Old quotes have just re-emerged from last season where Ange Postecoglou made clear what he wanted to happen this campaign and it’s not a good look for the Tottenham Hotspur boss.
Tottenham Hotspur have just crashed out of two cup competitions in the space of three days after losing to Liverpool and then Aston Villa.
Postecoglou is now under pressure in North London to change the team’s fortunes, however, there is an understanding from the club towards the number of injuries he’s had to contend with.
The Australian manager has bemoaned the number of injuries his team have suffered whilst he attempts to navigate them through an extremely busy period of football, but after all, this is what he asked for last term.
What Ange Postecoglou said about Tottenham needing more matches
Last season, Ange Postecoglou’s team played 41 matches in total, meanwhile, this term, they have already featured in just two fewer fixtures, despite only being in February.
Limited games meant that there were fewer opportunities for fringe players to get minutes and when injuries hit, Postecoglou complained that those coming in were rusty.
Speaking back in March 2024, he told the media: “For a club like us who want to compete at the highest level, you need a strong squad and to have a strong squad you need consistent games and opportunities.
“At the moment, if we get an injury then we’re liable to throw somebody in who hasn’t played for four or five weeks. It’s not easy on that player.
“Whereas if you’ve got games there’s a natural rotation you need to make all the time and also gives you a bit of rhythm.”
Ange Postecoglou’s issues with squad management at Tottenham
But now, with his team having played multiple times a week almost every week since the start of October, the Australian claims his squad have struggled to contend with so many fixtures.
There’s no doubt the former Celtic manager has been unfortunate with injuries, but there is also the case to be made that he could have used his squad much better at the beginning of the season.
His high-intensity football certainly hasn’t helped his cause either with the Lilywhites being asked to do more work on and off the ball than most teams in the Premier League.
Postecoglou had similar injury issues at Celtic which suggests there is more to it than just misfortune for him and Spurs.
The 59-year-old has done a lot of good in N17 by integrating youngsters, building a solid core of players and improving many individuals, however, his squad management has been a key setback.