Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says he ‘can’t press a button and change’ his style after boos were heard at full-time during his side’s 6-3 home defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
Despite having scored two more goals than any other team in the top flight, Spurs are 11th in the table and eight points adrift of fourth place, having taken a point from their last four home league matches.
“I think I’ve been really, really patient over the last 18 months, answering the same question over and over again,” Postecoglou responded to a suggestion that his team could adopt less cavalier tactics.
“If people want me to change my approach, that won’t change. We do it for a reason because we believe it will help us succeed.
“They’re a very good football team.”
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou reacts to his team’s defeat to Liverpool 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/OlCjwmb9oB
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
Tottenham vs Liverpool ‘a bridge too far’
Tottenham’s results this season include a 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion and a 4-3 home defeat to Chelsea after leading 2-0 in both matches.
They were 5-1 down at one point during their thrashing by the leaders, although Postecoglou had 10 players absent through injury or illness.
“It was a bridge too far for us, because you could tell we were a little lacking in energy and ability to really compete with [Liverpool] at the same level,” Postecoglou said.
“If people don’t understand the circumstances we’re in right now and the challenges we have as a team and a team…I have the idea that people think I should just flip the switch and change and that would somehow make us different But that’s what it is – I’m just going to continue to stay focused on building this team to be who we want it to be.
“It’s really very painful” 😟
Son Heung-min’s open and honest reaction to Spurs’ defeat to Liverpool 👇 pic.twitter.com/NMaRr8u9PV
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
“In the meantime, we will have to accept that there will be challenges. Who knows? Maybe some of them [the fans] I really understand the situation we find ourselves in right now.
“It seems like many don’t.” In the context of what we’re trying to do and where we are, I hope they see what we’re trying to build here, because I really believe it will give the fans and the club what they want. But it’s up to them to decide.
Postecoglou: “Others must judge”
Postecoglou stressed that partisan support is “important” and was optimistic when asked about his position.
“We’ve had shorter turnaround times than almost any team we’ve faced so far, whether here or in Europe,” he added. “I couldn’t rest or rotate the players.
“If you say that [11th place] means I’m not doing a good job and should be uncomfortable, that’s for others to judge.
