Tottenham players left ‘unimpressed’ with Ange Postecoglou’s behaviour
While Tottenham’s recent Europa League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt showcased a team fighting for their manager, concerning reports have surfaced about growing friction between Ange Postecoglou and sections of the Spurs squad.
The Australian’s passionate management style, which has drawn praise for its authenticity, may be creating unintended tensions at Hotspur Way according to journalist Duncan Castles.
The revelations paint a picture of a dressing room divided over Postecoglou’s intense approach. Players have reportedly taken exception to several incidents, including the manager’s October decision to take a mid-season break while assistants conducted training sessions.
More troubling are accounts of explosive post-match reactions, with the 59-year-old allegedly hurling objects and delivering blistering verbal tirades following poor results.
These behavioral patterns stand in stark contrast to the unified front presented during Thursday’s crucial European tie.
The emotional celebrations between players and staff after securing a semi-final berth suggested strong mutual respect, with the squad clearly responding to Postecoglou’s tactical instructions throughout the match. This dichotomy raises questions about whether these reported tensions represent minor growing pains or deeper structural issues.
Historical context provides an important lens. Tottenham supporters have become all too familiar with the warning signs of a fractured dressing room after the toxic final days of Mourinho, Conte and Nuno Espirito Santo.
The current situation appears markedly different – players continue implementing Postecoglou’s demanding tactical system despite inconsistent results, and there’s no visible drop in effort during matches.
Club insiders suggest Postecoglou’s job security stems precisely from this continued player buy-in. Where previous managers lost the squad before losing their jobs, the Australian appears to retain core dressing room support despite his unconventional methods.
His willingness to rotate the squad and give opportunities to younger players may be balancing out frustrations over his intense emotional outbursts.
The coming weeks will prove decisive in determining whether these reported cracks develop into genuine fractures.
With Champions League qualification slipping away and Europa League success offering potential salvation, Postecoglou’s ability to manage both results and relationships will face its toughest test yet.
One thing remains clear – in the high-pressure world of Premier League management, even successful philosophies come with their share of turbulence behind closed doors.