Ange Postecoglou addressed the media following Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The defeat marked Tottenham’s 20th league loss of the season. This result set a new unwanted record for the club. Ange Postecoglou became the first manager in Spurs’ history to reach this number of defeats in a single Premier League campaign.
The loss comes at a critical time for Tottenham. The club is preparing for the Europa League final against Manchester United on May 21. Injuries have created significant challenges for Postecoglou, with several key players sidelined.
Dejan Kulusevski Injury: What Happened and Latest Update
Dejan Kulusevski suffered a knee injury during the first half of the match against Crystal Palace. He was substituted in the 19th minute, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Europa League fina.
Ange Postecoglou provided an update on Kulusevski’s condition during his post-match press conference. He stated, “He’s still sore this morning with his knee. It looks like a knock at this stage, but we’re going to let it settle for 24 hours and then assess it. The initial thought was that it’s more of a knock than anything more significant”. Postecoglou added that the medical team is not overly concerned and hopes Kulusevski will be available for the final.
Kulusevski’s injury is particularly worrying for Tottenham, given the recent absences of Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison due to injuries. Postecoglou emphasized Kulusevski’s importance to the squad, especially in terms of creativity and attacking play.
Squad Depth and the Impact of Injuries
Tottenham’s struggles this season have been compounded by a long list of injuries. Ange Postecoglou has often been forced to make changes to his starting lineup, using less experienced players in key positions. The lack of squad depth has made it difficult for Tottenham to maintain consistency in both domestic and European competitions.
Fans and pundits have noted that the team’s attacking style, favoured by Ange Postecoglou, sometimes leaves the defence exposed. While some supporters appreciate the entertaining football, others have called for tactical adjustments to address defensive vulnerabilities.
Record Defeat and Pressure on Ange Postecoglou
The defeat to Crystal Palace was not just another loss for Tottenham. It cemented Ange Postecoglou’s place in club history for an unwanted reason. He became the first Spurs manager to lose 20 league games in a single season, surpassing previous records held by Ossie Ardiles and Gerry Francis.
Injuries have played a role in this poor run, but many fans believe the problems go beyond fitness issues. The team has often failed to secure results in winnable matches, and the early promise of attractive football has faded under mounting pressure.
Player Returns and Hopes for the Europa League Final
There was a positive development as captain Heung-min Son returned to action against Crystal Palace after missing six games with a foot injury. Son played 32 minutes and is expected to feature against Aston Villa in the next league match. Postecoglou highlighted the importance of Son’s return, saying, “It was essential for him to get some playing time yesterday; he needed it, particularly for his mental state”.
Tottenham’s focus is now firmly on the Europa League final. The club is monitoring the fitness of key players, hoping to have a stronger squad available for the crucial match against Manchester United. Ange Postecoglou’s optimism regarding Kulusevski’s injury offers some hope, but the final decision will depend on further assessments in the coming days.
Uncertainty Over Ange Ange Postecoglou Future
Speculation about Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham has intensified. Reports suggest that his position could be at risk regardless of the outcome of the Europa League final. If Tottenham fails to win the trophy, Postecoglou may face termination. Even if the team triumphs, he might leave by mutual consent.
Despite the pressure, the Tottenham squad has publicly supported their manager. Many recognize that the club is undergoing a rebuild and that squad depth remains a significant issue. The coming weeks will be crucial for both the team and Ange Postecoglou as they aim to end the season on a high note.
Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead
Tottenham fans remain divided on Ange Postecoglou’s approach. Some appreciate the attacking style and the shift away from defensive football seen under previous managers. Others are frustrated by the lack of results and defensive frailties.
The next few matches, especially the Europa League final, will be decisive for both the club’s season and the future of Ange Postecoglou. Supporters hope that key players like Dejan Kulusevski can recover in time to make a difference on the biggest stage.