Ange Postecoglou hits back at Tottenham legend Hugo Lloris over stinging Levy criticism
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou recently addressed comments by former captain Hugo Lloris about the club’s attitude during his tenure, particularly regarding their 2019 Champions League final defeat.
Lloris, in his new book Earning My Spurs, describes the disappointment and frustration he felt leading up to that pivotal match, alleging that Tottenham’s leadership may have inadvertently diminished their competitive drive.
According to Lloris, chairman Daniel Levy gifted each player a luxury aviator watch inscribed with “Champions League Finalist 2019” before they had even faced Liverpool. Lloris felt this gesture implied a lack of belief in victory, which he says cast a shadow over the team’s mindset before one of the club’s biggest games.
While Lloris appreciates the efforts of Levy as chairman, he suggested that such decisions revealed an insensitivity to the players’ competitive spirit. For him, receiving a watch engraved with “Finalist” rather than “Winner” indicated an unsettling acceptance of second place.
The French goalkeeper also described returning to his room after the game with doubts about Tottenham’s true ambition.
This reflection, he writes, was shared by then-manager Mauricio Pochettino and forward Harry Kane. Comparing Tottenham’s reaction to that of European giants like Real Madrid, Lloris contended that top clubs would never allow a runner-up finish to go unchallenged.
He longed for a sense of shared resolve to return stronger, yet left the event sensing ambivalence among some players and club officials.
Postecoglou, who took the reins at Tottenham in 2023, offered a balanced perspective on these remarks, highlighting the positives of that period.
He defended the club’s achievements, noting that the team had almost reached the pinnacle by finishing as runners-up in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
In his view, Tottenham’s near-wins reflected a period of significant accomplishment, and he suggested that those moments deserve appreciation despite the final outcomes.
He acknowledged that it’s tempting to focus on the missed opportunities but emphasized that Tottenham’s journey was filled with noteworthy progress.
Postecoglou, who aims to instill a culture of limitless ambition, rejected any notion of setting expectations based on past limitations. Instead, he encourages his team to seize every potential opportunity, refusing to allow outside opinions to shape their goals.
Meanwhile, Tottenham has been keeping a keen eye on player recruitment to strengthen their squad under Postecoglou’s leadership. With growing speculation around right-back Pedro Porro potentially joining Real Madrid, the club has started exploring alternatives.
Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu has emerged as a promising target, and there’s a possibility Tottenham may pursue him even if Porro remains with the club. The admiration for Ratiu signals Tottenham’s proactive approach to securing a robust lineup, ensuring they’re well-prepared for potential changes.
Additionally, Tottenham and Manchester City have recently faced a setback in their pursuit of a sought-after AC Milan midfielder. Milan has moved to secure the player amid interest from Premier League clubs, complicating transfer prospects.
This development underscores the competitive nature of the January transfer window, where top teams strive to enhance their squads to maintain a competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
The atmosphere around Tottenham seems to be one of redefined ambition under Postecoglou. While Lloris’s account sheds light on the complex emotions of the Champions League final and the challenges of Tottenham’s pursuit of silverware, Postecoglou’s comments reveal a vision for the future rooted in resilience and high aspirations.
The club is determined to advance beyond past achievements, targeting new talent and preparing strategically for any scenario that arises. Through calculated signings and an unwavering focus on progress, Tottenham looks set to write a new chapter in their pursuit of footballing glory.
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