Cracks rock Tottenham as club ‘accustomed to mediocrity’ rankles ambitious Ange Postecoglou plan in North London
“I think the last 48 hours have revealed to me that the foundations are fairly fragile mate.”
That was Ange Postecoglou’s damning admission after Tottenham’s mid-week loss to Manchester City, a frustrated figure whose own ambitions seem out of line with a club that has grown accustomed to mediocrity.
The sentiment from parts of the Tottenham supporter group that they would be happy if they lost to City so as not to hand the title advantage to North London rivals Arsenal, bemused Postecoglou and highlighted a club which has lacked the culture to truly compete for the biggest of trophy.
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Postecoglou’s appointment at Tottenham signalled a fresh start and opportunity for both him and the club following the disappointing tenure under previous manager Antonio Conte.
The start under Postecoglou had Tottenham fans revelling in the free-wheeling attacking football of a team which looked to play on the front foot regardless of the opposition.
The history of Postecoglou emphasises a manager and man who sticks to his coaching principles even when doubted. The growth of Postecoglou throughout his managerial career has only strengthened his innate belief that his aggressive style is the most effective way to succeed.
You can hardly doubt this belief considering the titles that Postecoglou has won in Australia, Japan, and Scotland. His move to Tottenham was always going to represent one of the biggest challenges of his career as he joined a club, which considering its size, has become far too used to failure.
Postecoglou has reiterated throughout the season that his only ambition is to build a winning team which can compete. A tough end to the year has seen Tottenham lose five of their last six games as they saw their Champions League hopes slip away. Throughout this barren run though, Postecoglou has not changed his style and encouraged his team to play aggressively, despite coming up against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
Critics will point to a manager who has the inability to adapt to changing conditions and the need to sometimes be able to sit back and soak up pressure. Postecoglou’s philosophy is no more tested then when his side’s results do not reflect the progressive nature of the football he is attempting to portray through his team.
When surmising Postecoglou’s first season at Tottenham there will be some that will point to the falling away of a team which at one point looked destined to qualify for the Champions League. An honest assessment of the year though shows a team which has developed a clear style of play and philosophy under Postecoglou following the turgid times under Conte, while qualifying for the Europa League.
Chairman Daniel Levy’s notorious tight purse strings will be tested again in the upcoming summer transfer window as he along with Postecoglou will know further changes to the squad will need to be made if they are again to take a step forward next season.
Despite his cryptic quote seemingly criticising the mentality of the club, Postecoglou has denied he is unhappy, with star player Son Heung-min backing his manager, believing that he has what it takes to develop the club further.
“Definitely shown he can bring success to the club,” the captain said.
Postecoglou’s honest and frank assessment of where Tottenham is currently sitting as a club should only spur the hierarchy to match its manager’s ambitions.
Postecoglou has proven he is a winner, and given time, the results that Tottenham fans yearn for may very well come alongside a football that they demand.
Postecoglou will know best that time in football is not always granted and he will be focused on progressing next season.