Ange Postecoglou told he failed to do ‘one of the easiest things’ at Tottenham
Danny Murphy has said that something very basic has been lacking in Tottenham’s play since the start of last season, accusing Ange Postecoglou of not creating a well-coached side.
Tottenham are on course to achieving their lowest points tally in the Premier League era, and it is difficult to see how Postecoglou survives beyond this summer, even though the North Londoners ide have an opportunity to achieve Europa League glory.
The club’s 2-1 defeat at home against Nottingham Forest followed an all too familiar pattern, with Spurs dominating proceedings but gifting away soft goals to the opposition.
It is an issue that the Lilywhites have been unable to solve, and Murphy believes that it is down to coaching or, more accurately, a lack thereof.
Danny Murphy says Ange Postecoglou has failed at Tottenham
Murphy pointed out that Tottenham’s main issue has always been their poor defensive organisation, insisting that it is the easiest issue for a manager to solve.
The former Spurs midfielder laid the blame at the feet of Postecoglou, questioning why it has not been addressed on the training pitch for two full seasons.
The 48-year-old told The Daily Mail: “In isolation, Tottenham were not horrendous against Nottingham Forest. They were undone by two early mistakes which allowed Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to sit back and defend a record number of crosses.
“Ange Postecoglou’s big problem, however, is that Monday’s 2-1 defeat is far from an isolated occurrence. It was Spurs’ 18th league loss of the season, which is why he seems set to leave.
“Despite scoring only once against Forest, creating chances has not been the issue for Spurs. It is in defence where they are still all over the place. Though keeper Guglielmo Vicario can be blamed for at least one goal, that doesn’t hide the fact it took Spurs nearly half an hour to get to grips with Forest.
“When Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White came inside, Tottenham’s midfielders and full-backs did not know whether to stick or twist. There were no instructions from the side or leadership on the pitch and, within 16 minutes, Forest led 2-0.
“It has been a recurring theme. You don’t lose that many matches if you are organised properly, an aspect that sometimes only takes simple coaching to achieve.
“Being difficult to play through is one of the easiest things to work on. Blocking space, condensing the pitch and protecting your goal should not be difficult for the quality players at Spurs, but they have not done it.”
Postecoglou compared unfavourably with Nuno Espirito Santo
Murphy insisted that Tottenham’s system has been worked out by other Premier League sides and suggested that Postecoglou has failed to come up with a Plan B.
He claimed that the Australian has been outmanoeuvred regularly by opposition managers, including by Nuno Espirito Santo on Monday night.
Murphy added: “It is not just a case of being naive – it feels as if Tottenham don’t go into games with a defensive plan. They simply have an idea of how to try to hurt opponents and think that will be enough.
“At Premier League level, it is not and teams are working them out. I saw Nuno work them out and Wolves did the same. Spurs lost 4-2 at Molineux and, while Postecoglou said they played well, that was only true with the ball. Without it, they were awful. They were outnumbered in parts of the pitch and didn’t fix the problem.
“Tottenham have rarely changed tactics. Postecoglou did pair Dominic Solanke and Richarlison up front late on against Forest which was unusual, but it was desperation. By then, it was too late. Nuno has been flexible and made changes even when leading. It contrasts with how rigid Postecoglou has been.”
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