TBR Football

Following defeat to Leicester City in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou’s position as manager of Tottenham Hotspur is thought to be increasingly under pressure.

After 23 games Tottenham are 15th in the Premier League, a far cry where both Postecoglou and Daniel Levy would have expected to be at this stage of the season.

When he first arrived in N17, Postecoglou looked destined for great things at the club – Spurs even looked to be in the title-race after 10 or so games in 2023.

However, that challenge was curtailed by injuries, and it’s been a familiar tale in north London ever since.

Spurs fans aren’t able to judge the full potential of their manager because of how hamstrung he’s been by injuries, and that perhaps explains why Tottenham will give Postecoglou more time.

Gary Lineker suggests that Tottenham might be best to stick by Ange Postecoglou

Of course, the merits of Spurs sticking by Postecoglou is now being widely debated, a topic Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer discussed on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast.

On his part, Lineker seemed to suggest that Tottenham should stick by their manager, pointing to the limited bounce sides around them have had when parting ways with their own boss.

Discussing the situation, Lineker began: “He needs to turn it around quickly, I suspect. And that result today won’t help.

“But I think of paramount importance, if they stay patient, will be the second leg at Anfield.”

Shearer replied: “Yeah, absolutely. I totally agree with that. I think you look at that game and you think if they perhaps weren’t in that position, then maybe the worst would have already happened.

“But I think when you look to that game, that is a huge game for them.”

Shearer continued: “I just wonder today though, if we’re listening to the crowd towards Levy in the stadium, I don’t know, I just think for him to pull the trigger now would be a huge decision.

“It was hugely loud in the stadium against the chairman today.”

Lineker: “Also, I mean, we’ve said this many times, but it’s always the manager’s fault, it’s always the coach’s fault.

“And you look at the teams that have, say, sacked their managers so far this season, some have had a little bounce at the very beginning, like Wolves, like Leicester did, and then they go back pretty much. Well, Everton have had a bounce, we’ll see now whether they can sustain that.”

Three games for Postecoglou to save his Tottenham job?

As the duo suggest, Spurs’ Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool could be crucial at Anfield – not the kind of game you’d potentially want your job riding on.

In all competitions this season, Liverpool have only lost at home once to Nottingham Forest back in September last year.

Of course, with their 1-0 lead, Tottenham only need to draw at Anfield, a feat managed by just Fulham and Manchester United since Arne Slot arrived.

It remains to be seen who Spurs will have fit for that tie, and the club’s two games before their meeting with Liverpool shouldn’t be overlooked either.

Spurs are currently in the automatic qualifying places of the Europa League league phase, but they’ll want to win against IF Elfsborg to guarantee that position.

And the games then don’t get much easier for Spurs, who will head to Brentford in the Premier League, who also have an excellent home record this season.

After 23 games played, Tottenham Hotspur are now closer to Southampton in last place with six points than they are to Liverpool at the top of the table.

It’s fair to say that Ange Postecoglou is having a torrid time at Tottenham right now, a side who are edging closer to a relegation battle in 15th place.

Of course, the caveat to Spurs’ poor form is the unprecedented amount of injuries in N17 right now, but either way, a top side shouldn’t be losing to Leicester City at home, with the greatest respect to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team.

Tottenham are in a dire spot, and Postecoglou is now increasingly under pressure in north London, a manager who is failing to make his team harder to beat or more resolute.

Recovering an experienced head like Ben Davies should have made Spurs stronger at the back, but there’s arguably been no upturn in performances, a club now looking perilously down at the teams beneath them.

Tottenham still backing Ange Postecoglou and targeting new signing this week

That being said, football.london have now shared an important update on Postecoglou’s future, who is understandably at risk of losing his job.

Fortunately for Postecoglou at least, Tottenham are reportedly still planning to stick by their manager amid the injury crisis squad is engulfed in.

Daniel Levy was keen to stick by Postecoglou before suffering even more heartache in the Premier League of late, but the Spurs’ chairman’s position doesn’t seem to have changed just yet.

In fact, Spurs are now said to be trying to sign at least one player for Postecoglou this week to ease the issues for their manager right now.

