Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou said he “can't change his style” after hearing boos throughout his team's 6-3 home loss to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
Despite scoring two more goals than any other team in the Premier League, Tottenham occupies 11th place in the table, eight points behind fourth place, having obtained one point from their last four home matches in the league.
Postecoglou responded to a suggestion that his team might adopt less courageous tactics: “I think I've been very patient over the last 18 months, answering the same question over and over again.”
“If people want me to change my approach, I won't change. We do it for a reason because we believe it will help us succeed.
“They are a very good football team.”
Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou reacts to his team's defeat against Liverpool 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/OlCjwmb9oB
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
Tottenham and Liverpool 'a bridge too far'
Tottenham's results this season included a 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion and a 4-3 loss at home to Chelsea after leading 2-0 in both matches.
They trailed 5-1 at one stage during their defeat to the leaders, despite Postecoglou missing 10 players due to injury and illness.
“It was very difficult for us, as you could tell we were lacking a little bit of energy and ability to really compete with (Liverpool) at the same level,” Postecoglou said.
“If people don't understand the circumstances we're in at the moment and the challenges we face as a team and a team… I have the idea that people think I should just flip a switch and change and that would somehow make us different. But that's the thing – I'll continue to focus on trying to build This team is going to be the team we want it to be.
“It really hurts” 😟
A frank and frank reaction from Son Heung-min after Tottenham's defeat against Liverpool 👇 pic.twitter.com/NMaRr8u9PV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
“In the meantime, we have to accept that there will be challenges. Who knows? Maybe some (fans) will understand the situation we are in now.
“It seems like a lot of people don't. In the context of what we're trying to do and where we're at, I kind of hope they see what we're trying to build here, because I really think it will give the fans and the club what they want. But it's up to them.”
Postecoglou: “Others must rule”
Postecoglou stressed that fan support is “important” and was optimistic when asked about his position.
“We've had a shorter transformation period than any team we've played so far, whether it's here or in Europe,” he added. “I couldn't rest the players or rotate them.
“If you're saying that (11th place) means I'm not doing a good job and I'm feeling uncomfortable in some way, that's for others to judge.”
