Tottenham Hotspur coach Ange Postecoglou made waves with an ambitious statement after the lost derby against Arsenal (0-1). The annoyed Australian claimed that he always wins trophies in his second season at a club, but there are serious doubts from outsiders about whether this will happen with Spurs, who have been waiting for a trophy for many years.
Before his appointment at Tottenham, Ange Postecoglou built a reputation as a successful manager during his time at Celtic, where he won multiple trophies, including league titles and domestic cups.
His previous coaching experience spans Australia and Japan, where he also achieved significant success, becoming a champion in both countries. In his homeland of Australia, Postecoglou led Brisbane Roar to two A-League titles and gained further recognition by winning the J1 League title with Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan. Additionally, as the coach of the Australian national team, he guided the Socceroos to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup victory, cementing his reputation as a winner at various levels of football.
This history of success underpins Postecoglou’s confidence that he can bring trophies to Tottenham, a club starved of silverware. Spurs have not won a major trophy since lifting the League Cup in 2008, and the pressure on the Australian to end this drought is immense. Despite the club's long-standing struggles in securing trophies, Postecoglou remains firm in his belief that he will deliver, particularly in his second season, which he considers to be his most successful phase. Speaking to Sky Sports, Postecoglou said, "Absolutely. I always win trophies in my second year. And nothing has changed about that. I don't say things unless I believe in them." His statement reflects not only his ambition but also his self-assuredness, qualities that have served him well throughout his managerial career.
However, such a bold proclamation may come back to haunt Postecoglou if Tottenham fails to meet expectations this season. The weight of expectation at Spurs is heavy, and the fanbase has become increasingly impatient after 16 years without a trophy. Pundits and former players have also expressed skepticism about whether Postecoglou can break the club’s trophyless streak. Arsenal legend Paul Merson was quick to mock the Tottenham boss, saying, “I like Ange, but the chances of me winning Strictly Come Dancing are greater.” Merson’s lighthearted jab reflects the doubt that surrounds Postecoglou’s ambitious claim, especially given the strength of competition in the Premier League and the challenge of turning Tottenham into a title-contending team in a relatively short time. Merson added, “I don’t see it happening. If they make the top four, they’ve done amazingly well.”
Despite the mockery, Postecoglou has made significant strides in changing Tottenham’s playing style, moving away from the more pragmatic approaches of previous managers like Antonio Conte and José Mourinho. Under Postecoglou, Spurs have adopted a more progressive, attacking philosophy, which has been welcomed by supporters, even though the results have been mixed. However, Tottenham's defensive frailties have continued to be a major issue, as highlighted by their recent 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the North London Derby. Once again, Spurs conceded from a set-piece, a recurring problem this season. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is renowned for exploiting set-piece opportunities, and Tottenham fell victim to this strength, raising further questions about their ability to defend against such situations effectively.
Addressing the criticism, Postecoglou defended his team’s preparation. “For some reason, people think I don’t care about set-pieces, but we are constantly working on them,” he said. “We know they are dangerous with those, and we defended well, but we were punished once.” His response highlights the frustration of dealing with repeated defensive lapses despite focusing on such areas in training. For Tottenham to challenge for top honors, tightening up their defense especially in set-piece situations will be crucial moving forward.
In addition to the tactical challenges, Tottenham’s form has taken a dip, with the Arsenal defeat marking their second consecutive loss. Before the international break, Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United, another frustrating result that underscored the team’s recent struggles. Postecoglou, however, remains adamant that his team was the better side in both matches. He insists that Tottenham dominated possession and created enough chances to win, but this view has not been universally shared.
Former Spurs player Jamie Redknapp offered a more critical assessment, suggesting that performances alone are not enough at a club like Tottenham, where winning is the ultimate measure of success. “They need to start getting results quickly because they are not playing that brilliantly at the moment,” Redknapp stated. “The fact is, you don’t last long at this club if you don’t win. They need to start winning games soon.” Redknapp’s comments reflect the harsh realities of managing in the Premier League, where consistent results are paramount, particularly at a club with the ambitions and stature of Tottenham.
As Postecoglou navigates his first season in charge, the pressure to deliver will only intensify. While his track record suggests he could eventually bring success to Tottenham, the journey may not be straightforward. With rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool setting a high standard, Spurs will need to find consistency in their performances to have any chance of finishing in the top four or competing for silverware. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Postecoglou as he looks to reverse the recent downturn in form and prove that his bold declaration of winning trophies in his second year is more than just words. His ability to rally the team, shore up their defense, and convert promising performances into victories will ultimately determine whether he can turn Tottenham into genuine contenders and end the club’s long wait for a trophy.
