Ange Postecoglou has strongly defended his role as Tottenham Hotspur manager, expressing frustration over the lack of support from both the club and the wider football community. The Australian coach, who has been under increasing pressure due to Spurs’ poor Premier League form, made it clear that he feels isolated in his efforts to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Postecoglou, who is dealing with mounting criticism after Tottenham suffered their 16th league defeat of the season, voiced his frustration over what he perceives as a media and institutional silence regarding the struggles at the club. He pointed out that while other top clubs often have a chorus of voices backing them during difficult times, Tottenham has been left to face the pressure alone. “I never switch on the TV and hear any sort of strong voice,” he said. “The only voice you hear is me. When we’re talking about the bigger clubs, there seem to be a lot more voices.”
This frustration has been compounded by recent events, such as the 2-0 loss to Chelsea, in which Postecoglou made a public gesture toward Tottenham supporters after a controversial VAR decision disallowed what seemed to be an equalizer. This move, which involved the coach cupping his ear toward the away section, was met with criticism from pundits, including Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp. However, Postecoglou rejected the criticism, pointing out that there had been a national uproar over the two decisions that benefited Tottenham earlier in the season, particularly in the Liverpool match.
He further highlighted the absence of strong public defense from within the club or the media, a stark contrast to other top Premier League teams, where former players and pundits regularly rally behind the club during tough times. According to Postecoglou, this lack of vocal support makes it even harder for him to manage. “There’s never any sort of defending of the club or the club defending itself, which makes it even more difficult because every club goes through tough moments and it’s how you react to them,” he explained.
Postecoglou also noted that Tottenham’s culture, especially when facing criticism, has often been one of passively accepting the blame rather than pushing back. He likened it to a “pile-on” mentality, where every negative aspect is amplified. “Wherever there’s a sore, there’s a real pile-on to sort of stick a finger in that sore,” he remarked, suggesting that the club’s internal response to adversity has been inadequate.
Off the pitch, Postecoglou has also had tense exchanges with some Tottenham fans, particularly over personal attacks and disrespectful behavior. “I’m just not at that stage in my life where I’m going to accept people trying to bully you or antagonize me or try to do things that show total disrespect,” he said, alluding to confrontations he’s had with individuals in the stands. He also commented on the dangers of social media, criticizing the role that phones play in amplifying toxic behavior. “For young people, a phone is more dangerous than any weapon in the world,” he added. “Why are you holding up a phone? What are you trying to do?”
Despite these difficulties, Postecoglou remains committed to his vision for the team. He acknowledged that Tottenham’s current position 14th in the Premier League, 18 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea is far from ideal. However, he is determined to continue his work and believes that, if winning trophies is the only way for his efforts to be recognized, then he will strive for that goal. “If people don’t really see what I’m trying to do, then I don’t think they’re ever going to see it, so if a trophy is the only way it seems to be the only way OK, let’s see if we can deliver that,” he said, signaling his resolve to turn the team around.
While Tottenham’s performance remains under scrutiny, the club’s ongoing struggles are not expected to result in an immediate change at the top, with the Europa League potentially offering the best chance for silverware, although even that may not guarantee Postecoglou’s long-term future at Spurs.
