Postecoglou is unconcerned about Spurs’ fading European hopes after one league win from nine
Ange Postecoglou insists he is not worried about Tottenham’s fading bid for European football and insists he is focused on improving their fortunes against Everton.
Wednesday’s narrow 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 13 points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, where Spurs finished last season, Postecoglou says he is not looking beyond Sunday’s visit to Goodison Park.
The Australian said: “I just don’t look at things like that. At the end of the day, we have to win football games and that starts on Sunday.
“We have to go to Everton, try to win and get the three points and then focus on Europe after that. What is outside of that right now, serves no purpose to me or anyone else.
“Where we end up will be where we end up, whether it’s achieving our goals, ambitions or falling short, time will tell.”
Ange updates the team ahead of our trip to Goodison 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/AFTtAjzR8p
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2025
North London derby defeat
Postecoglou was heavily critical of his players following Wednesday’s defeat at the Emirates, criticizing the performance and their overall form as “unacceptable”.
On whether it was a mental or physical problem against their rivals, he said: “It could be both. Especially in the first half, we were too passive in our approach, with and without the ball.
We let Arsenal dictate the game and set the tempo. We couldn’t really make an impact the way we wanted to. The second half was a little better, but in the end it cost us.”
Asked if they were sore after the results, the 59-year-old replied: “Look, I’m sure they are. As I said after the game, it is not acceptable for a club like ours to have so many defeats in a season.
“Regardless of the context of the situation we’re in, I feel as much as the loss on Wednesday night, it was also because of the play in the first half, I just felt we didn’t justify ourselves.
“I’m sure the players are injured. Whether the players or I are injured is a bit irrelevant. The fans are hurt. We are the only ones who can change that.”
Moyes on the hot seat again
Postecoglou faces Everton’s new signing David Moyes this weekend and the Spurs boss had nothing but good things to say about the veteran Scot.
He said: “No, I’m not surprised, he showed at West Ham that he’s still at the top of his game and he’s a fantastic manager.
“I think longevity is a measure of your ability, especially when you think about how long he’s been in the Premier League and how much of an impact he’s had on the clubs he’s been at.
“I’m delighted to see him back because it means I’m no longer the oldest in the Premier League. If we can get Roy (Hodgson) off some beach, I’ll be even happier.
“I’m glad he’s back. And he’s a top guy. I remember him approaching me when I was at Celtic a few years ago. Best 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 they say their line has been boosted by the imminent return of Ben Davies, who has been sidelined since early December.
Postecoglou said: “There’s a couple still sore from midweek, they’re just waiting to see how Brennan is, he’s got a calf problem and Biss is also sore, so I’m just waiting for information on those.
“When I come back, Ben Davies should be involved.”
