Tottenham labelled a ‘graveyard for coaches’ by man who had public spat with Postecoglou
One man who had a very public falling out with Ange Postecoglou in the past has now come to the Tottenham boss’s defence and has explained why the Lilywhites should keep him in charge for next season.
The numbers suggest that Tottenham are having their worst-ever Premier League campaign, and it is difficult to see how a head coach who has presided over 18 losses in 33 matches can keep his job.
However, conversely, Postecoglou still has the chance to become the first Spurs head coach to win a trophy since 2008, which will be a huge achievement for the 58-year-old, given the kind of names who have tried and failed before him.
Former Australian international Craig Foster, who had a major bust-up on air with Postecoglou in 2006 when the now Tottenham boss was in charge of the country’s youth sides, has now suggested that the issue is with the North London club rather than his compatriot.
Tottenham’s culture identified as reason for Ange Postecoglou’s struggles
Foster has interviewed Postecoglou in the years since, and the duo have put their two-decade-old falling out behind them. The pundit has now decided to bat for the Spurs boss.
He pointed out that several name managers have struggled at N17 but thrived elsewhere, stating that as evidence that there is a culture problem at Tottenham.
Forster called on Spurs to trust Postecoglou to finish the project he started, rather than going back to square one by hiring a new manager.
He told Wide World of Sports: “It is clear that Tottenham is a graveyard for coaches. Some of the world’s best and most successful, such as Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, both of whom talked about a club culture of failure and that this should be addressed before another coach is replaced.
“Some, like Nuno Espirito Santo, are proving their quality at other clubs such as Nottingham Forest while Spurs vacillate from one choice to another. Spurs are not alone. Manchester United are similar… there is little evidence that constant change of philosophy bears results over time.
“In order to change this, Spurs will need to avoid the constant cycle of sackings and place trust in someone they believe has the ability to take the club to the next level. As Australians, we would like to believe that it is Ange Postecoglou.
“He has certainly earned the right to a third season and to demonstrate what a fully fit squad is able to achieve. He has also worked in the interests of the club, which is not always the case. Many coaches will spend exorbitant amounts of money on short-term player solutions that buttress today but do nothing to build the future.
“Ange has mostly invested in young talent, which will emerge in the coming seasons, rather than to save his job this year. This should be taken into account and respected by the club’s fanbase.”
Foster claims Europa League should not dictate Postecoglou’s future
Over the last few days, reports in the British press have suggested that Postecoglou is likely to be sacked even if Tottenham win the Europa League.
However, Foster believes that the 59-year-old has done enough to remain in charge even if Spurs were to be beaten in the semi-final or final.
He added: “Whether Ange wins the Europa League or otherwise should not necessarily be the determinant. When injuries are taken into account, the team is operating at a top-five or six position in the Premier League in his second season, similar to his first.
“On that view alone, Ange should certainly be given a third season, irrespective of results in the Europa League, although a semi-final and likely final only adds weight to that view.
“The noise around the club is, of course, reaching fever pitch because of the Premier League results, however rather than change between coaches and philosophies, at some point, the club will need to decide how it wants to approach the game of football and give trust over more than one or two seasons to someone to create consistency. Otherwise, placing all faith in another saviour is hardly the answer.
“The question is whether Spurs believes that Ange is working in the right way towards a future where the football matches the expectations of the club and fans, and is capable of winning the Premier League and competing in the Champions League, as was the case in 2019.”
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