Steve Perryman highlights what has gone wrong at Spurs under Ange Postecoglou
A remarkable debut season brought hope to Spurs fans, but as the club faces early struggles in Postecoglou’s second campaign, one of their most iconic figures, Steve Perryman, offers an unfiltered perspective on what may have gone awry.
The foundation of optimism at Spurs
When Ange Postecoglou was appointed as Spurs manager, expectations were cautious at best. He was inheriting a club that had grown accustomed to pragmatism under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, both of whom prioritised results over flamboyance. Yet, Postecoglou quickly won admirers with his refreshing approach—high-pressing, possession-based football that exuded intensity and purpose.
In his first season, the results spoke volumes. Spurs finished fifth, a respectable achievement for a campaign that many had written off as transitional.
More than the position, it was the identity Postecoglou instilled that caught the eye: a style built on high intensity, quick passing, and relentless energy. It felt as though Spurs were no longer just competing; they were entertaining.
But optimism is a fragile thing in football. This season, the team has faltered, slipping to 10th in the Premier League after 11 games. Five wins, five losses, and one draw have painted a picture of inconsistency.
Steve Perryman’s verdict on Ange Postecoglou
As questions over Spurs’ struggles dominate the conversation, Steve Perryman, one of the club’s most celebrated former players, shares what he thinks might be the problem with Spurs play this season.
Speaking to TalkSport on a podcast he said: “I like him very much, but I have gone slightly off the boil. One of the comments I really liked was, ‘We will not stop. We don’t stop.‘ However, I don’t think that’s quite happening now. For instance, being 2-0 up at Brighton and then losing 3-2—people are trying to find reasons for that, and I think they’ve all missed it.
“We became a “pass it and stand still” team. We weren’t like that at first. We passed it and moved, passed it and moved—push and run. Talking about building it, movement creates movement. When someone doesn’t move, we now have a problem. You’re going to get closed down, whether you call it high press or whatever the term is these days.”
Steve Perryman on whether it’s complacency or a mentality issue: “I’m not sure. I’ve never been in the dressing room. I look at leadership in such situations and don’t really see a leader.”
Leadership must improve at Tottenham
I agree with Perryman’s take on leadership. Some of the more senior players really need to step up when the team faces pressure in games. Calm heads are needed in those moments; so far this season, that has been lacking.
It was evident in the defeats against Brighton, Ipswich and Palace—when we concede, it sometimes feels like we allow our emotions to get the better of us. Ange will need to encourage calmer heads in such situations.
That being said, I still trust Ange Postecoglou to fix things and get our season back on track, starting this weekend in the game against Man City.
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