Europa League-winning manager Ange Postecoglou has addressed the possibility of returning to Tottenham amid growing uncertainty surrounding Igor Tudor’s future in North London.
It has been a disastrous start for Tottenham’s interim boss Igor Tudor, whose side have now lost all four of his opening games in charge.
Having taken over what was already a difficult situation following Thomas Frank’s departure last month, Tudor’s task was a fairly simple one on paper: keep Tottenham in the Premier League. Yet the reality is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, with Spurs now sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
Doubts around the Croatian’s future intensified further after Tottenham’s embarrassing 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie earlier this week, although the result was largely down to costly individual errors.
Despite the pressure, no immediate action is expected from the Spurs hierarchy. The club have already confirmed that Tudor will remain in the dugout for Sunday’s trip to Anfield – a ground where Tottenham have not won since 2011.
Another defeat there would only increase the scrutiny surrounding the interim manager, who has already found himself at the centre of criticism following the events in Madrid.
Tudor’s decision to substitute 22-year-old Antonin Kinsky just 15 minutes into his Champions League debut after two costly errors sparked backlash from several high-profile figures, including Joe Hart, Peter Schmeichel and Thibaut Courtois.
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The Croatian boss also drew attention for failing to acknowledge the young goalkeeper as he walked down the tunnel in tears, accompanied by a few teammates and a member of the coaching staff.
In fact, Tudor did not acknowledge any of Tottenham’s substitutes on the evening, with the exception of Djed Spence – whose unusual interaction with the manager on the touchline caught the eye of supporters.
Reports have since suggested that a number of Spurs players are already beginning to lose faith in Tudor as the uncertainty around his future continues to grow.
Ange Postecoglou responds when asked about a possible Tottenham return
One man who still remains a hugely popular figure among Tottenham supporters and inside the dressing room is Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian was only recently in charge of the North London club before being dismissed just weeks after leading Spurs to Europa League glory. Postecoglou is currently a free agent, which has naturally led some fans to wonder whether a return could ever be on the cards.
Appearing on TNT Sports in Paris ahead of the Champions League clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, Postecoglou was asked a rather direct question: ‘Would you ever go back to an ex?’
The Australian burst into laughter before giving a very brief answer. “No comment,” he said.
Postecoglou repeated the two-word response three times despite those around him jokingly encouraging him to “take your time” before answering.
Ange Postecoglou may not be a favourite among Spurs hierarchy
While many Spurs supporters would welcome Postecoglou back with open arms, the feeling may not necessarily be shared inside the club’s hierarchy.
During an appearance on The Overlap last month, the Australian made several eye-catching remarks about his time in North London, including suggesting that Tottenham are not a “big club” and claiming the club does not spend enough in the transfer market.
Those comments caught the attention of Spurs sporting director Johan Lange, who was rather dismissive of the remarks.
In the same interview, Postecoglou also revealed that returning to previous clubs is not something he has done throughout his managerial career.