Ange Postecoglou argues his Spurs players are more desperate than lazy

Amidst a season of struggle, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has spoken out about his squad’s fight to turn their fortunes around, asserting that despite the mounting challenges, it is not a lack of effort that is hindering the team’s performance.

Spurs struggles and injuries under Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been a tale of inconsistency, with Ange Postecoglou’s side failing to string together the results needed to secure a strong position in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites find themselves in 11th place, having lost seven of their opening 15 games. With a record that reflects their struggles on the pitch, Spurs are clearly feeling the pressure to improve. Yet, the woes extend beyond tactical issues.

In addition to their poor form, Spurs have been plagued by injuries that have left them in a precarious situation. With over five squad members sidelined, Postecoglou has found it increasingly difficult to rotate his squad, relying heavily on a small group of fit players.

The club’s centre-back crisis was a particular concern, with the squad heading into the Chelsea game with just one fit centre-back available.

This forced the manager to make tough decisions, including bringing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven back into the lineup for the first time since October.

However, Spurs’ brief respite from injury misfortune was short-lived. Despite the return of key defensive figures, the team was once again struck down by injury.

Both Romero and van de Ven, alongside forward Brennan Johnson, were forced off the pitch during the game, leaving Tottenham’s already stretched squad even thinner.

These persistent injury issues have left Postecoglou with few options, and the lack of depth is clearly taking its toll on the squad’s performance.

Ange Postecoglou on the fight within Spurs

Despite the growing frustration and setbacks, Postecoglou remains adamant that the players are giving their all, even if the results are not yet reflective of their hard work.

Speaking to football.london, he explained the situation candidly: “It’s not through a lack of effort. The players are constantly out there because we can’t rotate.

“They are giving everything they can. It diminishes performances as well because they probably need a rest but we can’t give them a rest.

“I think it is something we need to tackle head-on and keep pushing on. There is still plenty to play for us between now and January just to make sure we keep performing.

“I still sense within this squad there is a real conviction in what we are doing and if we maintain that we will turn our season around and hopefully at some point we hit some smoother waters in terms of some of the things that are happening at the moment. Some of it is self-inflicted and hopefully, we can get some more consistency.

“When I look at today’s performance I don’t see them lacking confidence or belief. It’s probably the other way. Both penalties we conceded were borne out of desperation.

“I think they are desperate to turn our season around and are really disappointed how it has gone. When you’re in that mood you kind of lose that composure and discipline you need.

“It’s not like we are hanging on in games, we wouldn’t play like we did today if there was a lack of belief and confidence.

“When you get into this situation we are in there is also a sense of desperation from the players and I thought that cost us today.”

A team in need of reinforcements and resilience

The January transfer window cannot come quickly enough for Tottenham. The squad is clearly in desperate need of reinforcements, especially in defence, where the absence of key players has been keenly felt.

Despite the 4-3 loss, the team showed a spirited determination to fight until the final whistle—a trait that offers a glimmer of hope amidst the gloom.

If Spurs can survive this period and emerge stronger with reinforcements in January, there is every chance that Postecoglou’s belief in his team’s potential will be vindicated. For now, the focus must remain on finding small victories amidst the chaos, ensuring that their season does not spiral beyond repair.

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