Opinion: Ange Postecoglou could be set for a third season as Tottenham manager

Ange Postecoglou is under fire. He’s feeling the heat. The media have been relentless in their criticism of the Spurs boss in recent weeks, and given Tottenham’s form, it’s easy to see why. But despite the pressure, the Australian could still get a third season in charge. Here’s why.

Ange Postecoglou is under pressure, and understandably so. Tottenham Hotspur are enduring a torrid campaign, their worst since the 2003/04 season.

The Lilywhites have slumped to 15 Premier League defeats in just 29 games. They sit 14th in the table, 10 points adrift of 10th place and a staggering 15 points off the Champions League spots.

It’s a position that, in the past, has spelt the end for managers at the club. Harry Redknapp was sacked despite finishing fourth, and Mauricio Pochettino was shown the door when Spurs were 14th after just 12 games.

Yet Postecoglou remains, and, against all odds, he could even be given another season.

Why Tottenham have not sacked Ange Postecoglou

To understand why Ange hasn’t been sacked, context is key. His biggest saving grace? The brutal injury crisis that ravaged Spurs earlier this season.

At one point, Tottenham had 12 key players sidelined. It was so bad you could form an entire starting XI from the absentees.

Any manager in that situation would struggle, and Ange was no exception. The sheer scale of Spurs’ injury crisis has reportedly earned Postecoglou some sympathy from the board.

Another factor working in his favour is Spurs’ continued presence in the Europa League. Despite their struggles in the league, they’ve kept their European campaign alive, and that’s down to Postecoglou.

With key players returning, Tottenham remain one of the favourites to go all the way, provided they stay at full strength.

A path to season number three for Postecoglou?

Spurs’ route to the Europa League final is set, and Postecoglou and his players will fancy their chances. At their best, they’ve shown they can beat anyone, and if they find consistency in Europe, they could go all the way.

If they get past Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, their chances skyrocket. Should Ange deliver silverware, the narrative changes completely.

Suddenly, this season’s struggles are pinned on the injury crisis, and he becomes the man who ended Tottenham’s trophy drought. That could be enough to secure his place in the dugout for another season.

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