Sure enough there is plenty said about Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou all this while since he joined the Premier League, especially this season.
Now in his second season at the club, Spurs currently sit 12th in the Premier League, having lost 10 of their first 20 games of the season. Granted that there is an absolutely unprecedented injury and illness crisis, that affords him some leeway in terms of the result.
However, even that crisis splits opinion within parts of the fanbase, with some fans suggesting that these injuries are a direct consequence of Ange’s highly intense training methods, that will invariably lead to more injuries. There are also those who suggest that with such a small amount of players unavailable, Ange should adapt his style of playing to make sure the physical toll that comes with playing twice a week is reduced.
Nevertheless, regardless of anyone’s opinion on the matter, the 59-year old’s job is currently safe, as per David Ornstein, who told NBC Sports (02:20) on Sunday: “Ange Postecoglu is 100% safe in his job, I’m told. There is no uncertainty over his future, despite the pressure he appears to be feeling in some of his public comments.
They’re backing him to lead this project forward, and they will hope he delivers. They’ve got a chance of a League Cup trophy, a Europa League trophy, they’re focusing on that, and they are also fighting to get into the top four, although realistic about their chances on that too.”
The frustrations regarding Ange are totally appreciated and understandable, and feel like the right thing to do. Who are the club going to get right now, who could turn the season around? However, even without the big context applied regarding all the missing players, Spurs are really not in any need to try and get a top four finish.
Back in 2022, the club got into the top four. However, in truth, what did that end up achieving? The club have got top four a number of times in the last seventeen years. Been there and done it. Yet they still do not have a trophy to show for their valiant efforts during that time. So what’s it all in aid of then?
The Carabao Cup feels unlikely, factoring in the competition in the way, both in the semi-finals and the final. However, the Europa League is there to be targeted, particularly with no clubs coming down from the Champions League as a result of the new format.