Ange Postecoglou has struck back at Sky Sports pundits after their harsh criticism of Tottenham’s 4-0 collapse at Anfield.
He dismissed the barrage of negative opinions and firmly stated, “Why would I care where they think we’re at?” In addition, he reminded everyone that opinions from afar do not define his squad.
Tottenham’s performance left much to be desired. They failed to register a single shot on goal and managed only eight touches in the opposition box. Furthermore, the team’s display in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg was described as insipid by those watching closely.
Jamie Redknapp did not mince words, asserting that he could not recall a team fighting less than Spurs did that night. Moreover, former midfielder Michael Dawson echoed this sentiment by highlighting the absence of character both in and out of possession. Their criticisms underscored a belief that Tottenham’s midfield lacked courage and determination.
After returning from the north-west in the early hours of Friday, Postecoglou braved a press conference at Tottenham’s training ground ahead of the FA Cup tie at Aston Villa. Despite his lack of sleep, he stood his ground and defended his players with passion. Additionally, he explained that the “pile-on” of criticism does not sway his judgment.
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He stressed that the disappointing performance does not define this group of players. Instead, Postecoglou emphasized that the setback offers a learning opportunity. Consequently, he expressed great belief in his squad and pledged that they would bounce back on Sunday with a performance reflecting their true potential.
Addressing the criticism further, Postecoglou made it clear that he does not use pundits’ comments as fuel. He pointed out that he does not intend to prove anyone wrong and that he remains indifferent to opinions from individuals he has never met. Moreover, he insisted that such remarks are irrelevant compared to the hard work and commitment his players demonstrate every day.
When questioned about bridging the gap with Premier League leaders Liverpool, Postecoglou mentioned key figures such as Vicario, Romero, Destiny, van de Ven, Solanke, Wilson Odobert, Maddison, and Brennan Johnson. He noted that Spurs were missing ten players during the match, and when you remove seven or eight key players, you face the best team in the world. This observation served to highlight the challenges and realities of their current situation.
Finally, Postecoglou warned that no one would return in time for the Villa Park clash. He remains hopeful that at least two or three players will recover over the next two weeks. Ultimately, he concluded that the only way to silence the critics is to play the football he knows his team can deliver, learning from each setback while keeping his focus firmly on the next challenge.
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