Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has responded calmly to Mauricio Pochettino’s recent comments about wanting to return to the club, insisting he does not feel “disrespected” and dismissing the impact of speculation regarding his future.
Pochettino, who is currently in charge of the United States men’s national team, made headlines during the international break by reiterating his desire to one day return to manage Spurs. The Argentine coach enjoyed a highly successful spell in charge from 2014 to 2019, during which Tottenham twice challenged for the Premier League title and reached the 2019 Champions League final.
When asked about Pochettino’s remarks, Postecoglou, who took charge of Tottenham in the summer, downplayed the significance of the comments. He said: “If he wants to come back one day, I hope it happens for him. We all have dreams and aspirations, if that’s what he wants. You’re suggesting that he’s trying to put pressure on me? I don’t feel disrespected. I think if you ask Mauricio that question directly, you’d get a pretty clear answer as to what his intent was. Again, nothing from me to sort of be consumed with. I’m more focused on trying to make sure we win tomorrow night.”
Postecoglou, who still has a year remaining on his contract at the end of this season, is under increasing pressure with Spurs struggling in the Premier League. The team currently sits 14th, having lost 15 of their 29 matches this season. Tottenham’s lack of form, coupled with the club’s disappointing league position, has fueled speculation about his future, particularly with Spurs set to face Chelsea in a crucial match on Thursday.
If Spurs do decide to part ways with Postecoglou, there is no shortage of potential replacements. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are all reportedly admired by the club’s hierarchy. Postecoglou’s future could hinge on his team’s performance in the Europa League, with the upcoming quarter-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt looming large.
However, Postecoglou remained unfazed by the ongoing rumors. “I don’t deal with it, mate,” he said when asked how he handles speculation. “I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there are some outstanding candidates out there for it.”
The Australian coach also suggested that even if Spurs were to move on from him, other clubs may still value his expertise. “And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ah, Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him.’ It doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I’m here, I’m passionate about what we’re doing.”
Postecoglou, who was brought in to revamp Tottenham’s style of play and rejuvenate the squad, emphasized his focus on the present and the task at hand. “I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad, bring success, I’m focused on that. That’s what I’ll keep doing.”
With the season nearing its conclusion, Postecoglou will be hoping his approach can turn around Tottenham’s fortunes, with both league survival and success in Europe at stake in the coming weeks.
