Ange Postecoglou’s comments show he finally understands London derbies

Tottenham Hotspur return to domestic action this weekend with a big game against London rivals West Ham, and judging by Ange Postecoglou’s comments ahead of the match, he may finally be starting to recognise how important these derbies are.

Postecoglou played down derbies in the past

Previously, Ange Postecoglou has been steadfast in his belief that games like the North London derby do not mean more than any other game.

He was also outspoken on the matter of Spurs needing to lose to Manchester City last season in order to prevent Arsenal from winning the Premier League title.

In his defence, the Spurs boss simply insists that he wants to win every single game, regardless of who he is against, and he feels the fans should take that mindset, too.

But, his comments have not gone down well with the Tottenham fanbase, who felt the manager had not quite grasped the severity of the rivalries between the London clubs.

West Ham will be a challenge

In his latest press conference, Postecoglou suggested he has now learned his lesson, and fully comprehends how important it is for the fans to get one over on West Ham this weekend.

He said (via Football.London): “I was made very aware of it last year. I know what it means. It’s an important game. Last year we played really well but didn’t win at home. A tale of that part of our season a little bit. Challenging game.

“They have some fantastic players in the team and a new manager. They are doing things a little bit differently. We saw last game what a threat they can be going forward. A good challenge for us. But the emphasis has to be on us reproducing the form we’ve shown in recent times and more importantly sticking to principles of our game.”

Balance is needed

I, for one, completely appreciate where Postecoglou was coming from with the things he has said in the past. A win is a win, and the players should be fired up regardless of the opposition. But, there is that little bit extra we need in games like this, and it’s great that he appears to finally be accepting that.

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