After months of back-and-forth debate, Ange Postecoglou just proved why they can’t get rid of him just yet.
After a nail-biting ninety minutes, an impressive and well-deserved display sees Tottenham Hotspur reach their first European semi-final since 2019, with Big Ange at the helm. Only four Spurs managers have reached a European final in the last 40 years – and Ange Postecoglou is one of them. That must count for something.
Thursday night’s victory in Frankfurt proved that Postecoglou can adapt tactically to ride a game out to victory – a method rarely approached by the manager. After going ahead in the 43rd minute, via a Dominic Solanke penalty, the boys in green put on a defensive display for the ages. Frankfurt were positive on an attacking front, managing five shots on target, but couldn’t get a goal to send the match to extra time.
Despite a lacklustre Premier League campaign, with 17 losses so far and still six games to play, Postecoglou has managed impressive wins. With away wins at Old Trafford and the Etihad, the fans have had much to celebrate.
The side has been massively let down by injuries and complacency, losing morale and manpower more than once this season. Reaching the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup showed spectators that Ange is fully capable of playing tournament football and driving his players to the latter stages of competitions. In Ange’s first ten games for Spurs, his attacking statistics were more than impressive.
His side scored 22 goals, averaging 2.2 per game. The side dominated possession and the final third, creating a total of 28 big chances. Many fans hold the belief that their side can return to the numbers they put up when Postecoglou first arrived in London. His defensive stats were nothing short of impressive either – nine goals conceded in ten games, 199 tackles, 84 interceptions and possession was won 537 times. Although his recent performances haven’t been at the standard fans expect, there’s no reason to believe the side can’t return to it.
Thursday night proved that at the core of Ange’s mission, the players believe in the system. They have faith that the way they play can lead to a trophy. Last week’s game against Wolves saw a frankly horrific defensive display, but last night, the players stepped up and put in a world-class performance on the road.
Spurs’ semi-final opposition, Bodø/Glimt, have had a run of a lifetime. The Norwegian side, ranked 79th in the world, will, no doubt, be tough, tough opponents for Postecoglou’s side. Regardless, the North London side will head into the fixtures as firm favourites to cement a place in Bilbao. With a fully fit side and a team filled with passion, there’s a good chance the 17-year trophy drought can be ended in May, and Ange Postecoglou is the man to bring it home.
With the game against Frankfurt managed to perfection, players at the top of their game, and a defensive masterclass, belief has been injected into the heart of North London. Ange Postecoglou is a winner. He always wins trophies in his second season, mate.