Ange Postecoglou Delivers Blunt Assessment of Tottenham's Status
In a candid interview, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has issued a stark critique, asserting that the club is "not a big club" despite its outward ambitions. His comments follow the recent sacking of Thomas Frank, who took over from Postecoglou last summer but was dismissed with Spurs languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
A Curious Club in Turmoil
Postecoglou described Tottenham as a "curious club" grappling with significant instability. He pointed to a major pivot at the end of the previous year, which included his own departure and the exit of executive chair Daniel Levy, creating an environment of uncertainty. "There's no guarantee whichever manager you bring in – they've had world-class managers there and they haven't had success," he remarked, questioning the club's objectives and the challenges faced by incoming managers like Frank.
Disconnect Between Ambition and Investment
The Australian manager highlighted a critical disconnect between Tottenham's stated goals and their financial commitments. While the club boasts an "unbelievable stadium" and training facilities, Postecoglou argued that their expenditure and wage structure do not align with those of elite clubs. "When you look at their expenditure and particularly their wages structure, they're not a big club," he stated, noting difficulties in signing top-tier players during his tenure.
Risk-Averse Culture Under Scrutiny
Postecoglou further criticised Tottenham's risk-averse approach, contrasting it with the club's motto, "To Dare Is To Do." He felt the club's actions were almost the antithesis of this philosophy, lacking the willingness to take necessary risks to achieve success. "I felt like Tottenham as a club were saying: 'We're one of the big boys.' And the reality is I don't think they are," he concluded, emphasising the need for bold moves in competitive football.
Addressing the 'Spursy' Tag and Belief Issues
Agreeing with the colloquial "Spursy" tag that implies a lack of belief in success, Postecoglou acknowledged this as a pervasive issue he attempted to overcome. "One hundred per cent there is, and that was the thing I was trying to break," he said, expressing frustration over the club's tendency to dismantle progress despite potential wins. His own sacking, despite winning the Europa League, underscored these challenges, as did his brief subsequent stint at Nottingham Forest.
This assessment sheds light on ongoing struggles at Tottenham, raising questions about their strategic direction and capacity to compete at the highest levels of football.
