Tottenham fans say Postecoglou has been using £45m player in the wrong position after 4-2 defeat vs Wolves
The familiar frustrations of Tottenham Hotspur supporters reached new heights during Sunday’s dismal showing at Molineux, where a 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers exposed multiple flaws in Ange Postecoglou’s approach.
From Guglielmo Vicario’s goalkeeping nightmares to the puzzling misuse of Mathys Tel, the performance raised serious questions about the Australian manager’s tactical flexibility and squad management.
Vicario’s calamitous afternoon began within two minutes when Rayan Aït-Nouri – ironically a reported Spurs transfer target – capitalized on the Italian’s weak punch to open the scoring.
The goalkeeper’s nightmare continued half an hour later as another unconvincing intervention saw the ball ricochet off Djed Spence for Wolves’ second goal. These errors compounded growing concerns about Vicario’s confidence since his £17 million move from Empoli, with his once-assured presence between the posts showing alarming signs of erosion.
Amid the gloom, Mathys Tel provided Tottenham’s sole bright spark, demonstrating precisely why supporters have grown increasingly frustrated with Postecoglou’s reluctance to deploy the French prodigy in his natural left-wing position.
The 19-year-old’s second-half goal – his second in just four appearances on the left flank compared to one in eight as a center-forward – highlighted what many perceive as the manager’s stubborn misuse of his most exciting attacking talent.
Fan discontent has reached boiling point regarding Tel’s deployment, with social media awash with criticism of Postecoglou’s handling of the Bayern Munich loanee.
“Seeing Tel wasted as a central striker week after week feels absolutely criminal,” vented one long-time supporter, echoing the sentiments of thousands watching their most dynamic attacker being shoehorned into unsuitable roles.
The teenager’s performance at Molineux only amplified these frustrations, with his direct running, clever link-up play, and clinical finishing offering stark contrast to Heung-min Son’s continued struggles on the left.
Son’s diminishing returns have become another sore point among the Tottenham faithful. The South Korean captain’s eight goals in 34 left-wing appearances this season pale in comparison to his previous output, leading some supporters to describe his performances as “painfully labored.”
This decline has reportedly prompted Spurs to pause contract extension talks with their 31-year-old skipper, raising uncomfortable questions about the club’s forward planning.
Tel’s situation presents Tottenham with a complex dilemma. While the £45 million option to buy represents significant investment for a teenager, his performances when properly utilized suggest he could develop into a genuine difference-maker.
Fabrizio Romano’s suggestion that Spurs view Tel as part of their long-term project offers some reassurance, but the club’s hierarchy may balk at meeting Bayern’s asking price without assurances about playing time and positional usage.
The broader context of uncertainty at Hotspur Way – including speculation about Postecoglou’s future following a mixed debut season – further complicates any decision regarding Tel.
Would the French youngster thrive better under a different manager? Some supporters clearly believe so, with several suggesting his attributes would be better harnessed by a coach like Mauricio Pochettino.
Sunday’s defeat laid bare several uncomfortable truths for Tottenham. Vicario’s crisis of confidence requires immediate attention. Son’s decline demands honest assessment.
But perhaps most pressingly, Postecoglou’s inflexibility regarding Tel’s best position threatens to undermine both the player’s development and the team’s attacking potential.
As Spurs prepare for Thursday’s crucial Europa League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, the Australian manager faces mounting pressure to demonstrate he can adapt his methods to maximize the talents at his disposal.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Postecoglou can address these issues or whether Tottenham’s hierarchy will need to make difficult decisions about the direction of their project.
One thing appears certain – continuing to misuse Mathys Tel while persisting with underperforming alternatives represents a luxury Spurs can ill afford in their pursuit of Champions League football and European glory.