Ange Postecoglou insists he is not worried about Tottenham’s fading pursuit of European football and insists his focus is on improving their fortunes against Everton.
Wedensday’s meagre 2-1 defeat in the North London derby against Arsenal means Spurs have won just one of their last nine Premier League games, which has left them sitting 14th in the table.
Despite being some 13 points behind Chelsea in fifth, where Spurs finished last season, Postecoglou says he is not looking past Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park.
The Australian said: “I just don’t look at things like that. Ultimately we’ve got to win games of football and that starts on Sunday.
“We’ve got to go to Everton, try and win and get three points and then focus on Europe after that. To at what’s beyond that right now, it serves no purpose for me or anyone else.
“Where we end up is going to be where we end up, whether that’s realising our goals, ambitions or falling short, then time will tell.”
Ange provides a team news update ahead of our trip to Goodison 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/AFTtAjzR8p
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2025
North London derby defeat
Postecoglou was heavily critical of his players after Wednesday’s defeat at the Emirates, slamming the performance and their overall form as “unacceptable”.
On whether it was a mental or physical issue against their rivals, he said: “Could be a bit of both. Especially first half we were way too passive in our approach, with and without the ball.
“We allowed Arsenal to dictate the game and set the tempo. We weren’t really able to make an impact in the way we wanted to. Second half was a bit better but ultimately it cost us.”
Asked if they are hurting after the result, the 59-year-old replied: “Look I’m sure they are. As I said after the game it’s not acceptable for a club like ours to have that many defeats in a season.
“Irrespective of the context of the situation we are in, I just 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 supporters are hurting. We are the only ones who can change that.”
Moyes back in the hotseat
Postecoglou comes up against Everton’s newly-returning David Moyes this weekend and the Spurs boss only had good things to say about the veteran Scot.
He said: “No not surprised, he showed at West Ham he is still at the top of his game and is a fantastic manager.
“I think longevity is a measure of your capabilities particularly when you think of how long he has managed in the Premier League itself and he has made an impact at the clubs he has been at.
“I’m delighted 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 will be even happier.
“Glad to have him back. He’s a top guy too. I remember he reached out to me when I was at Celtic a couple of years ago. Top guy David and great to have him back.”
Tottenham injury news
Tottenham’s form has not been helped by a spate of injuries, particularly in defence, but says their backline is boosted by the imminent return of Ben Davies, who has been out since early December.
Postecoglou said: “There’s a couple still sore from mid-week, just waiting to see how Brennan is, he’s got a bit of a calf complaint, and Biss has been sore as well, so just waiting for information on them.
“Coming back, Ben Davies should be involved.”
