Ange Postecoglou insists he is not worried about Tottenham’s fade in European football and insists his focus is on improving their fortunes against Everton.
Wednesday’s narrow 2-1 defeat in the north London derby against 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 Chelsea in fifth place, where Spurs finished last season, Postecoglou says he is not looking beyond Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park.
The Australian said: “I just don’t see those things. In the end 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. What lies beyond that at this moment serves no purpose for me or anyone else.
“We will end up where we end up, whether it is meeting 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 slammed his players after Wednesday’s defeat at the Emirates, calling their performance and overall form “unacceptable”.
On whether it was a physical or mental problem against his rivals, he said: “It could be a bit of both. Especially in the first half we were too passive in our approach, with and without the ball.
“We allowed Arsenal to dictate the game and set the pace. We couldn’t really make the impact we wanted. The second half was a little better but in the end it cost us.”
When asked if they are hurt by the result, the 59-year-old replied: “Look, I’m sure it is. 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 find ourselves in, I’m sorry for both the loss on Wednesday night and the performance in the first half, I just felt like we didn’t do ourselves justice.
“I’m sure the players are suffering. Whether the players are suffering or I am suffering is irrelevant. The followers are suffering. “We are the only ones who can change that.”
Moyes returns to the bench
Postecoglou faces Everton’s newly returned David Moyes this weekend and the Spurs boss had nothing but good things to say about the veteran Scot.
He said: “No, I’m not surprised, he showed at West Ham that he is still at the top of his game and is a fantastic manager.
“I think longevity is a measure of your abilities, especially when you think about how long he has been in the Premier League and has had an impact on the clubs he has been at.
“I’m delighted to see him back because it means I’m no longer the oldest in the Premier League. 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 a couple of years ago. The best David and it’s great to have him back.”
Tottenham injury news
Tottenham’s form has not been helped by a series of injuries, particularly in defence, but they say their defensive line is being boosted by the imminent return of Ben Davies, who has been out since early December.
Postecoglou said: “There are a couple still sore from midweek, just waiting to see how Brennan is, he’s got a little discomfort in his calf, and Biss has been sore too, so I’m just waiting for information on them.
“Upon returning, Ben Davies should be involved.”