Of course, many Tottenham fans will argue that the club should have already made use of more than three weeks of the January window, even if they have recruited Antonin Kinsky.

Spurs’ are crying out for greater strength in depth at the back, even when their whole squad is fit.

Daniel Levy also being blamed by Tottenham fans

In truth, it does feel as if a lot of fans in N17 are still behind Postecoglou – who is subject to the same issues that many good managers faced before him.

Jamie O’Hara wanted Postecoglou sacked, but others are choosing to channel their frustrations more towards Levy and co.

Tottenham fans shared a banner about Levy during their defeat to Leicester – another ugly moment for the club amid a very difficult period.

Either way, it feels as if Spurs’ Carabao Cup semi-final second leg away at Liverpool could be crucial.

Postecoglou still has two fixtures to play before then, facing IF Elfsborg in the Europa League and then Brentford away from home.

But by all accounts it seems as if the Spurs boss will still be in charge for the Liverpool tie regardless of what happens before then, which could be something of a sliding doors moment for the club’s future.

Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester City at home is not the straw that broke the camel’s back when it comes to his future at Spurs.

For some Tottenham supporters, it might well be as Leicester made their trip to N17 off the back of losing seven Premier League games in a row and still managed to take home the all-important three points.

One of them is Jamie O’Hara, who feels Tottenham should sack Ange Postecoglou as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side came back from a goal down to stage a shock victory — thanks to quick-fire strikes from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss.

However, TBR Football were recently informed that Daniel Levy does not intend to sack Postecoglou.

Spurs have now lost 13 games in the league and languish in 15th place — as they have lost eight winning and drawing one game apiece in their last 10 outings.

While the prospect of Tottenham being dragged down to a relegation battle seem unlikely as they are still eight points above the drop zone, their recent form is reflective of team that could go down.

Jamie O’Hara says Andoni Iraola should replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham

The challenge for Daniel Levy is that even if Ange Postecoglou fails to turn things around and is deserving of the sack, spotting a manager who could take on the sizable task of replacing him mid-season would be a tough one.

Furthermore, managers who are performing would potentially have no reason to leave a stable environment to take on what looks it a poisoned chalice, that is the Lilywhites’ managerial job.

However, Jamie O’Hara would like Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola to replace Ange Postecoglou.

O’Hara told Sky Sports News: “Look, the more I look at the Bournemouth manager, the more I think, I wouldn’t mind him at Spurs.”

“He did need time but Ange [Postecoglou] has had time and he’ll need time at Tottenham and he’ll need his own players in. They’re organised. Nottingham Forest are organised. They weren’t yesterday but Bournemouth are organised. Fulham, Marco Silva, organised.”

Jamie O’Hara is willing to give Postecoglou time until the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final to save his job and in the event that Tottenham lose, the former Spurs star would like him to depart.

O’Hara went on to add that Bournemouth, much like Tottenham have had several injuries this season and yet, Andoni Iraola is thriving, having resoundingly beaten Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in successive outings.

“Tottenham are so disorganised. Whether you’ve got injuries or not, Bournemouth have got loads of injuries and they’re doing the business.”

“Beat Newcastle 4-1 and then trounced Nottingham Forest 5-0 yesterday. [Dango] Outtara played up front, [Lewis] Cook played right-back, don’t tell me they haven’t got issues, eight or nine injuries out, Evanilson, their star player’s out.”

Sources told TBR Football that Bournemouth are offering Iraola a new contract and would like to tie him down on a long-term basis this year.

Tottenham impressed by Andoni Iraola

However, Tottenham are impressed by Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank for the tremendous jobs they have done at Bournemouth and Brentford respectively.

The Cherries are sitting in seventh place in the league this season, despite losing their talisman in Dominic Solanke to Spurs in the summer.

Furthermore, as Jamie O’Hara pointed out, injuries have plagued Bournemouth’s squad as well.

Yet, Andoni Iraola’s side are flying.

In November 2023, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Iraola as well.

