Ange Postecoglou’s Trophy Promise in Jeopardy After Second Cup Exit in Four Days
Ange Postecoglou’s bold trophy promise is now at risk of becoming nothing more than empty words. The Australian made a bold claim earlier in the season that he “always wins in his second season.”
However, after crashing out of the League Cup to Liverpool and now exiting the FA Cup in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, the Lilywhites only chance at silverware is through Europe.
Tottenham’s Hopes Rest on European Glory After Cup Disappointments
Tottenham have had good results in the Europa League so far, finishing in the top 8 and securing their place in the round of 16, but winning one of Europe’s most prestigious cups can be a tall order. And with pressure already mounting on Ange Postecoglou to deliver on his trophy promise, you can expect it to rise even more so with only one shot at success left.
The bold remark by the manager didn’t come without substance. He has, in fact, enjoyed success within two seasons everywhere he has been. As Australian U-17 and U-20 coach, he has won multiple Oceanic Championships.
At the Brisbane Roar, he won the A-League Premiership and the A-League Championship twice. As manager of Australia, he brought home the AFC Asian Cup. With the Yokohama F. Marinos, he won the J-League, and at Celtic, he won back-to-back league titles, one Scottish Cup, and two Scottish League Cups.
While having such a successful background, it may have been misinformed of Postecoglou to offer such a promise due to the fact he is now managing in a tougher league and playing harder opposition. He has given Tottenham fans a right to expect a similar outcome, and anything less will be deemed a failure and extremely damning for the Spurs boss.
Injury Crisis Adds to Postecoglou’s Trophy Challenge
The North London club is facing an injury crisis, with many vital members of the squad, such as Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, being just a couple of names on the injured list. However, these injuries and squad issues cannot be used as excuses for the back-to-back cup defeats. Additionally, as previously stated by Postecoglou, he refuses to look to his youth players to help out amidst his squad rotation issues, believing it is unfair to those who are not yet ready.
The manager was undoubtedly backed in the January window, adding goalkeeper Antonín Kinský to replace the injured Vicario, Kevin Danso to help out amidst the centre-back shortages, and Mathys Tel to provide more firepower up top.
The trio have yet to truly adapt, but the hope at Tottenham will be that they will be able to help out more effectively over the coming weeks in European competition, particularly Tel, who has already managed to score his first goal for the club against Aston Villa.
If Postecoglou cannot fulfil his promise, it will only reinforce the growing sense that Tottenham, despite their potential, are like a ship with a hole in the hull—destined to sink no matter how promising the journey seems.
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