As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for the visit of West Ham tomorrow, Ange Postecoglou has been asked about the praise he has been getting from the footballing world, and had a fun reply.
The electric start to the season for Ange Postecoglou – which saw his Spurs side go ten games unbeaten and sitting at the top of the table – has faltered slightly over the last month.
Three straight defeats, a number of suspensions, and even more injuries have depleted the Australian’s squad rather drastically.
Things are looking up, though, after an inspiring and very entertaining 3-3 draw against Premier League champions Manchester City at the weekend. That result and performance puts the Lilywhites in good spirits for the upcoming London derby against West Ham.
Postecoglou sees the irony in those praising him
However, throughout the run of defeats, Postecoglou’s style of play – with a high defensive line and relentless attacking approach – was criticised by some in the media.
Whether it is naïve or admirable to stick to your guns, is a matter of opinion, but it is an approach to football that Postecoglou refuses to back down from.
During his latest press conference (via Football.London), it was put to Postecoglou that he “got a lot of plaudits for the way [Spurs] played against City.”
His reply was simple: “After the game.”
Indeed, throughout the game against Manchester City, the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher on the Sky Sports commentary team, were surprised to see Spurs playing so openly against the Premier League champions, but reverted to praising the Lilywhites after the game.
Spurs Web Opinion
It’s typical, isn’t it? It’s so easy to praise someone (or condemn them) after something has happened and you can see the result of their actions, but before each game, pundits just keep on expecting Postecoglou to change his ways for fear it will backfire. I’d much rather we stick to a style of play and retain our new identity, through thick and thin.