Guardiola said via BBC Sport: “They competed really well against Liverpool. Andoni is an incredible, well-respected manager in Spain and did an incredible job in Rayo Vallecano.”

Pep Guardiola hailed Andoni Iraola’s style of play as well, saying: “[Bournemouth are] playing offensive and attractive football. What I see is an alive team. It’s a team with good sprit, not set back, and of course the result gives confidence and when you don’t have it, you can’t produce that.”

“In Spain he is one of the youngest managers that has a better future – and training in the Premier League is an incredible success for him.”

Tottenham Hotspur have taken one point out of a possible six against Leicester City this season by losing 2-1 to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side on Sunday.

Jamie Vardy admitted Leicester capitalised on Tottenham’s openness and punished them, as he scored alongside Bilal El Khannouss as Richarlison’s opener went down as a mere consolation goal.

Tottenham will be disappointed to discover that opposition players seemingly feel they are there to be got at.

Ange Postecoglou in particular as he would like a visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to be one to forget for visiting teams.

But so far this season, Tottenham have suffered 13 defeats in 23 Premier League games as their season is heading in a direction where it may soon just be considered a black mark in their history books — accruing just a single point in their last seven outings.

Jamie O’Hara called for Ange Postecoglou’s sacking as there seem be no signs of improvement for the Lilywhites.

After the contest, the Tottenham boss had to plenty to address after what was yet another tough evening for his side.

Ange Postecoglou confirms Pape Sarr was not fit to start for Tottenham vs Leicester City

Tottenham fans unveiled a banner opposing Daniel Levy during the contest, as Ange Postecoglou will be aware that things are turning toxic due to the further stagnating state of the club as a whole.

If the former Celtic boss can get his team to get results, naturally, the atmosphere surrounding Spurs will improve but it is easier said than done for a side that have lost back-to-back games to relegation fodder in Everton and Leicester.

In the aftermath of Tottenham’s latest defeat, Ange Postecoglou admitted that Pape Sarr was not even fit to start.

Postecoglou said via Football.London: “I’ve said all along, the players need help and I’ve also said the club are working hard in that area to try to alleviate some of those problems, because Pape Sarr shouldn’t have played today. He obviously wasn’t fit.”

“The players are going out there and giving everything then can because we can’t call off games. We’ve got another game in three days’ time that these players have to front up for.”

Tottenham fans booed Postecoglou for taking Sarr off but his decision to take off the £15.1 million (The Athletic) makes perfect sense now.

The home supporters reacted in the same manner when Richarlison was substituted but he seems to have picked up another knock again.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says he subbed Richarlison off vs Leicester City because he felt his groin

Ange Postecoglou confirmed that the Brazilian international was feeling his groin.

“He was feeling his groin mate, he should have come off at half-time but he wanted to give another 10 minutes. I could see he wasn’t running well so that is why I took him off.”

The change did not help matters for Tottenham as they lacked a focal point up front.

Richarlison’s last two league goals have come from inside the box, which indicates why he could do a job as a makeshift striker as Dominic Solanke is injured.

However, TBR Football exclusively confirmed Tottenham are interested in signing Hamza Igamane.

If the extent of Richarlison’s injury is serious, Heung-min Son might have to play up front.

Mikey Moore could be handed an extended run in the team on the left-wing.

Analysing Tottenham’s clash against Leicester, Ange Postecoglou will be especially disappointed by the fact that the visitors were deserved winners, as a lot of the statistics show.

Tottenham conceded a higher xG (Expected Goals), more shots inside the box and made just nine tackles in a game where they were dominated in the second half after a promising first 45 minutes of football.

After defeat against Leicester City in north London, many Tottenham Hotspur fans are now finding it impossible to deny that they’re embroiled in a relegation battle.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side managed to take the lead against Leicester, but it was just pain on offer for home supporters in N17 thereafter.

Put simply, nothing was working for Spurs and the usual chasms in the heart of Postecoglou’s midfield were causing serious issues against Leicester, who were taking full advantage given their own desperation for points.

Prior to beating Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Leicester had only won against Southampton on the road in the league this season.

