The hated Spursy joke has been written off by Ange Postecoglou as “schoolyard stuff,” and he has urged his players to accept the challenges they face, stop looking for reasons why they can’t succeed, and have faith in his methods.
In their last five Premier League games, Tottenham has given up the lead and only managed one point; their most recent loss came on Thursday at home against West Ham, where they lost 2-1.
The S-word has been used a lot, almost inexorably, and Postecoglou’s larger message this week, as he gets ready for Sunday’s home game against Newcastle, was to face reality head-on. The number of injuries is the first of the justifications; Son Heung-min is questionable following a blow to his back against West Ham, and eight others are certain to be out.
Swansea’s growing pursuit of Chris Davies, his number two, is another distraction.Although Spurs turned down a Thursday offer from the Championship team, Postecoglou did not completely rule out Davies’ departure.
In order for him and the players to control what they can control, the coach intended to shift the emphasis inward. This involves displaying more conviction in front of the target. The inability of Spurs to score more goals from their opportunities has been a recurring theme throughout the season, not just in the last five games.
Postecoglou remarked, “That [the Spursy tag] is schoolyard stuff.” “All I have to know is that this team hasn’t had a victory in fifteen years. That is the situation as it is. You can’t be motivated by the tags that other people want to put on it. You must adhere to the process and have a clear plan of action if you want to be successful.
“I’ve experienced this numerous times. I therefore know exactly what needs to be done. However, this is the first time for many of these guys. There are difficulties in the first season every time. It is necessary for players to experience that in order to realize, “Okay, we made it through that.” We haven’t died from it.
“I am aware of how we will overcome this and what lies ahead. They are required to research it on their own. There will never be a moment when everything goes perfectly. Therefore, it is best if they embrace this aspect of it more.
As a top athlete or team, there is never a moment in your career when you won’t be able to find an explanation. It’s a matter of deciding whether to let them [infiltrate] your efforts or to use them as inspiration to get better.
When asked if the Spursy tag was hindering the players, Postecoglou gave a response. He retorted, “It shouldn’t weigh the new ones down because they have no history.” It is difficult for me to determine whether it weighs the ones who have been here. However, I don’t consider it or discuss it from a historical standpoint.
There is just one method to alter people’s perceptions. You can’t expect people to think differently of you just because you want them to. You must provide them with an incentive. The club decided to change directions, which is why I’m here. I have always said that change is necessary. If it requires altering one’s perspective because individuals bear wounds from the past, let’s get rid of them.”
Postecoglou referred to the summer of 2021 as a “sliding doors moment” for him, when Eddie Howe—who will be in the opposing dugout on Sunday—refused to accept the Celtic position. Instead, the Scottish team moved for Postecoglou, and Tottenham was his next stop because of his success there.
“I think the biggest decision I’ve made to be here today is Eddie rejecting the Celtic job,” he remarked. Not that I’ve thanked him. I probably ought to.
Davies is in a comparable area. Spurs would probably not obstruct Postecoglou’s highly regarded assistant, even though they do not want to lose him.
Postecoglou stated, “I had a quick talk with Chris, and he knows we’ve got a busy week so we’ll focus on that.” “In my opinion, Chris is largely responsible for whatever happens. Regarding his future plans, that is his choice, and the club will undoubtedly handle it from there.
