By Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, has openly criticized the club’s “fragile foundations” following their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. This loss not only ended Spurs’ hopes of securing a Champions League spot but also guaranteed Aston Villa fourth place in the Premier League.
Postecoglou’s Concerns
Postecoglou’s comments appear to address both the internal and external issues facing the club. He alluded to the unrest and divisions that have surfaced, particularly in the 48 hours preceding the match against Manchester City. During this period, the manager faced tough questions regarding the attitude of some Spurs fans, who were allegedly more interested in seeing Arsenal lose the title race than supporting their own team.
“I think the last 48 hours have revealed the foundations are fairly fragile,” Postecoglou stated. “Outside the club, inside the club, everywhere.”
The Match and Its Implications
The defeat to Manchester City highlighted the struggles Spurs have faced this season. Despite the loss, there was a noticeable atmosphere of celebration among some Spurs supporters, primarily driven by City’s potential to prevent Arsenal from winning the league. This sentiment was evident from anti-Arsenal chants and reports of season-ticket holders selling their tickets for the game.
Postecoglou refrained from pinpointing the exact reasons for his frustration but hinted at broader issues within the club and its fanbase. “It has been an interesting exercise. It’s just my observations. I’m not going to tell you more. You can make your own assessment of what happened,” he said.
Building a Winning Team
Despite the setbacks, Postecoglou remains focused on his primary goal: to build a successful and winning team at Tottenham. He emphasized that he understands what is necessary to achieve this and is committed to making the necessary adjustments.
“I just want to win, I want to be successful at this club. That’s why I was brought in,” he explained. “Other people, what their priorities and interests are, I have zero interest in – I know what’s important to build a winning team, and that’s what I want to concentrate on.”
Fan Reactions and Moving Forward
The reaction from Spurs fans during the game underscored the challenges Postecoglou faces. While some fans seemed more preoccupied with Arsenal’s fate, the manager highlighted the positive impact a supportive crowd can have, especially in securing late victories.
“It is what it is, I can’t dictate what people do. They’re allowed to express themselves however they want. But when we’ve got late winners in games, it’s because the crowd has often helped us,” Postecoglou remarked.
Looking ahead, Postecoglou acknowledged the need to adapt his approach. “I already knew what I wanted to do, I just have to make some adjustments to how I do it,” he concluded.
In summary, Postecoglou’s comments reflect a deep awareness of the challenges within Tottenham Hotspur. He remains determined to steer the club towards success, despite the evident internal and external obstacles.
