Ange Postecoglou insists he is not worried about Tottenham's pursuit of European football fading and insists his focus is on improving their chances against Everton.
Wednesday's narrow 2-1 defeat in the north London derby to Arsenal means Tottenham have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches, leaving them 14th in the table.
Despite being 13 points behind Chelsea in fifth place, where Spurs finished last season, Postecoglou says he is not looking forward beyond Sunday's trip to Goodison Park.
“I don't look at things like that,” the Australian said. “At the end of the day we have to win football games and that starts on Sunday.
He added: “We have to go to Everton and try to win and get the three points and then focus on Europe after that. Beyond that now, it serves no purpose for me or anyone else.
“Where we end up is where we end up, whether that is achieving our goals or ambitions or failing, time will tell.”
Ange provides a team news update ahead of our trip to Goodison 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/AFTtAjzR8p
– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2025
North London derby defeat
Postecoglou harshly criticized his players after Wednesday's defeat at the Emirates Stadium, criticizing their performance and general appearance, describing it as “unacceptable.”
On whether it was a mental or physical issue against their opponents, he said: “It can be a bit of both. Especially in the first half, we were very negative in our approach, with and without the ball.
“We allowed Arsenal to dictate the game and set the tempo. We couldn't really make an impact the way we wanted. The second half was a bit better but it cost us in the end.”
When asked if they were hurting after the result, the 59-year-old replied: “Look, I'm sure they are hurting. As I said after the game, it's not acceptable for a team like us to suffer that many defeats in one season.
“Whatever the context of the situation we're in, I feel just as much as I did about the defeat on Wednesday night, it was also about the performance in the first half, and I felt we didn't do ourselves justice.
“I'm sure the players are hurting. Whether the players are hurting or I'm hurting is irrelevant. The supporters are hurting. We are the only ones who can change that.”
Moise returns to office
Postecoglou faces newly returned David Moyes at Everton this weekend and the Tottenham manager had nothing but good things to say about the veteran Scot.
He said: “No, it is not surprising, he showed at West Ham that he is still at the top of his game and he is a great coach.
“I think longevity is a measure of your ability especially when you consider how long he has been in the Premier League itself and had an impact at the clubs he was at.
“I'm happy to have him back because it means I'm not the oldest in the Premier League anymore. If we can get Roy (Hodgson) out on the beach somewhere, I'll be happier.
“Delighted to have him back. He's a big man too. I remember he contacted me when I was at Celtic a couple of years ago. Big man David and it's great to have him back.”
Tottenham injury news
Tottenham's form has not improved due to a series of injuries, especially in defence, but he says their backline is supported by the imminent return of Ben Davies, who has been sidelined since early December.
“There's still a couple who have been sore since midweek, just waiting to see how Brennan is doing, he's got a little bit of a complaint in his calf, Bess has been sore as well, so we're just waiting for information on them,” Postecoglou said.
“Coming back, Ben Davies should be involved.”
