Manager Ange Postecoglou (60) once again sharpened his criticisms of the chronic negative perception surrounding Tottenham Hotspur.
The British 'BBC' reported on the 3rd (Korea time) that "Manager Postecoglou expressed strong concerns about the negative atmosphere surrounding the club even after the victory against Bodo/Glimt."
Tottenham defeated Norway's Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinals for the 2024-2025 season held on the 2nd, turning the lights green for their advance to the final. However, the league situation is in stark contrast. Currently, having played 34 matches, Tottenham is in 16th place in the Premier League with a shocking 19 losses. This is the worst.
Recently, dissatisfaction among fans towards the club's management has surfaced. Protests towards the leadership are ongoing, and Manager Postecoglou identified the source of this atmosphere as a "long-standing accumulated negative narrative."
Ahead of the league away match against West Ham United, he firmly said at the official press conference, "Whether one follows the team Tottenham directly or not, the discourse surrounding this club is mostly pessimistic. This is a long-accumulated issue, and it is a wall we must break down."
In particular, he explained, "When a goal was conceded in the final minutes of the match against Bodo/Glimt, the entire stadium was engulfed in tension and anxiety. This is because those who have watched Tottenham for a long time first think, 'Something will go wrong again this time.' Since 2008, the long period without a title has led fans to develop a habit of worrying more than expecting."
Manager Postecoglou noted, "Tottenham fans have often come close to winning but have faced frustrations. Therefore, rather than enjoying the present as it is, the fear of being disappointed in advance is deeply rooted. However, that mindset is absolutely not the attitude of a winner."
He continued, "True winners do not think about 'What could go wrong.' They focus solely on 'What must we do to win?' I am instilling that philosophy in the players."
Postecoglou said, "The moment you expect failure, it actually happens. So I try not to be swayed by the negative atmosphere and focus only on what is important."
Meanwhile, he also conveyed news about injuries. Midfielder Lucas Beerybal will end his season due to ankle ligament damage. James Maddison is scheduled for a detailed examination due to knee pain, and Dominic Solanke is also feeling discomfort in his thigh, making his participation in the weekend match against West Ham uncertain. Additionally, it has been revealed that Son Heung-min has not been able to participate in team training, causing significant loss of manpower.
Tottenham will face West Ham United in an away match for the 35th round of the Premier League 2024-25 season at London Stadium at 10 p.m. on the 4th, Korea time.
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