And perhaps what made things feel even worse towards the end of the 1-2 defeat was that Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team looked relatively comfortable holding their lead towards the end.

Dejan Kulusevski tried everything for Tottenham but has played too many minutes

As usual, a lot of creative responsibility rested on Dejan Kulusevski’s shoulders on the right side of Spurs’ attack – the club’s best player this season.

However, the Swede wasn’t able to deliver his usual level of performance against Leicester, even if he was doing an incredible amount of running.

Put bluntly, the winger looked exhausted at times, and that shouldn’t be a surprise given the amount of minutes he’s played this season.

In all competitions this season, only Pedro Porro has played more minutes than Kulusevski, who has got through a serious amount of running.

Against Leicester, Postecoglou had four attacking options to choose from: Mikey Moore, Damola Ajayi, Min-hyeok Yang and Will Lankshear.

And although Moore is an excellent talent in particular, it’s clear why Postecoglou can’t afford to rest Kulusevski, even if he might also recognise that the winger is being burned out.

Ange Postecoglou has no option but to start Dejan Kulusevski

In a perfect world, Tottenham would be rotating Kulusevski with both Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert regularly, but the duo aren’t available – a familiar situation.

And whilst you can only sympathise with Spurs’ predicament – they’re desperate for results and can’t afford to rest the first team options they do have, the situation looks to be having a toll on the players who have stayed fit.

Kulusevski perhaps delivered one of his most frustrating displays of the season against Leicester, a player who seems to have tired legs and perhaps even a tired mind in some respects.

Like Archie Gray, Porro and Johnson, Kulusevski has given everything to turn Tottenham’s situation around this season, and he looks exhausted from the outside looking in.

As Tottenham Hotspur’s captain, Heung-min Son must especially be disappointed at the rut they find themselves in as Leicester City added to their woes by beating them 2-1 away from home.

Son admitted Tottenham’s struggles are unprecedented for him as he has never been a part of a Spurs side that sit in 15th place in the Premier League in January.

The atmosphere is overwhelming dour surrounding the Lilywhites, with Jamie O’Hara calling for Ange Postecoglou’s sacking as well.

Wins seem virtually impossible for Tottenham to come by as the last time they clinched a victory was against Southampton last month.

Since then, Ange Postecoglou would also be stunned to witness that his side are on a seven-game winless streak in the league.

Heung-min Son was asked whether Tottenham could be dragged into a relegation battle.

Heung-min Son plays down Tottenham’s relegation fears despite loss vs Leicester City

The Spurs legend would be gutted that his side are in such a rough place that the question at hand is a reasonable one to pose.

After all, Tottenham are nine points above the drop zone.

Son decided to play down the prospect of Tottenham potentially battling for survival and instead, admitted that things are far from the standard on the pitch after his side’s loss to Leicester City.

The South Korean said via BBC Sport: “It is definitely not good enough. We’ve had way too many losses, but there are still a lot of games remaining and we’ll have a lot of players back. We’re not talking about anything, we just play each game and try and get three points.”

Son’s form has dropped off for Tottenham as well and as the side’s most experienced player at the highest level, the former Bayer Leverkusen winger will be aware that it is time for him to step up.

The 32-year-old could have got on the scoresheet in the first-half but Mads Hermansen sprung to his left-hand side to make a heroic save to keep the rasping effort out of danger.

But barring a few flashes of brilliance, the Tottenham superstar was rather quiet once again, as the statistics show.

Son holds Ruud van Nistelrooy in high regard but he would have been in no mood to rekindle any friendships after Tottenham’s latest result.

Heung-min Son admits Tottenham’s loss to Leicester is “painful”

After the contest, the ex-Schalke forward expressed his frustration at the sad state of affairs surrounding the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“Breaking down or scoring goals is always hard but when it is the day, it doesn’t happen it is always more frustrating. We were frustrated and made the wrong decisions. It is painful.”

“I can’t stand here and talk about other games, I’ve done that a lot and the injuries, some situations haven’t been understood by people how I wanted. I’ve played more games than I expected, but that is our job. Mentally we just have to refresh and get ready and go again.”

