Ange Postecoglou could be without any senior centre-backs for Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League clash with resurgent Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, increasing the pressure on the Australian manager.
Spurs were beaten 1-0 at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on Boxing Day after 6-3 hitting by Liverpool in front of their own fans. First-choice defensive duo Cristiano Romero and Micky van de Ven limped off during another disaster Defeat against Chelsea 4-3 earlier this month, leaving Postecoglou desperately short of defensive options.
Radu Dragusin was in the line-up alongside 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray but limped off late in Thursday’s defeat to Forest with an ankle injury. The Spurs the boss warned it was “a bit early to tell” whether the 22-year-old Romanian would be fit for the visit of Wolves, but Ben Davies has been ruled out for “a few more weeks”.
Right-back Ded Spence removed one of the few remaining defensive alternatives for Postecoglou by picking up a second yellow card in the 94th minute at the City Ground.
“We are in a difficult situation,” admitted Postecoglou, addressing the media on Friday, “we have been for a while. We have been going through it for a long time and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we do not pass. It is another test for us, but everything we need to solve, we will solve and get ready for Sunday.”
The former Celtic coach has come under fire to set up an adventurous high defensive line even though the profile of available centre-backs may not suit that approach. The defiant head coach has repeatedly insisted he will not compromise his principles, but admitted the squad would benefit from some defensive additions in January.
“It’s not just about bringing in anybody,” Postecoglou warned, “but there is certainly a need to step up if we can.”
While Spurs languish in the bottom half Premier League tablehe remained defiant to Postecoglou. “I will continue to do what I think is the right thing for the success of this club,” he stressed. “That doesn’t change. It’s a tough task because of our situation, but like most things that are pretty tough to get through, it’s only temporary, we’ll get through it and we’ll come out stronger.”
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