Ange Postecoglou has now offered a candid view on whether Tottenham can still steer clear of Premier League relegation this season.
Tottenham Hotspur are only just outside the relegation zone following their 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs currently maintain a one-point lead over West Ham United in 18th, thanks to the Hammers falling short in their own clash against Aston Villa, where they lost 2-0.
Given Tottenham’s form in the league, there is a growing feeling that they might not have what it takes to beat the drop this campaign.
Spurs remain winless this calendar year in the Premier League and have managed just two wins from their last 21 games.
Tottenham Ange Postecoglou Premier League survival verdict
Despite this poor run of results, former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is certain that Spurs will avoid the drop this season.
The Australian was in charge last season, where he guided Tottenham to their first piece of silverware since 2008, despite having them in 17th.
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Speaking to Melbourne-based radio station SEN 1116, Postecoglou reflected on his emotional attachment to Spurs and addressed their relegation battle, admitting the situation is difficult but insisting they have enough quality to survive.
“Not great, I still have a really strong attachment to the club. It was two years and they were by no means easy years, but we invested a lot into them. Second last game we won a European trophy which was an incredible high.
“The connection there will be there forever. To watch them struggle has not been easy and it is not the way I thought it would go. They are in a hell of a fight, relegation is massive for any club but for Tottenham, it is a pretty big deal.
“They have some fighting to do and they have the quality to get out. They need a circuit-breaker for sure.”
Ange Postecoglou reflects on Spurs and Forest
Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham due to his poor league performance, but the 60-year-old did not waste time before returning to management.
He took charge of Spurs’ relegation rivals Nottingham Forest, but his spell there lasted just 39 days before he was dismissed.
The 60-year-old admitted he watched his two former sides face off on Sunday, describing the experience as uncomfortable as Forest ran out 3-0 winners at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He continued by explaining his emotional investment in both clubs, particularly Spurs, and how difficult it was to watch the match unfold.
“I did watch it – I am still very much invested – particularly in Spurs because of the players and some of the staff there.
“We had two years together, you always have that attachment. If you had have told me in May last year that this would be the scenario of watching two teams I have managed in the last calendar year, I would have said ‘no, that is beyond the realms of possibility’.
“I tuned in and I watched. It was an uncomfortable watch, I did not enjoy it, that is for sure.”
The former Tottenham boss also hinted at the possibility of his returning to management next season, stating that he would prefer to wait until the summer when he would have the chance to oversee a full pre-season, before stepping back into work.
It remains to be seen if that return will be to the Premier League, where he has unfinished business.