“I know it can be tough. When you get wins you can get better feelings, but it is harder after today. It is very tough at the moment.

Son added: “It is painful. It’s happened a few times already this season. It feels like scoring games is so hard but conceding goals is way too easy. I haven’t seen them back yet but it is a lack of concentration, definitely, and a bit of sloppiness. We knew they were going to come. We’re going to have to sit down and talk about what went wrong.”

Spurs supporters are seemingly frustrated as well, with Tottenham fans unveiling a banner opposing Daniel Levy against Leicester.

The hosts’ woes were added to by Jamie Vardy, who mocked Tottenham supporters by reminding them once again this season that unlike Leicester, they are yet to win the Premier League title.

All in all, things are going from bad to worse for Tottenham and if they keep losing games, they will inevitably have to fight for their survival in the English top-flight.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester City is arguably a new low for the club under Ange Postecoglou this season.

Despite taking the lead against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side through Richarlison, Tottenham were unable to stay ahead, or even take a point from the game.

Postecoglou’s side were wide open in midfield as is often the case and Leicester punished their opposition, who they’ll now be hoping to catch in their bid to stay in the Premier League.

After the defeat, Spurs are now only seven points ahead of Leicester, and just one point further away from the relegation zone.

And whilst some still have faith that things will come good once Postecoglou’s strongest eleven are fit, the situation is currently looking increasingly perilous.

Jamie O’Hara calls for Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy ‘out’

In their last 10 Premier League games, Spurs have lost eight times and drawn and won once – form you would associate with a side heading for the Championship.

Shortly after full-time in north London, former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara had his say on the situation on X.

Tottenham fans booed Postecoglou for his second half substitutes against Leicester, a club that is increasingly in disarray.

And after watching the defeat, O’Hara declared that is was actually time for both Postecoglou and Daniel Levy to ‘get out’, declaring that he was done with the duo.

O’Hara wrote: “Omg what a joke, get Ange out get levy out absolute joke the lot of them.”

Before losing to Leicester, Levy was firmly backing Postecoglou to come good in N17, but it has to be questioned how long that patience will last.

Of course, as O’Hara protests, there’s also a ton of frustration with Levy among Spurs fans – a very difficult situation all round.

Tottenham can’t keep using injuries as an excuse

Jamie Vardy mocked Tottenham after scoring Leicester’s first goal to bring things level, a striker who always seems on hand to play the villain.

And whilst Spurs will obviously point to the amazing amount of the injuries at the club, which they are entitled to do, many feel that this level of performance is still unacceptable.

The injury situation is being compared to that of Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola right now, who are still producing some brilliant wins and performances despite a ton of injuries.

And it does feel as if Spurs are becoming easier to beat week by week, rather than Postecoglou managing to find a solution and turn things around.

Of course, there are still a lot of Tottenham supporters who don’t blame Postecoglou, looking at the broader issues at the club.

But whatever happens, it’s clear that something needs to change in N17.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been letting the club know their feelings about the lack of transfers and the current direction of the team.

Plenty of banners were spotted around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium along with chants calling out the club’s ownership.

Ange Postecoglou’s side endured a torrid second-half display as they conceded twice to fall behind against the Premier League’s 19th-place team.

The North London club are now dangerously flirting with the bottom three and the fans have made it clear that now is the time for change.

Tottenham fans unveil banner against Daniel Levy

Daniel Levy and the club’s hierarchy came under serious scrutiny in North London during Tottenham’s clash with Leicester.

There were loud chants of ‘We Want Levy Out’ throughout the game as the supporters demonstrated their frustration.

One banner in the South Stand of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium read: “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy. Time for change.”

Throughout a very poor season for the Lilywhites, there has been growing unrest amongst supporters and against the Foxes, they made it very clear.

Spurs have been in desperate need of reinforcements this month given their injury situation, however, Postecoglou revealed that nothing is imminent with eight days left in the window.

Levy is now running the risk of having to sack yet another manager during his 24-year tenure at the club and fans want that cycle to change with the blame being placed elsewhere.

