Ange Postecoglou has dismissed the dreaded Spursy jibe as “schoolyard stuff” as he urged his players to embrace the difficulties they face, avoid looking for excuses and trust his approach.
In their last five Premier League games, Tottenham has lost the advantage and only earned one point. Their most recent disappointment was a 2-1 loss at home against West Ham on Thursday.
The term “S-word” has been frequently mentioned, with a feeling of inevitability, as Postecoglou gets ready for Sunday’s match against Newcastle. His main message is to face reality and not make excuses. There are several reasons for potential setbacks, starting with the high number of injured players. Son Heung-min may not play due to a back injury from the West Ham game, and eight others will definitely be unable to play.
Swansea’s pursuit of Chris Davies, the No 2 for Spurs, is also causing a distraction. On Thursday, the Championship club made an offer that was rejected by Spurs. However, Postecoglou did not completely dismiss the idea that Davies may eventually leave.
The coach aimed to shift the attention internally, encouraging both himself and the players to focus on their controllable factors. This involves displaying stronger determination when taking shots at the goal. The issue of Spurs not capitalizing on a higher percentage of their opportunities has been a recurring theme throughout the season, not just in the previous five games.
“That [the Spursy tag] is schoolyard stuff,” Postecoglou said. “All I need to know is that this club hasn’t won anything for 15 years. That’s the reality. Whatever tags other people want to put on it, that can’t be your motivation. If you want to bring success, you’ve got to have a clear idea of how you’re going to go about it and stick to the process.
“I have experienced this multiple times before, giving me a clear understanding of what needs to be done. However, for many of my colleagues, this is their first time facing these challenges. It is common for new seasons to bring about obstacles, but it is important for players to navigate through them and realize that they can overcome them.”
I am aware of how we can overcome this challenge and I have a clear idea of what lies ahead. However, they need to discover this for themselves. There will never be a moment when everything will be easy. Therefore, the more they accept and embrace this aspect, the better.
As an elite athlete or team, there will always be opportunities to make excuses. It is up to you whether you let them hinder your goals or use them as motivation to become even stronger.
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When asked about the possibility of the Spursy label affecting the players, Postecoglou stated that it should not have an impact on the new players as they have no prior experience with it. As for the existing players, it is difficult for him to determine if it is a burden. However, he does not dwell on or mention it in terms of the team’s history.
To alter how others view you, there is only one method. People won’t modify their opinions of you just because you desire it. You must provide them with a reason to do so. I am present because the club sought to shift its direction. I have always maintained that change requires actual change. Whether it involves shifting mindsets due to past traumas, we must eliminate them.
In the summer of 2021, Postecoglou reflected on a critical decision he made, likening it to the concept of “sliding doors.” At that time, Eddie Howe, who will now be managing the opposing team on Sunday, declined the Celtic coaching position. The Scottish team then chose Postecoglou, who went on to achieve success there and ultimately landed him the opportunity to coach Tottenham.
“There’s probably been no bigger decision in me being here today than Eddie knocking back the Celtic job,” he said. “I haven’t thanked him. I probably should.”
Davies is in a similar situation. The team, Spurs, does not want to part with Postecoglou’s well-regarded assistant, but it seems unlikely that they would prevent him from leaving.
“I had a short conversation with Chris and he is aware that we have a hectic week ahead, so we will prioritize that,” stated Postecoglou. “As far as I’m concerned, whatever happens is solely up to Chris. It is his choice on how he wants to proceed and the club will handle it from there.”
Source: theguardian.com
