Ange Postecoglou addresses reports of his imminent Tottenham sacking

Referencing a piece he read, Postecoglou admitted he might be ‘gone anyway’, even if he becomes the one to end Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought.

Speaking before their Europa League tie with Eintract Frankfurt on Thursday night, the 59-year-old said: “I came to this club with a clear purpose of rejuvenating a squad that was coming to the end of a cycle.

“I just think we’re in that position that the good stuff we may do is going to be turned into a glass half full rhetoric and from that perspective I don’t think that can be a driver in what we want to do. The lads are really keen to bring success to the club.

“I don’t think you’re going to win that argument of convincing people, well I think [someone] wrote that even if we win it, I’m gone anyway.

“That’s not having a go at you, that’s just saying the general sentiment of people.

“So if you’re trying to use that as a motivation, you’re not going to win that anyway.

“There’s got to be more in it for us and for us what is the most important thing as a group is that we’ve been through a really tough time but we’re still in a position where we can make an impact and you don’t know how often you get those opportunities.”

Wales forward Brennan Johnson joined the manager in the press conference, adding: “We want to win for everyone at the club – us players, the manager and all the backroom staff who have been through some tough times this season.

“It’s down to our own mistakes. There were a lot of games we have not performed good enough. Winning this competition would be great and it would be an unbelievable feeling to win.

“We don’t want to look too far past this game, but for us to win it for everyone at the club will be massive.

“I don’t really care about what other people and the critics are saying. I love all the players in the squad, the management staff.”

It’s been a hugely challenging season for Postecoglou’s side, having exited all English cup competitions while they sitting in 14th in the Premier League.

They are 17 points clear of the relegation zone but 16 league defeats this term is alarming form for a club that always aspires to make it into European spots.

Postecoglou’s comments come after months of speculation over his future in charge of the club, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola in contention to take the job.

Just last week, Postecoglou vowed to ‘keep fighting’ after he faced abuse from the fans during their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

He admitted he understands some of the criticism from Tottenham fans but insists that he doesn’t get affected by it.

Postecoglou added: “I get that they (the fans) are frustrated and angry.

More Coverage

Free-kick masterclass puts Gunners on brink of CL semis

AFP

Contender for Matildas’ head coach snapped up by Scotland

Erin Smith

“At the same time, I understand the criticism towards me. But if anyone looked at the players and said they aren’t trying – then I am sorry they are not watching the right game.”

His side did manage to pick up three points against Southampton, subjecting the Saints to the earliest relegation in Premier League history on Sunday.

Tottenham host Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday evening, before travelling to Germany the following week for the quarter-final second-leg.

Originally published as Ange Postecoglou addresses reports of his imminent Tottenham sacking