Ange Postecoglou reveals what he will now do as Tottenham boss amid ‘stubbornness’ claims

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Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has been no stranger to criticism since taking over in north London.

Postecoglou’s Tottenham arrival in 2023 was one that was met with much skepticism. Leaving many fans questioning whether the Aussie could replicate his past success in N17?

His first three months in charge would definitely suggest so.

Unbeaten in the Premier League after ten games and flying high at the top of the table, life under Postecoglou could not have been going any better in November 2023.

Then came that infamous game against Chelsea, which saw Tottenham lose 4-1 against their London rivals whilst playing the majority of the game with nine men.

Since that defeat, Tottenham have endured pretty mixed success. Qualification for the Europa League has also been mixed in with heavy criticism from fans and pundits, as the footballing world seemingly fails to come to terms with Tottenham’s risky and open style of play.

Postecoglou has ultimately had to take the brunt of that criticism – most recently after Tottenham’s dismal defeat against Brighton.

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Ange Postecoglou hits back at critics

Conceding three goals in 18 minutes is tough for any manager to take and Tottenham’s defensive collapse once again opened the doors to criticism, with many questioning whether the Lilywhites can continue with the same playing philosophy.

In an interview with Optus Sport, Postecoglou was questioned on whether he would change his footballing principles amid recent criticism.

“It’s impossible to block out because even if I don’t hear it or read it, somebody will. I also don’t need to because I already know what they’d be saying – so it’s not new to me.

“From my perspective, it’s about, well, what everyone is wanting me to do is what everyone else does. You know, I’m just not going to do that because there is a reason where I am today – it’s not because I’ve done what everyone else does.

“I think everyone has their own sort of unique journey to get to somewhere. I didn’t get hear from doing what everyone else is doing. So I get when people say ‘Well be more pragmatic, like everyone else’. I don’t want to be like everyone else.

“Now that doesn’t mean I am going to be successful necessarily and my approach is going to work but what I am not going to do is become one of the masses – because If I do that what’s the point as I am going to get lost in that and eventually fade away and not make the impact I want to.

“What others see as stubbornness or me being dogmatic about something, I just see it as real belief in what I’m doing.”

Tottenham’s defensive display could suggest change is needed

As Postecoglou watched his Tottenham side implode at the Amex Stadium, one thing that would have undoubtedly caught his eye was the poor performances of his defenders.

Destiny Udogie was heavily criticised for his performance against Brighton, meanwhile, Micky van de Van frustrated Spurs fans with his backward passing.

Cristian Romero also continued his recent trend of losing his man as he watched Danny Welbeck head home the winner.

Tottenham’s dismal defensive display could be the catalyst for change as Postecoglou looks to find the remedy to his side’s leaky defence.

With the Aussie willing to die on his attacking sword, he may instead be tempted to change some of the personnel in the Spurs backline, in an attempt to sure things up.

The likes of Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies and Djed Spence are all viable options and we could soon see the 59-year-old shake up his defensive line.