Postecoglou Fires Back at Critics as Spurs Gear Up for Europa League Quarterfinal

LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has hit out at what he describes as a persistent "negative agenda" surrounding the club, saying that even moments of success are being overshadowed by pessimism and scrutiny.

As Spurs prepare to host Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarterfinals on Thursday, Postecoglou addressed growing speculation about his future amid a disappointing Premier League campaign that has seen the club slump to 14th after 31 matches. Despite a recent 3-1 win over Southampton, much of the post-match discourse focused not on the victory but on a late-game penalty dispute—another example, according to the Australian, of the team’s achievements being downplayed.

“I just think we’re in that position now where even the good stuff we do is going to be turned into a glass half-empty rhetoric,” Postecoglou told reporters on Wednesday. “We scored a third goal in the final minute. That’s a winning mentality. And yet, somehow, it becomes a controversy.”

The incident in question saw Mathys Tel take a stoppage-time penalty instead of Brennan Johnson, who had already scored twice and was chasing a hat-trick. Johnson later admitted he had wanted to take the kick but opted not to cause conflict. Postecoglou brushed off the issue, stating emphatically: “We won. We scored. That’s what matters.”

Tottenham’s domestic form has been underwhelming, with 16 league losses and early exits from both domestic cup competitions. The Europa League now stands as their last shot at silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League. For Postecoglou, the stakes are high—not just for the club, but for his position.

The 59-year-old manager, who arrived at Spurs in June 2023 after guiding Celtic to consecutive league titles and a domestic treble, believes there's already a narrative forming that his time at Tottenham is nearing an end—regardless of how this European campaign finishes.

“I saw it written this week—‘even if we win the Europa League, I’m gone,’” he said. “That seems to be the general sentiment, but that’s never been what drives me. I came here with a vision: to change the way we play, rebuild a squad that was nearing the end of a cycle, and bring success back to this club.”

Postecoglou remained defiant in the face of speculation, describing his ambition and commitment as undiminished. “Everything I’ve achieved in my life has come with a struggle,” he said. “This is just another one. I’ve never lost the will to fight for what I believe is right.”

Spurs face a formidable opponent in Frankfurt, who currently sit third in the Bundesliga and have recent European pedigree, having won the Europa League in 2022. Postecoglou emphasized the importance of home advantage and called on fans to create an electric atmosphere akin to that seen at Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

"A strong home crowd can make all the difference," he said. "European football thrives on that energy."

Despite all the noise around him, Postecoglou remains focused on the pitch. “We’ve had a tough season, but we’re still in a position to make an impact,” he insisted. “That’s what matters most.”

_{Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / jorono, Instagram / @spursofficial}