postecoglou initially took the helm at Tottenham, he revitalized the atmosphere around the club.
However, his injury-ravaged team has faced challenges in recent matches, prompting some fans to speculate whether his inventive tactics are beginning to dissipate.
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The Australian head coach now faces the task of demonstrating that his approaches still prove effective, despite a challenging calendar and an unprecedented injury crisis, which he claims is the most severe he has experienced in his 26 years of coaching.
Currently, his underperforming team is on a troubling streak, managing just one win in their last eight outings.
This solitary victory, a 4-0 conquest over Manchester City at the Etihad last month, was hailed as one of their finest moments in Premier League history.
This crucial win underscored the potential heights Postecoglou’s squad can achieve when firing on all cylinders.
However, as pointed out by numerous fans, this success is now overshadowed by a 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich and a disappointing loss to Bournemouth just twelve days later.
As pressure mounts, Postecoglou has, somewhat unexpectedly, publicly criticized one of his players this week.
He described Timo Werner’s display in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Rangers as “unacceptable.”
Werner struggled in the match against the Scottish side and was taken off at halftime for Dejan Kulusevski, who later earned a vital point for the team at Ibrox.
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As a Champions League winner and seasoned German international, Postecoglou’s comments regarding Werner’s performance were undoubtedly justifiable.
Nonetheless, it was surprising to hear the Spurs manager take such a public approach towards a player.
Ange Postecoglou calls Tottenham flop’s performance ‘unacceptable’ in brutal blast after hauling him off at half-time
This remark came shortly after Postecoglou had previously mentioned his hesitance to publicly admonish players following Cristian Romero’s remarks concerning Daniel Levy and the Spurs management.
Postecoglou downplayed the idea that he had scolded Werner during Friday’s press conference, instead framing it as “an assessment of his performance.”
What some may perceive as a rebuke could also be interpreted as constructive criticism from a different perspective.
However, for those who have closely observed Postecoglou’s tenure at Spurs, it was significant to hear him openly criticize a loanee’s lackluster performance.
He backed his criticism with comments that succinctly encapsulated Spurs’ current predicament: “We’re in a fight here.”
Kulusevski echoed this combative spirit in a brief interview after the Rangers match, asserting: “Football is war. You have to be prepared 100 percent. If not, you’ll be eaten alive.”
Injury crisis
So far, Postecoglou has not yet become another casualty among the coaches who have bowed under Levy’s leadership.
Following Sunday’s 4-3 home loss to Chelsea, where Spurs squandered a 2-0 lead, the general sentiment is that Postecoglou still has the club’s backing, primarily due to the extensive injury list.
Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore, and Richarlison are all currently sidelined.
Additionally, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is serving a seven-match ban due to his racist remarks regarding teammate Son Heung-min.
Postecoglou undoubtedly has the support of his players, as Romero indicated last week amidst his criticisms aimed at the board.
Fan sentiments seem divided, with some questioning whether Postecoglou’s vision will translate into the “glorious” success he has promised.
Daniel Levy backing
A portion of the supporters even voiced their frustration from the stands during a lackluster 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth a little over a week ago.
Others believe that the former Celtic manager requires more robust support—beyond merely augmenting the roster with young talent for the future, a strategy that defined the club’s summer transfer activities, with the exception of the £65 million signing of Dominic Solanke and the re-loaning of Werner.
Chairman Levy’s determination to back Postecoglou—who he claimed had “revived our Tottenham ” with his dynamic style last September—will be tested should performances in future matches deteriorate further.
Next up is Southampton, the venue of Antonio Conte’s notorious press conference where he criticized the players, management, and the club.
Most teams are seeking to capitalize on Russell Martin’s struggling squad, which has only accumulated five points this season and sits eight points adrift of safety.
However, they are still capable of showcasing quality football on their day, as evidenced by Liverpool’s recent experience—only to be thwarted by Mohamed Salah’s brilliance.
Possible saving grace
With Spurs frequently squandering opportunities under Postecoglou’s aggressive philosophy, a victory for the North Londoners feels elusive.
Following that, a significant Carabao Cup quarter-final showdown against Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United looms on Thursday.
The cup competitions could offer Postecoglou a lifeline this season, enabling him to honor his seemingly unfounded claim from September that “I always win things in my second year” in management.
Nevertheless, an exit against Amorim’s side would raise concerns ahead of Liverpool’s visit the following Sunday.
This season, every match feels crucial for Postecoglou due to the glaring inconsistency, and it genuinely seems like crunch time is approaching.
The outcome may depend on the level of criticism Levy faces from the supporters.
Demonstrations against ENIC, the club’s majority owners, have occurred in the past, with another protest reportedly organized for the upcoming Liverpool match on December 22.
Historically, Spurs managers have struggled when the authority that appointed them comes under scrutiny.
If results do not improve, expect the pressure to escalate, putting Postecoglou’s position in jeopardy.
