‘As of today’: How Tottenham’s hierarchy really feel about performances under Ange Postecoglou – journalist
The international break may have arrived at an opportune moment for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur, offering a much-needed pause to regroup and prepare for the final stretch of the season. Spurs have been grappling with a lengthy injury list, but the break provides a chance for key players to recover and return to action.
By the time Tottenham face Chelsea at the start of next month, Postecoglou could have almost his entire squad available, with Dejan Kulusevski potentially being the only notable absentee. With no more excuses left, the pressure is on Postecoglou to deliver improved performances and results.
Despite the club’s desire to bring back Fabio Paratici to bolster their recruitment efforts, the focus remains on the current squad and their underperformance on the pitch.
While injuries have undoubtedly played a role in Tottenham’s struggles, the team’s displays have fallen short of expectations, leaving decision-makers at the club frustrated. BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella recently provided an update on the mood within Spurs’ hierarchy, shedding light on Postecoglou’s precarious position.
During a Q&A session with Tottenham fans, Kinsella was asked about Postecoglou’s future, and his response highlighted the growing unease behind the scenes. “I get the sense Spurs don’t want to make a change right now, but there is genuine frustration growing about the underperformance behind the scenes,” Kinsella said.
He added that while the club remains supportive of Postecoglou and hopes he can turn things around, their patience is not unlimited. “Spurs really want Postecoglou to work out and have been very patient with him so far. The Australian has said he has not felt ‘alone’ during this time and has been supported. But, with all their goodwill and hope the Europa League can save Postecoglou, I am not sure they can win the argument that he should stay if they get knocked out of Europe.”
Postecoglou’s future could hinge on Tottenham’s performance in the Europa League, with a deep run in the competition potentially safeguarding his position. However, early elimination would likely intensify the scrutiny on his tenure.
Kinsella’s assessment underscores the delicate balance the club is trying to strike between supporting their manager and addressing the growing dissatisfaction with recent results.
To put Postecoglou’s situation into perspective, it’s worth comparing his record to that of Tottenham’s previous managers under Daniel Levy. The last five permanent managers before Postecoglou—Antonio Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo, Jose Mourinho, Mauricio Pochettino, and Tim Sherwood—all had better points-per-match records than the current boss.
Postecoglou’s average of 1.50 points per match is notably lower than Conte’s 1.78, Mourinho’s 1.77, and Pochettino’s 1.84. This statistic highlights the unprecedented level of patience Levy is showing with Postecoglou, despite the team’s struggles.
While some may argue that Postecoglou has faced unique challenges, including a significant injury crisis, it’s important to note that his predecessors also dealt with their own difficulties.
The Australian manager’s ability to navigate these challenges and deliver results will ultimately determine his fate. For now, the club’s hierarchy is giving him the benefit of the doubt, but the pressure is mounting.
As Tottenham prepare for the remainder of the season, Postecoglou must find a way to galvanize his squad and produce the kind of performances that can reignite belief among fans and decision-makers alike.
The Europa League represents a crucial opportunity to salvage the campaign and secure his position, but failure to do so could lead to a reassessment of his future. For Postecoglou, the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping his legacy at Tottenham Hotspur.