Ange Postecoglou rejected the idea that he was angry at the recent questioning of his tactics but said he was tired of people trying to “poke the bear.”
Tottenham's tactics were criticized afterwards On Sunday, it lost to its guest Liverpool 6-3. with Sky Sports “No one has ever won anything playing like that,” said critic Jamie Carragher after the result.
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Jamie Carragher has given his thoughts on Tottenham's style of play following the heavy 6-3 defeat at home to Liverpool
But Postecoglou, whose team now ranks 11th in the league, said his reaction was normal given the nature of the defeat, which saw Tottenham concede six goals at home for only the second time in the history of the English Premier League.
“I was not angry. We had just suffered a heavy defeat and I take responsibility for that, because I saw the impact it had on everyone involved in the football club, so this kind of defeat weighs on you,” Postecoglou said. .
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Postecoglou praised Liverpool for being sharper and stronger in the 6-3 defeat
“But I don't think there are many managers who come into interviews after being beaten and feel joyful about it.
“It's fair to say I'm tired of the same questions and answering the same way.
“I think it's almost like people want to poke a bear to see if I'll react. Obviously, after a loss, it's easier for people to get a reaction out of you.”
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“Are you not entertained!?” Ange Postecoglou poses the question after Tottenham beat Manchester United and qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals
Tottenham have scored the most goals in the Premier League, with a goal difference bettered only by the three teams at the top of the table, and averaging six more shots on target than any other team in the league.
Asked if he felt his team had been unlucky with the balance of play this season, Postecoglou said: “I don't think you feel unlucky. Things like that, over the course of the season, you like to think it's over.”
“I mean there are circumstances with where we are from the position of the table. A lot of that is down to inconsistency in performance – sometimes inconsistency in games – and also inconsistency in the type of team we can field. There.
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Jamie Carragher said Tottenham are the most entertaining team in England after Spurs beat Manchester United 4-3
“All of those things hurt our ability to get to a stronger position in the league. But I still think there's growth in this team over this period. I still think there's a lot of positive things within what we have.” “We are doing this, although we need to improve our position.”
Despite a recent impressive win over Manchester City, Tottenham have lost three of their last five Premier League matches and have a long list of injury absentees, including Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
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Highlights of the Manchester City and Tottenham match in the English Premier League
But Postecoglou refused to criticize the dilapidated squad at his disposal.
“I cannot criticize this group of players at the moment in any way,” he said.
“I think it would be unfair to anyone to do that because what they are doing is giving their absolute maximum effort.
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Free viewing: Highlights of the Tottenham vs. Liverpool match in the English Premier League
“This is supported by the physical standards you set for what they do. They try to do it the way I ask them to do it.
“So how can I criticize that? I think that would be hypocritical of me. The players are doing their part. They are doing it to the best of their ability and that is a credit to them.”
“I still think that will keep us in good stead in the long term.”
Postecoglou confirmed Tottenham's plan to be active in the upcoming winter transfer window.
Tottenham have been plagued by injuries and suspensions over the past month, which has seen them slide to the bottom of the Premier League table amid a series of inconsistent performances.
A thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals last Thursday was followed by a humiliating 6-3 loss to Liverpool – and ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Nottingham Forest, Postecoglou confirmed the club are aiming to strengthen their squad. An exhausted band.
“It's fair to say we're still a bit short in some areas and need to step up. We'll be short in some areas and we'll need support, but January has been a bit difficult in terms of what kind of players can you bring in?” he said.
“For us, ideally, and for any club I think, it will be the people who will make you stronger.”
Nuno prepares for the unknown against Tottenham
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Nuno Espirito Santo says he has great respect for Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo braced for the unknown as his side prepare for the visit of Tottenham.
Tottenham have built their reputation as the Premier League's most entertaining side throughout this season, scoring the most goals of any team with 39, but keeping just four clean sheets.
Fourth-placed Forest enter the game in good form on the back of three successive wins and have been the first team to prevent Brentford from scoring at home so far this season.
Asked what could happen on Thursday, Nuno said: “You never know what will happen in the match.
“What we can see is good players, a lot of goals, and also conceding goals. We analyzed yesterday, and it was different in terms of goals and situations.
He added: “The result was somewhat unexpected, but what we are preparing for is a new match, and new situations will occur, and we are facing a very good match.”
