Postecoglou is not worried about Spurs’ European hopes fading after one league win in nine
Ange Postecoglou insists he is not worried about Tottenham’s waning pursuit of European football and insists his focus is on improving their exploits against Everton.
Wednesday’s meager 2-1 defeat in the north London derby against Arsenal means Spurs have won just one of their last nine Premier League games, leaving them 14th in the table.
Despite being around 13 points behind Chelsea in fifth place, where Spurs finished last season, Postecoglou says he is not looking beyond Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park.
The Australian said: “I just don’t look at things like that. Ultimately we have to win football games and that starts on Sunday.
“We have to go to Everton, try to win and get three points and then focus on Europe. Anything beyond that has no purpose for me or anyone else at the moment.
“Where we will end up, only time will tell, whether we achieve our goals and ambitions or not, only time will tell.”
Ange provides a team news update ahead of our trip to Goodison 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/AFTtAjzR8p
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2025
Defeat in the North London derby
Postecoglou expressed strong criticism of his players after Wednesday’s defeat at the Emirates, describing their performance and overall form as “unacceptable”.
On whether it was a mental or physical problem against their rivals, he said: “Could be a bit of both. We were far too passive, especially in the first half, with and without the ball.
“We allowed Arsenal to dictate the game and set the tempo. We couldn’t make as much of an impact as we wanted to. The second half was a little better, but in the end it cost us.”
When asked if they were in pain after the result, the 59-year-old replied: “Look, I’m sure of it. As I said after the game, it is unacceptable for a club like ours to have so many defeats in a season.
“Regardless of the context of the situation we find ourselves in, I feel the same way as the defeat on Wednesday night, it was also about the performance in the first half. I just felt like we weren’t doing ourselves justice.”
“I’m sure the players are feeling bad. Whether the players are injured or I am is somehow irrelevant. The supporters are hurting. We are the only ones who can change this.”
Moyes back in the hotseat
Postecoglou will face Everton’s newly returned David Moyes this weekend and the Spurs boss had nothing but good things to say about the experienced Scot.
He said: “No, that’s not surprising, he showed at West Ham that he is still at the top of his game and is a fantastic manager.”
“I think longevity is a measure of your ability, especially when you consider how long he managed in the Premier League itself and how long he made an impression at the clubs he played for.
“I’m happy to see him again because it means I’m no longer the oldest in the Premier League. If we can get Roy (Hodgson) off a beach somewhere I would be even happier.
“I’m glad to have him back. He’s also a top guy. I remember him reaching out to me when I was at Celtic a few years ago. Top guy David and great to have him back.”
Tottenham injury news
Tottenham’s form has not been helped by a spate of injuries, particularly in defence, but say their backline will be strengthened by the impending return of Ben Davies, who has been out since early December.
Postecoglou said: “A few of them have still been in pain since mid-week and are just waiting to see how Brennan is doing. He has a bit of a calf problem and Biss was also in pain so I’m just waiting for information on that.”
“When Ben Davies comes back he should be there.”