Where does the defeat to Leicester City leave Tottenham?

Tottenham now have just one win in the Premier League since December having played 11 times since then and it leaves them 15th in the table.

Everton’s win over Brighton means they are just one point behind the North London club and the Toffees even have a game in hand.

Spurs’ abysmal form may force Levy into action and have to relieve Postecoglou of his duties with the team just too close to the bottom three.

Jamie Vardy punished Tottenham Hotspur once again by scoring the opener in Leicester City’s latest 2-1 victory.

When Tottenham drew 1-1 against Leicester in August, Jamie Vardy scored a 57th-minute equaliser to punish Spurs.

Just a minute into the second half, Ange Postecoglou’s side threw away their 1-0 lead given to them by Richarlison after Ben Davies and Antonin Kinsky struggled to clear their lines — as the ball fell into the Englishman’s path who tapped it into an empty net.

Just four minutes later, Bilal El Khannouss fired Leicester into the lead with a stunning finish from outside the box.

Less than two weeks ago, sources told TBR Football that Ange Postecoglou’s job was safe at Tottenham.

But it looks increasingly unlikely that Daniel Levy’s patience will remain patient if results do not around quickly, with some Tottenham players questioning Postecoglou’s tactics behind the scenes.

Jamie Vardy points at Premier League badge to mock Tottenham vs Leicester City

The mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would have been one of unbridled frustration as the Foxes entered the contest in 19th place.

After how Vardy reacted to scoring his 143rd goal in the Premier League, Spurs fans would have been even more livid.

The Leicester legend pointed to his Premier League winner’s badge in front of the Tottenham supporters after scoring the equaliser for the visitors.

Vardy threw up the number zero, reminding the Spurs faithful that have yet to win a Premier League title.

In 2019, the former Fleetwood Town striker poked fun in a similar manner after scoring for Leicester against Crystal Palace by doing an ‘eagle celebration.’

During the reverse fixture as well, Vardy made the same gesture.

What Tottenham fans were heard chanting during loss vs Leicester City

Tottenham fans will be left divided about whether Ange Postecoglou is the right man as losing to a Leicester side who seem dead set to get relegated is a massive worry.

Especially considering the Lilywhites lost at home and deservedly so.

During the clash, Tottenham fans were heard chanting, “[Daniel] Levy Out.”

Journalist Matt Law wrote on X: “That’s the loudest ‘Levy Out’ chanting I’ve ever heard inside the Tottenham stadium.”

Vardy’s antics will further create discourse around Spurs’ chronic failure as a club.

Tottenham are in a real mess at the moment under Ange Postecoglou.

Despite Richarlison putting Spurs 1-0 up against Leicester, the Foxes battled back to secure a shock 2-1 win thanks to goals from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss, leaving Tottenham even closer to the Premier League relegation zone.

TBR Football understand Tottenham are backing Postecoglou amid this difficult spell – rather than lining up potential replacements – although Spurs fans let their frustration out at the Australian for what he did in the 54th minute against the Foxes.

Tottenham fans vocal in disagreeing with Richarlison and Pape Sarr substitutions

The 59-year-old opted to withdraw Richarlison and Pape Sarr in the 54th minute, bringing on Mikey Moore and Sergio Reguilon to replace them.

It was a decision which went down very badly amongst the Tottenham supporters, who could be heard booing loudly – due to the fact both the Brazil international and the Senegal international were playing well.

Tottenham fans have often chanted against Daniel Levy instead of Ange Postecoglou – although it was interesting to hear supporters somewhat turn against the man born in Nea Filadelfeia on this occasion.

Why Spurs supporters were wrong to boo Ange Postecoglou

We can understand why Tottenham fans booed – and they have every right to voice their opinion given how much Spurs charge for tickets nowadays – although context is needed here.

Richarlison has only just returned from a hamstring injury which ruled him out of ten consecutive Premier League games, whereas Sarr has also been suffering with an injury of late.

Therefore, with Tottenham already missing the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma and Guglielmo Vicario, you can understand why Postecoglou was eager to be proactive in keeping his best players off the treatment table.