Ange Postecoglou has revealed his message to his Tottenham Hotspur players following their Europa League setback against AZ Alkmaar.
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a disappointing first-leg defeat at the hands of AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands.
It was a night to forget for Spurs, as they were completely outplayed, with a Lucas Bergvall own goal handing Alkmaar a valuable 1-0 advantage heading into the return leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The scoreline could have been far worse. Troy Parrott squandered a one-on-one chance, while a chaotic goal-line scramble somehow failed to end in the back of the net, keeping Tottenham’s hope of a comeback alive.
Of course, Ange Postecoglou and his coaching staff will take some solace in the fact that the deficit remains just a single goal.
However, with the Europa League now Tottenham’s only realistic chance of silverware, the importance of turning the tie around cannot be overstated.
Ange Postecoglou on belief in the Tottenham game plan
When asked if he was concerned about his players doubting the game plan or lacking clarity in their approach, Postecoglou was adamant that there was no uncertainty in the squad.
He told football.london: “They do not lack clarity over it, absolutely not. They do not lack clarity. If anything, people are saying it is too transparent, but you need conviction to play that kind of football all the time.
“You need belief, and you need a real strong mindset because it is challenging, and it does not allow you to veer off in a different direction. It means you stay on course, and it is the only way it works. It is fair to say last night that we were not on the road we need to be.”
Postecoglou’s message to his Spurs squad
The Tottenham boss was also asked whether the message to his players was to stick to their principles and play the way he wants them to, Postecoglou was firm in his response.
He continued: “That has been there from day one. I do not think there is any doubt about that. There would not be anybody who has followed us for the last 20 months who thinks anything other than that.
“We are determined to go down this road, and we believe – I believe – it is the way that will bring success to the club. Every challenge along the way that tries to shift you away from that, that is when you have to show your resolve and determination to stay the course.”