Tottenham Fans’ Conflict over Ange Postecoglou
It’s fair to say that Tottenham fans are currently in a state of conflicting emotions regarding their manager, Ange Postecoglou. Alarmed by the team’s slide down the Premier League table and their recent exits from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, many supporters are beginning to question whether the 59-year-old Australian is the right man for the job. However, others recognize the severe injury crisis that has plagued the team, understanding that a proper judgment can only be made once key players return to the lineup. The severity of the situation is stark, with Tottenham having one of the highest numbers of injured players in the European football landscape, as crunched by SunSport. Against Aston Villa last Sunday, the club had 11 first-team players out with injuries, a number that has continued to decimate their season.
Daniel Levy’s Sympathy and Patience
Ultimately, the opinion that truly matters is that of the club’s chairman, Daniel Levy, who recently turned 63. Known for his decisive and often ruthless approach to managerial changes, Levy has axed 12 permanent managers during his 25-year tenure. Despite Tottenham’s current struggles, including their plummet to 14th place in the league and exits from domestic cups, Levy has resisted the urge to make a change. His sympathy for the severity of the injury crisis is a significant factor in Postecoglou’s continued tenure. The club’s hierarchy, aware of the unprecedented number of absentees, is showing more patience with Postecoglou than they have with previous managers, believing that the situation can improve once the key players are back in action.
The Potential for Europa League Glory
Another compelling reason for Postecoglou to remain in his position is Tottenham’s continued presence in the Europa League. This competition offers a viable route back into the Champions League and, more importantly, a chance to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought. Despite the injury woes, Spurs have shown glimpses of brilliant football, particularly in their 4-0 win against Manchester City and their recent victories over Elfsborg and Brentford. These performances, though few, have bolstered the belief that Postecoglou can still deliver results, even with a depleted squad. The club’s stars, including Dejan Kulusevski, remain supportive of the manager, which is a crucial factor in his continued employment.
Kulusevski’s Backing for Postecoglou
In a recent media interaction, Dejan Kulusevski, one of Tottenham’s star players, emphatically backed Postecoglou. The Swedish forward stated, “Because we had games when we showed perfect football. Football that not many teams can play in the world. We played beautiful games against United, against City 4-0 so I think he is the right man. We play for him. We want to win for him and to be honest we have similar ideas. I am very positive as a guy and I always want to play that football he wants. I have to fight for him because I believe in that football too. Yes, I think he’s the right man.” Kulusevski’s confidence and the continued support from other players suggest that the team’s morale and belief in Postecoglou’s methods are still intact, which is a positive sign for the club’s hierarchy.
Practical Considerations for Management Stability
The club’s top brass has also considered the practical implications of making a managerial change mid-season. Appointing a caretaker manager like Ryan Mason, who has previously overseen the team during short stints following the departures of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, would be an embarrassing and potentially counterproductive step. Additionally, attracting a permanent successor, such as Andoni Iraola from Bournemouth or Kieran McKenna from Ipswich, is seen as a challenging task at this stage of the season. Another factor is the contractual obligation to Postecoglou, who is signed until 2027 and reportedly earns £6 million a year. Paying off yet another manager would be a costly and unwelcome move for Levy and the club.
Looking Forward with Hope and Caution
While Levy’s patience and the players’ support are major factors in Postecoglou’s continued employment, it would be naive to assume he is entirely secure. If the team’s performances continue to deteriorate, lose the players’ backing, or see his relationship with Levy break down, the situation could become terminal for the Australian manager. However, the pressure to deliver will undoubtedly increase as the injured players return and the absentees can no longer be used as an excuse. For Tottenham fans who are already calling for a change, Levy’s uncharacteristic resolve suggests they should not expect any immediate action. Instead, the focus should be on the potential for improvement and the club’s commitment to giving Postecoglou the time he needs to turn things around.
