Ange Postecoglou insists he is not worried about Tottenham’s fading chase for European football and insists he is focused on improving their fortunes against Everton.
Wednesday’s narrow 2-1 north London derby defeat at Arsenal means Spurs have won just one of their last nine Premier League games, leaving them 14th in the table.
Despite being around 13 points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, where Spurs finished last season, Postecoglou says he is not looking ahead to Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park.
The Australian said: “I just don’t see things like that. Ultimately we have to win football games and that starts on Sunday.
“We have to go to Everton, try to win and get three points and then focus on Europe after that. In anything beyond that right now, it serves no purpose to me or anyone else.
“Where we end up will be where we end up, whether that’s the realization of our goals, ambitions or weakness, then time will tell.”
Ange provides an update on team news ahead of our trip to Goodison 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/AFTtAjzR8p
— Tottenham (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2025
Defeat in the North London derby
Postecoglou was heavily critical of his players after Wednesday’s defeat at the Emirates, blaming their performance and overall form as “unacceptable”.
On whether it was a mental or physical issue against their opponents, he said: “It can be a bit of both. Especially in the first half we were very passive in our approach, with and without the ball.
“We allowed Arsenal to dictate the game and set the pace. We weren’t really able to make an impact the way we wanted to. The second half was a bit better, but in the end it cost us.”
Asked if they were sore after the result, the 59-year-old replied: “Look I’m sure they are. As I said after the game, it is not acceptable for a club like ours to have so many defeats in one season.
“Regardless of the context of the situation we’re in, I feel as much as the defeat on Wednesday night, it was also about the performance in the first half, I just felt we didn’t do ourselves justice.
“I’m sure the players are hurting. Whether the players are hurting or I’m hurting, it’s kind of irrelevant. The fans are hurting. We are the only ones who can change it.”
Moyes back in the hot seat
Postecoglou comes up against David Moyes who has just returned from Everton this weekend and the Spurs boss had nothing but good things to say about the veteran Scot.
He said: “No, he wasn’t surprised, he showed West Ham that he’s still at the top of his game and he’s a fantastic manager.
“I think longevity is a measure of your ability, especially when you think about how long he’s settled in the Premier League itself and the impact he’s had on the clubs he’s been at.
“I’m glad to see him back because it means I’m not the oldest in the Premier League anymore. If we can get Roy (Hodgson) off a beach somewhere, I’ll be even happier.
“I’m glad to have him back. He’s also a top guy. I remember he approached me when I was at Celtic two years ago. David is top notch and it’s great to have him back.”
Tottenham injury news
Tottenham’s form has not been helped by a string of injuries, particularly in defence, but they say their backline is boosted by the imminent return of Ben Davies, who has been sidelined since early December.
Postecoglou said: “There’s a couple who are still sore from midweek, just waiting to see how Brennan is, he’s got a bit of a calf complaint and Biss is also sore so we’re just waiting to hear about them.
“Coming back, Ben Davies should be involved.”
